Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre
Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre
Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre
5
About
WINTER CLOSURE - The museum will close on 27th November 2023 until Saturday 3rd February 2024.
OPEN SATURDAY 10am-4pm, SUNDAY 12-4pm (Weather Permitting) LAST ENTRY 3pm. Children get free entry and must be supervised by an adult at all times. Montrose was Great Britain’s first operational military airfield, established by the Royal Flying Corps in February 1913. The museum aims to show the human side of the Air Station's past with a collection of contemporary photographs, artefacts and memorabilia. These not only tell of the history of the airfield but also the story of those who served here and those who lived in the area. It is an independent, accredited museum run entirely by volunteers. Aircraft include a Panavia Tornado GR4, a Hawker Hunter F1, a Gloster Meteor and a de Havilland Sea Vampire. There is also a full-size replica Supermarine Spitfire MkVb and our volunteers have built amazing full-size replicas of a WWI B.E.2a and a Sopwith Camel, the only ones in Scotland.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Meghann TDundee, United Kingdom260 contributionsGood rather than average!This museum was a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon. The exhibits were interesting, the volunteers very friendly and helpful and I’d say the entrance fee is fair (£6 per adult and our daughter got in for free.) I would definitely say it’s an attraction for a dry day as much of it is outside and you spend a lot of time walking between hangers. There is a cafe but it was not open on the day we visited. The gift shop is decent. All in all I’d say worth a visit if you’re at a loose end or if the subject matter is of particular interest to you, but I wouldn’t go out of my way.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 February 2023
- Simon B2 contributionsGreat day outHad a great time today. It was thrilling to see the Tornado GR4 up close and personal but there are plenty of other things to see. Staff are really knowledgeable and take the time to answer all you questions. Kevan was great showing us the amazing Tornado, thanks!Visited May 2023Written 8 May 2023
- DrWork@WorkEdzell, United Kingdom194 contributionsWell worth a visit - leave about 2-3 hoursExcellent collection of real life stories of airmen ( and women). Great displays and lots to see and hear. It says 1-2 hours but if you want to read things, we’d suggest about 3 hours to be able to read all the information and hear the videos etc. Lovely helpful volunteers. We live only 12 miles away and cannot believe it’s taken me so long to visit the museum.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2023
- 668JohnAberdeen, United Kingdom43 contributionsExcellent and very educationalVisited with brother and father and father in law and staff were very friendly and helpful. Excellent experience seeing all the planes and old military equipment and vehicles. I never realised just how big the tornado jets were. The history of the Montrose air station goes back to 1913, although most of the original land is now an industrial site. It took us 2 and 3 quarter hours to do it but if you were going to read everything on display then add another hour on to that.Visited July 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 15 July 2023
- sanamkumarAberdeen, United Kingdom326 contributionsGoodIt’s a good small place which you can access by the tour of train also which starts from Brechin. Makes you feel like the old time Indian steam locomotives. It’s not a time journey for someone coming from India as this prevails in India as well. The airforce station is very neat and clean but does not having any eating place so better carry your food and stuffVisited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 July 2023
- jarob242341525 contributionsAmazing historyReally nice museum. Great history and run entirely by volunteers. Local council should be much more involved. Amazing and dedicated people keeping it going. Lots for kids to look at and we'll done for allowing them free entry. The poppy remembrance wall is a really nice idea.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 August 2023
- hols2017 contributionsFantastic place to visitWhat a fantastic place to visit. Lots to see, learn and so many personal stories to read about the men and women who worked and lived at the base. Thank you to the very welcoming staff who made the visit such an enjoyable experience.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 August 2023
- NetNBurnopfield, United Kingdom192 contributionsA bit of historyWell worth a visit - even if it's just to see how on earth they managed to squeeze a tornado into that hangar. It's very carefully parked. This is a really friendly little museum - good for an hour or two. There's an introductory video giving the history of the base which is well worth watching (13 mins) and the displays include reconstructions of offices and accommodation as well as planes both indoors and outdoors. There is a restoration shed where volunteers are very happy to talk about the work in progress. Children of 15 and under go free which is absolutely great but there isn't a concession for students of 16 plus which was a bit disappointing as our 17 year old son is still in full time education. Still, it's all in a good cause I suppose.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 August 2023
- Nic WManchester, United Kingdom10 contributionsA must seeWhat a truly wonderful place with a force of amazing volunteers. So much to see and learn. This was the highlight of our holiday. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. Such amazing stories of bravery and ingenuity to keep you entertained. The 1940's room was truly excellent and just one of many high quality exhibits. Don't hesitate, money well spent and there is a little shop too. Dog friendly 😁Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
337 reviews
Excellent
285
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47
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1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
armalite
Abergavenny, UK3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We turned up but it was closed as we were only in the area for a short visit they kindly gave us a behind the scenes tour of the Anson restoration.
Great group of volunteers who are keeping the heritage alive.
Great group of volunteers who are keeping the heritage alive.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shauni c
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
The heritage centre is great. The staff there were super friendly and helpful. Great site to visit for some history. Kids really enjoyed their time there. Lots of information and a great touch was the activity area for children.
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream523884
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Such a huge centre totally underestimated the value of this centre. Staff were so informative a d kids very welcome
Gift shop reasonably priced
Gift shop reasonably priced
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nic W
Manchester, UK10 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
What a truly wonderful place with a force of amazing volunteers. So much to see and learn. This was the highlight of our holiday. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. Such amazing stories of bravery and ingenuity to keep you entertained. The 1940's room was truly excellent and just one of many high quality exhibits. Don't hesitate, money well spent and there is a little shop too. Dog friendly 😁
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr JK
Selby, UK13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Visited with 3 young children. The museum, whilst small, packs a real punch! An eclectic mix of aircraft and ground vehicles is matched by a mix of objects and historical information. This is all contextualised by the rich history of the former Air Station which is presented in a clear form - allowing the visitor to see how it was, and what it has become.
The memorabilia was spread around thoughtful displays - and was very accessible (even my children took the time to read it!!).
Staff were friendly and enthusiastic - even allowing us to play on the piano in the 1940s room - a real treat for a family of pianists!!
If you have any interest in local, military or aviation history, then I highly recommend a visit.
The memorabilia was spread around thoughtful displays - and was very accessible (even my children took the time to read it!!).
Staff were friendly and enthusiastic - even allowing us to play on the piano in the 1940s room - a real treat for a family of pianists!!
If you have any interest in local, military or aviation history, then I highly recommend a visit.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davie Angus
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Absolute bedlam today trying to access the 'fly-in'- 100s of cars and vans just blocking the road going nowhere. No members of staff directing or trying to ease the situation!- In fact Not one!!!-Absolite blessing nothing serious occured as NO emergency vehicle would ever get access!- Get it sorted or abandon the idea!!!!
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NetN
Burnopfield, UK192 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Well worth a visit - even if it's just to see how on earth they managed to squeeze a tornado into that hangar. It's very carefully parked.
This is a really friendly little museum - good for an hour or two. There's an introductory video giving the history of the base which is well worth watching (13 mins) and the displays include reconstructions of offices and accommodation as well as planes both indoors and outdoors. There is a restoration shed where volunteers are very happy to talk about the work in progress.
Children of 15 and under go free which is absolutely great but there isn't a concession for students of 16 plus which was a bit disappointing as our 17 year old son is still in full time education. Still, it's all in a good cause I suppose.
This is a really friendly little museum - good for an hour or two. There's an introductory video giving the history of the base which is well worth watching (13 mins) and the displays include reconstructions of offices and accommodation as well as planes both indoors and outdoors. There is a restoration shed where volunteers are very happy to talk about the work in progress.
Children of 15 and under go free which is absolutely great but there isn't a concession for students of 16 plus which was a bit disappointing as our 17 year old son is still in full time education. Still, it's all in a good cause I suppose.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hols201
County Durham7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
What a fantastic place to visit. Lots to see, learn and so many personal stories to read about the men and women who worked and lived at the base. Thank you to the very welcoming staff who made the visit such an enjoyable experience.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jarob2423415
NE Scotland25 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Really nice museum. Great history and run entirely by volunteers. Local council should be much more involved. Amazing and dedicated people keeping it going.
Lots for kids to look at and we'll done for allowing them free entry.
The poppy remembrance wall is a really nice idea.
Lots for kids to look at and we'll done for allowing them free entry.
The poppy remembrance wall is a really nice idea.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanamkumar
Aberdeen, UK326 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
It’s a good small place which you can access by the tour of train also which starts from Brechin. Makes you feel like the old time Indian steam locomotives. It’s not a time journey for someone coming from India as this prevails in India as well. The airforce station is very neat and clean but does not having any eating place so better carry your food and stuff
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is entry?
RAFMontrose
Montrose, UK
Thank you for your enquiry:
Children are Free (under 16)
Gift Aid Admission
Adults £5.50
Concessions £4.50
Standard Admission
Adults £5.00
Concessions £4.00
FMVincent
Arbroath, United Kingdom2 contributions
How much time should we allow for our visit? Thanks.
RAFMontrose
Montrose, UK
Hello and thank you for your enquiry. I would allow between 1 and 2 hours. From November to March we are only open at weekends, Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sundays 12noon - 4pm.
Could we take our dog?
RAFMontrose
Montrose, UK
Hi, several of the volunteers are dog owners who bring them down to the Heritage Centre and you will be very welcome to bring yours when you visit.
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Claim your listingMONTROSE AIR STATION HERITAGE CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre
- Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 - 16:00
- Sat - Sat 10:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre:
- (0.68 mi) Greenbank Bed & Breakfast
- (0.54 mi) The Hermitage Montrose
- (0.35 mi) IVY COTTAGE : Golf, Fishing, Walking, Beach nearby.
- (0.76 mi) Grey Harlings Hotel
- (0.89 mi) Park Hotel
- Restaurants near Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre:
- (0.15 mi) The Grove
- (0.16 mi) Peking Palace
- (0.16 mi) Lochy
- (0.84 mi) Roo's Leap
- (1.20 mi) Pavilion Cafe