Arbroath Signal Tower Museum
Explore Arbroath’s maritime past and the iconic Bell Rock Lighthouse at the historic Signal Tower Museum, with free entry and immersive exhibits.
Nestled beside Arbroath’s bustling harbour, the Signal Tower Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime heritage of this Scottish coastal town. Housed in the historic shore station that supported the Bell Rock Lighthouse—the world’s oldest sea-washed lighthouse—the museum features engaging multimedia exhibits, historic artifacts, and interactive displays that explore Arbroath’s fishing and lighthouse history. Visitors can climb the tower’s dramatic spiral staircase or take a virtual tour, making it accessible to all. Entry is free.
A brief summary to Signal Tower Museum
- Ladyloan, Arbroath, DD11 1PU, GB
- +441241464554
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book tower tours in advance to climb the spiral staircase and access the historic tower room.
- Take advantage of the virtual tour if you prefer to avoid the 70-step climb; available in multiple languages.
- Visit the Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages galleries for interactive exhibits and changing art displays.
- Bring children to enjoy the audio-visual games and quizzes focused on Arbroath’s fishing heritage.
- The museum is dog-friendly—well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome inside.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Arbroath Train Station, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum along mostly flat terrain, suitable for wheelchair users accessing the lower floors. No direct shuttle service is available. Walking is free.
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Bus
Local bus services run frequently to Arbroath Bus Station. From there, the museum is approximately a 10-minute walk. No bus stop is directly outside the museum. Tickets cost around £2-£5 depending on origin.
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Car
Visitors arriving by car can use the small car park in front of the museum or nearby Angus Council car parks with paid parking. Charges typically range from £1 to £3 per hour. Parking availability varies, especially on weekends.
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Bicycle
A bike rack is located just outside the museum gates, making cycling a convenient and eco-friendly option. The surrounding area is flat and accessible.
Signal Tower 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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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Signal Tower Museum
Historic Beacon of Scotland’s Maritime Heritage
The Signal Tower Museum is situated in Arbroath, Scotland, near the picturesque harbour, within a complex originally built in 1813 as the shore station and accommodation for the Bell Rock Lighthouse keepers. The Bell Rock Lighthouse, engineered by Robert Stevenson, is renowned as the oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse in the world, standing resiliently on the treacherous Inchcape Rock. The tower served as a vital communication link to the lighthouse until its decommissioning in 1955, after which the site was transformed into a museum in 1974.Immersive Exhibits and Interactive Experiences
The museum’s exhibitions vividly narrate the story of the Bell Rock Lighthouse’s construction and operation, highlighting the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Using multi-media displays, historic objects, and audio-visual games, the museum also explores Arbroath’s rich fishing and maritime industries, including the famous Arbroath Smokies and local pirate lore. The Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages have been converted into gallery spaces featuring changing exhibitions and community art, enhancing the cultural experience.Climbing the Tower and Virtual Access
A highlight for many visitors is the opportunity to climb the tower’s dramatic spiral staircase, ascending 70 steps to the tower room where keepers once communicated with the lighthouse. For those unable to make the climb, a virtual tour is available in multiple languages including Gaelic, Polish, Romanian, and English, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Tower tours require advance booking and provide an enlightening perspective on maritime history.Community Engagement and Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The museum is dog-friendly and offers a welcoming environment for families, with interactive quizzes and games designed to engage younger visitors. The museum shop supports local artists by showcasing prints and crafts, fostering community involvement. Regular events and changing exhibitions keep the experience fresh and inviting year-round.Location and Facilities
Located on Ladyloan near Arbroath harbour, the museum is easily accessible with wheelchair access to the lower floors and facilities including accessible toilets, a hearing loop, and level access ramps. Nearby parking is available, and the museum is within walking distance from the train station and bus stops. A bike rack is also provided for cyclists.Opening Hours and Admission
The Signal Tower Museum is open from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday to Monday during April to October, and Friday to Monday from November to March, closed on Tuesdays. Entry is free, making it an accessible cultural attraction for all visitors interested in Scotland’s maritime legacy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
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- Couple Friendly
