Things to do in Aberdeenshire, Scotland: The Best Museums

Please visit our website for updated visitor information. Located only 4 miles from Aberdeen, off the South Deeside Rd, Blairs Museum gives a unique insight into Scotland's Catholic history and heritage with spectacular collections spanning more than 500 years. The collection includes paintings (including the memorial portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots), church textiles from the 1400s, sacred silver, and Jacobite memorabilia (including the pocket watch of Bonnie Prince Charlie). New for 2021 – ‘Capparoni and the Papal Court’, an exhibition of hand-coloured nineteenth century engravings by Giuseppe Capparoni depicting the religious orders of Rome between 1823 and 1846.

Larks Gallery is a friendly contemporary gallery featuring original Scottish paintings and artisan craft such as ceramics, glass, wood, sculpture and jewellery.

Discover a world of exploration, excitement and wonder at Aberdeen Science Centre. Reopened after a remarkable £6million transformation, enjoy more than 60 amazing interactive exhibits, set across six innovative and awe-inspiring zones. Meet ‘RoboThespian’, our friendly and knowledgeable robot, immerse yourself in The OPITO Theatre of Energy and play your part in our sensational live experiments and demonstrations. Unleash the Power of Curiosity with a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre.

Delightful small heritage museum run by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Museum is open from the beginning of April to the end of October

This is one of the oldest museums in Scotland, and is filled with the history of a very historic tow. Look out for the Banff silver, and the display on the Deskford carnyx.

Step back in time and visit "Scotland's Toughest Jail". Opening in 1888 it closed in December 2013 and little changed within that period. Known as "Scotland's Alcatraz" you will walk through the halls, cells, former kitchen, shower block, booking in area, courtroom, segregation block, infamous silent cell and hospital complex and much more. This 6 acre site was Scotland's only true "Convict Prison" [to be sent here meant you had been sentenced to "penal servitude"] it was the home of the first state owned passenger carrying railway in Britain and in 1987 was the scene of the only time the Special Air Service [SAS] was used to end a domestic siege after an officer was held hostage on the roof for 4 days, ending in the early hours of the 5th morning with a daring raid. Hear former officers tell their stories at key points on the route in our award winning audio sets and enjoy the experience within our 5* multi award winning complex.

The Ballater Gallery offers desirable pieces from mainly Scottish artists, who have achieved international reputation. We source original paintings, sculptures and objects d'art to appeal to all tastes and budgets, bringing a unique and ever changing collection of Scottish and British pieces together under one roof. The Ballater Gallery, opened in the Summer of 2019, in the Scottish town of Ballater, at the heart of Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. We are open seven days a week, with friendly and professional staff available to meet your requirements.

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