Montrose Air Station Museum: visitor guide, transport and nearby sights
Montrose Air Station Museum brings together early flying machines, military jets and the stories of the people who served at RAF Montrose. It makes a rewarding stop on a Montrose day trip, with plenty to interest aircraft enthusiasts, families and anyone curious about Scotland’s wartime history.
Also known as Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, the museum occupies the site of Britain’s first operational military air station, established in February 1913. The station closed in 1952, but its history survives through aircraft, photographs and personal collections.
Why visit Montrose Air Station Museum?
You do not need to know your aircraft types to enjoy exploring. The contrast between early aircraft and later jets is fascinating, while the personal stories connect the displays to Montrose itself.
The museum is entirely volunteer-run. As well as the hardware, you can try on uniforms and use a vintage flight trainer.
Map of Montrose Air Station
Here is a map showing the locations of the various sights within Montrose Air Station.
What to see at Montrose Air Station Museum
First World War replica aircraft
Look for the full-size B.E.2a replica and replica Sopwith Camel in the Robertson Building. Comparing their construction with the jets makes a good starting point for understanding how flying changed.
Tornado, Jaguar and Hawker Hunter
Burke’s Shed 1b houses a Tornado GR4, Jaguar GR1 and Hawker Hunter F1. This separate historic hangar is around 160 metres from the main museum, so ask at reception how to find it, or follow the map above!
Pilot training displays
The David Butler Building includes a Sea Vampire T22, Link trainer, Jet Provost cockpit and sectioned Rolls-Royce Spey engine.
Wartime rooms and personal stories
Explore the 1940s room, recreated Station Commander’s office and medal displays. Look for the model showing RAF Montrose in July 1940 and the Anderson shelter.
Animals at war
Discover Vic the war horse, Bamse the St Bernard and Winkie the carrier pigeon. Their stories offer another way for younger visitors to connect with the history.
Montrose Air Station Museum opening hours and prices hours and tickets
Friday
10am–4pm
Saturday
10am–4pm
Sunday
Noon–4pm
Last admission is 3pm. No booking is required for a normal visit.
Ticket
Standard admission
Adult
£10
Concession
£8
Child under 16
Free
Details checked on 3 October 2026. Check the official visiting page before travelling, particularly during bad weather when closures may be announced.
Address and contact information
Montrose Air Station Museum
Waldron Road, Broomfield
Montrose, Angus
DD10 9BD
Telephone: 01674 678222
Email: enquiries@rafmontrose.org.uk
Website: rafmontrose.org.uk
How to get to Montrose Air Station Museum
By train
Montrose station is served by routes connecting Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Check Traveline Scotland for your departure and whether a change is needed.
By bus
Stagecoach’s 30-series services connect Montrose with Arbroath, Brechin and other Angus destinations. Check Traveline Scotland for up to date information.
Ember buses also stop nearby.
By car
Set your sat nav to Waldron Road, DD10 9BD. Free parking is available on site, including a designated Blue Badge space.
Tips for visiting
Allow two hours. The museum recommends at least an hour, ideally two.
Ask for an orientation at reception. This helps you plan the different buildings and separate aircraft hangar.
Bring a waterproof and comfortable shoes. You move outdoors between buildings.
Lookkng for some snacks? there is a room with a vending machine and tables
Accessibility and dogs
The museum contains single-storey exhibition buildings with ramps where needed. There is an accessible toilet at reception.
Contact the museum about the best arrival route for your needs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.
What to see nearby
These suggestions cover the wider Montrose area, so allow time to travel between attractions.
Montrose Museum and Art Gallery
Continue the history theme at this free museum on Panmure Place. Its displays explore the town’s people, archaeology and maritime past, alongside changing art exhibitions. The classical frontage is worth photographing, too. Check its separate opening schedule when planning a two-museum day.
Bamse statue and Montrose harbour
Follow the Animals at War story to the waterfront statue of Bamse, the Norwegian naval dog. The harbour area also features William Lamb’s Seafarer sculpture, making it a good pairing for visitors interested in Montrose’s wartime and maritime connections.
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse
For a longer outdoor outing, consider the walk towards Scurdie Ness Lighthouse on the south side of the River South Esk. First lit in 1870, it makes a striking coastal photography subject.
Montrose Basin Visitor Centre
Swap aircraft watching for wildlife watching at Montrose Basin. The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s visitor centre offers panoramic views, with telescopes and binoculars available. Check its current opening hours before adding it to you itinerary.
House of Dun
House of Dun is an 18th-century house designed by William Adam, with gardens, woodland and displays from the Angus Folk Collection. House entry is by guided tour, with advance booking advised. Give it a dedicated half-day if you want to explore properly.
Pavilion Café
Pavilion Café in Melville Gardens is a possible stop for food and coffee. Set inside a former bowling pavilion, it has limited tables, with advance booking recommended at busy times. Check its opening days alongside the museum’s schedule. Click here for our review.
Suggested Montrose day trip
On Friday or Saturday, aim to reach the air station museum around 10am and spend the morning exploring. Follow with lunch, then choose Montrose Museum and the harbour for more history or Scurdie Ness for a longer coastal walk.
On Sunday, plan around the museum’s noon opening. Enjoy a morning walk first, then visit soon after opening.
Tip
Choose one main afternoon outing to leave time for coffee, photographs and your journey home.
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