Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum: A Window into Scotland’s Judicial and Maritime Past
Explore Stonehaven’s oldest building, a 16th-century tolbooth turned museum revealing Scotland’s rich judicial and maritime heritage.
The Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, housed in Stonehaven’s oldest building dating back to the late 16th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s history as a former courthouse and prison. Located on the picturesque harbour front, the museum displays a variety of artefacts related to Stonehaven’s maritime heritage and judicial past, including original prison cells and unique punishment devices. Entry is free, making it an accessible cultural treasure for visitors.
A brief summary to Tolbooth Museum
- 3 Old Pier, Stonehaven, AB39 2JU, GB
- +447512466329
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
- Sunday 12:30 pm-3:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekends during the open season, as the museum operates limited hours, typically Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 15:30.
- Take time to view the original prison artefacts such as the Inverbervie stocks and the Crank to appreciate historical penal practices.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Stonehaven’s harbour front to enjoy the scenic maritime atmosphere.
- Consider donating to support the museum’s volunteer-run operations and ongoing preservation efforts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach Bluebird bus service from Aberdeen city centre to Stonehaven, journey time approximately 45-60 minutes. Buses run frequently but check schedules, especially on weekends. From the bus stop, the Tolbooth Museum is a 10-minute walk along the harbour front. Tickets cost around £5-£7 one way.
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Train
Board a ScotRail train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven station, taking about 25-30 minutes. Trains are regular throughout the day. From Stonehaven station, it is a 20-minute walk downhill to the harbour and the museum. Train fares typically range from £4 to £8.
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Car
Driving from Aberdeen to Stonehaven takes about 30-40 minutes via the A90. Parking is available near the harbour but can be limited during peak times. Some parking areas may require payment, typically £1-£3 per hour. The museum is a short walk from most parking spots.
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Walking
For those staying locally, walking to the Tolbooth Museum along the harbour front offers scenic views and takes approximately 10-15 minutes from Stonehaven town centre. The terrain is mostly flat but may be slippery when wet.
Tolbooth Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Tolbooth Museum
Historic Origins and Architectural Significance
The Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum is situated in the oldest surviving building in Stonehaven, constructed in the late 1500s. Originally built as a storehouse by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal, during the construction of nearby Dunnottar Castle, the building later became the administrative centre and tolbooth for the town in 1600. Made from locally quarried Old Red Sandstone, its rectangular structure with crow-stepped gables and a 17th-century north wing addition reflects typical Scottish architecture of the period. The building’s robust design accommodated its dual role as courthouse on the upper floor and prison on the ground floor until 1767.The Tolbooth’s Role in Justice and Punishment
For over a century and a half, the Tolbooth served as the seat of justice for Kincardineshire. The ground floor housed prisoners, with original features such as the Inverbervie stocks—one of the few seven-hole stocks in the UK—and the Crank, a punishment device that prisoners had to turn, tightening a screw to increase discomfort. The museum preserves these artefacts, offering a tangible connection to the harsh penal practices of the past. A notable episode in the Tolbooth’s history was the imprisonment of three Episcopalian clergymen in the winter of 1748–1749 for conducting services deemed illegal at the time, illustrating the building’s role in religious and political conflicts.Transformation into a Museum and Cultural Venue
After ceasing its judicial functions in 1767, the Tolbooth reverted to storage use but fell into disrepair by the mid-20th century. A major restoration was completed in 1963, officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Since 1975, the ground floor has operated as a museum showcasing Stonehaven’s rich history, while the upper floor now houses a restaurant. The museum’s exhibits include maritime artefacts, local social history items, and objects related to the building’s prison past, creating a diverse and engaging visitor experience.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Set on Stonehaven’s scenic harbour front, the Tolbooth Museum offers an intimate and atmospheric visit. The preserved prison cells and historical artefacts evoke the building’s former life, while displays on fishing and local life highlight the town’s maritime heritage. Volunteer staff contribute to a welcoming environment, sharing stories and insights that bring the exhibits to life. Although compact, the museum’s collection is rich in local character and historical significance, making it ideal for those interested in Scotland’s judicial history and coastal culture.Community and Heritage Preservation
The Tolbooth Museum is managed with strong community involvement, reflecting local pride in Stonehaven’s heritage. It serves as a cultural hub that preserves and interprets the town’s past, from its role in county governance to its maritime traditions. The museum’s free entry policy encourages broad access, supported by donations, and its location within a historic building enhances its authenticity and educational value.Architectural Features and Surrounding Setting
The museum’s Old Red Sandstone construction and crow-stepped gables are characteristic of 16th and 17th-century Scottish architecture. The building’s position on the harbour front offers iconic views of Stonehaven Bay, complementing the historical experience with a picturesque maritime backdrop. Nearby plaques commemorate the Tolbooth’s history and restoration, enriching visitors’ understanding of its significance within the town’s urban fabric.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Burns Family Memorial Cairn
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Boswell's Monument
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Keith's Tower
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Blairs Museum
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McGrigor Memorial Obelisk
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Piper Alpha Memorial Garden
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Bridge of Feugh
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Queen Victoria Statue
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Balnagask Motte
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Edward VIII Post Box
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St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen
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Duke Of Gordon Monument
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Edward VII Statue
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Aedie's House site
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Rosemount Market
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Unmissable attractions to see
Stonehaven Harbour
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Experience the beauty and history of Stonehaven Harbour, a must-visit coastal gem in Scotland offering stunning views and delicious seafood.
Stonehaven Beach
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A scenic 1.1 km pebble and sandy beach in charming Stonehaven, blending natural beauty, history, and vibrant coastal life on Scotland’s northeast shore.
Dunnottar Cliffs
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Dramatic cliff-top ruins steeped in history, guarding Scotland’s crown jewels and offering breathtaking coastal views.
Dunnottar Castle
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Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Dunnottar Castle, a stunning historical landmark perched on cliffs overlooking the North Sea.
RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh
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Experience Scotland’s largest mainland seabird colony on breathtaking 30-metre cliffs with stunning coastal wildlife and panoramic views.
Crawton Waterfall
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Crawton Waterfall, a coastal gem near Stonehaven where history meets stunning sea views and serene nature.
Crawton Bay
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Experience breathtaking cliffs, vibrant seabird colonies, and coastal history at scenic Crawton Bay near Stonehaven.
Kinneff Old Church
10.8 km
Historic 13th-century church famed for hiding Scotland’s Crown Jewels during Cromwell’s siege, preserved as a symbol of national heritage.
Portlethen Shore/Harbour/Creek
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The Den & The Glen
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The Den & The Glen
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Barney Sculpture
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Peterculter Golf Club
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Drum Castle - Garden & Estate
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Drum Castle - Garden & Estate
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Essential places to dine
The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant
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SeafoodBothy
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The Bay Fish & Chips
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The Stack Restaurant and Bar
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Mains Of Balquharn Brewers Fayre
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Experience family-friendly dining at Mains Of Balquharn Brewers Fayre – enjoy delicious British cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
The Himalayas Restaurant
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The Ploughman
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Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar
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Borsalino
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Blairs Restaurant
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The Bieldside Inn
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The Conservatory Restaurant and Drawing Room Bar | The Marcliffe
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The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
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Harvester Ghillies Lair Aberdeen
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The Bothy Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Beautiful Caravan
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Premier
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The Steeple Shop
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Discover local essentials and delightful treats at The Steeple Shop, your friendly convenience store in Drumlithie near Stonehaven.
The Paper Shop
13.6 km
Discover the charm of Inverbervie at The Paper Shop, your go-to destination for local newspapers, magazines, and delightful treats.
Castleton Farm
13.7 km
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Touchwood Inverbervie
13.7 km
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Castleton Farm Shop - (PYO Not available)
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The Mains of Drum
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Hidden Scotland Shop
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LUXE
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Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique
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Farm to Table
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Gifted
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Joli Gifts
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Starfish Studio
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Six°North
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Number 44 Hotel & Bar
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Cowie Bar @ Recreation Grounds
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Station Hotel
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Quoiters Cafe Bar
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Drumlithie Inn
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The Paddock Bar
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Queens Arms
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The Old Bank Bar Ltd
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Black's Bar
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The Brae Cafe
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Brig O Dee Bar
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Abergeldie Bar
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Holburn Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
