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A Spitfire on the grass outside the Montrose Air Station Museum.
Angus

Montrose Air Station Museum

The museum of Britain's first operational military airfield, opened at Montrose in 1913, with aircraft, hangars and the story of the flyers who served there.

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Welcome

On the northern edge of Montrose, on flat ground by the sea, the Royal Flying Corps set up Britain's first operational military airfield in February 1913, moving it here at the end of that year.

The museum that now stands on the old airfield tells its story, from the first flimsy biplanes to the jets.

On the way in stand three of Major Burke's Sheds, hangars put up at the end of 1913 and perhaps the oldest military aircraft hangars left anywhere in the world. Outside on the grass is a full-size replica of the Spitfire the people of Arbroath paid for in the war, named Red Lichtie after the town, and a Gloster Meteor jet that served with 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron from 1951. The huts are full of uniforms, models, photographs and the belongings of the men and women who served here.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers, with a warm welcome, and opens from Friday to Sunday.

A short drive awayThe Funky Wee TeapotA fully gluten-free cafe and pottery painting studio in Montrose, run by Donna and Graeme Taylor, with classes, family sessions and cake.4 min by roadSee itThe painted front of the Funky Wee Teapot ceramic painting studio in Montrose.
Before you go

Open Friday and Saturday from ten until four and Sunday from noon until four, weather permitting; last entry at three.

Where
Broomfield, Montrose DD10 8SY.
Run by
Volunteers.

Opening hours

Their website
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
10am–4pm
Saturday
10am–4pm
Sunday
noon–4pm
Where it is

On the northern edge of Montrose, on the old airfield.

Close byMontrose.
  1. Montrose PlayhouseA community cinema in Montrose's old swimming baths of 1932, reopened by local volunteers in 2021 with three screens and a cafe bar.1 mile4 min by road
  2. Tables and shelves of books in Ink & Quill, Montrose.Ink & Quill Bookshop1 mile4 min by road
  3. Sandstone mansion with columned entrance, chimneys and flag against a cloudy skyHouse of DunWilliam Adam's house of the 1730s by Montrose Basin.4 miles8 min by road
  4. Dunninald Castle, its turrets and pinnacles above a green lawn.Dunninald Castle and GardensA Gothic Revival castle of 1824 south of Montrose.4 miles11 min by road
  5. Wooden viewing platform overlooking dunes and a wide sandy beachLunan BayTwo miles of sand and dunes south of Montrose.6 miles14 min by road
Directions
The painted front of the Funky Wee Teapot ceramic painting studio in Montrose.CafeThe Funky Wee Teapot1.2 miles
Two golfers on a coastal tee, one mid-swing overlooking a sandy bayAttractionsMontrose Golf Links1.3 miles
Restaurant tables laid with cutlery beneath hanging plants, overlooking coastal dunes at duskRestaurantsRoo's Leap1.3 miles
The window of Tomorrow Is Another Day on George Street, Montrose.CafeTomorrow Is Another Day1.3 miles
The shopfront of Lilybank Bakehouse on Montrose High Street.CafeLilybank Bakehouse1.3 miles
Rusted boat rests beneath the brick arches of a river viaductAttractionsMontrose Basin1.6 miles
Black Labrador carrying a stick across a bowling green near a pavilionShoppingThe Flower Pavilion2.0 miles
Wet sand stretches towards a distant lighthouse on the headlandAttractionsScurdie Ness Lighthouse3.8 miles
Stone arched bridge spanning a wide river beneath a cloudy blue skyAttractionsBridge of Dun4.2 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the museum, and when each is next free.

Timber cabin with metal roof and decking surrounded by woodland treesNorth Lodge and River Cabin
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Banchory
  • 17 miles from the Air Station
Free 11–13 NovA stone farmhouse covered in climbing ivy stands behind a gravel drive, seen through overhanging pine branches.Cuttieshillock
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Air Station
Free 16–18 OctA stone cottage with dormer windows sits behind a low blue gate, a rose-covered archway framing the front door.Gamekeeper’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Air Station
Free 2–4 NovA stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.No 2 Steading Cottage at Glendye
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 17 miles from the Air Station
Free 18–20 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AngusAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.

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Find out more

For further reading, before you go.