Discover the Charm of Stonehaven: The Tolbooth Museum
Explore the Tolbooth Museum in Stonehaven, where maritime heritage and local history come alive in a captivating 17th-century setting.
Nestled along the picturesque coast of Stonehaven, the Tolbooth Museum offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the town's rich maritime history. This quaint museum, housed in a former 17th-century tolbooth, showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the stories of the region's past, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. With its unique collections and welcoming atmosphere, the Tolbooth Museum is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking to explore the cultural heritage of this charming Scottish town.
A brief summary to Tolbooth Museum
- 3 Old Pier, Stonehaven, AB39 2JU, GB
- +447512466329
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the weekend for special exhibits and guided tours.
- Check the museum's website for seasonal opening hours and events.
- Take time to explore the beautiful harbor area just a short walk away.
Getting There
-
Car
If you're driving to the Tolbooth Museum from Aberdeen, take the A90 southbound. Continue on the A90 for about 15 miles until you reach Stonehaven. Take the exit towards Stonehaven, and follow the signs to the town center. Once in Stonehaven, turn left onto the B979 and continue until you reach the coast. Follow the road along the coast, and look for signs directing you to the Tolbooth Museum at 3 Old Pier, AB39 2JU. There is limited parking available nearby, so be prepared to find a spot on the street or in a nearby car park.
-
Public Transportation
To reach the Tolbooth Museum using public transportation, take a train from Aberdeen to Stonehaven. The train journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day. Once you arrive at Stonehaven Railway Station, exit the station and head south towards the town center. From the station, you can either walk (about 15 minutes) or take a local bus that goes towards the coast. If walking, head down the main road (B979) towards the coast, and then follow the signs to the museum located at 3 Old Pier, AB39 2JU.
-
Walking
If you are already in Stonehaven, the Tolbooth Museum is a short walk from the town center. Head towards the coast, following the signs to the Old Pier. The museum is located at 3 Old Pier, AB39 2JU. It’s a picturesque walk along the waterfront, providing scenic views of the harbor and the surrounding area.
Discover more about Tolbooth Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Burns Family Memorial Cairn
6.7 km
Honoring Robert Burns’s ancestral roots in Stonehaven with a timeless stone memorial set in scenic Scottish countryside.
Boswell's Monument
11.7 km
Historic hilltop monument offering panoramic Aberdeenshire views and local heritage significance.
Keith's Tower
14.9 km
Discover Keith's Tower near Banchory, a striking 19th-century castellated landmark steeped in Scottish heritage and scenic charm.
Blairs Museum
15.4 km
Explore Scotland’s Catholic heritage through centuries-old artifacts at Blairs Museum near Aberdeen, a unique cultural and spiritual treasure.
McGrigor Memorial Obelisk
19.6 km
A polished pink granite obelisk in Duthie Park honoring Sir James McGrigor, father of modern military medicine and a key figure in Aberdeen’s history.
Piper Alpha Memorial Garden
19.8 km
A solemn bronze memorial honoring 167 lives lost in the world's deadliest offshore oil disaster.
Queen Victoria Statue
20.8 km
Bronze tribute to a beloved monarch, marking Aberdeen's elegant West End and the city's royal heritage.
Balnagask Motte
21.1 km
Medieval earthen mound marking an early wooden castle, shrouded in mystery and local legend.
Edward VIII Post Box
21.1 km
Discover a rare Edward VIII post box in Aberdeen, a unique relic from the brief 1936 reign of a king who changed British history.
St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen
21.3 km
Aberdeen’s Roman Catholic cathedral, a Gothic Revival gem with daily worship, Polish and Spanish Masses, and a peaceful Lady Chapel.
Duke Of Gordon Monument
21.4 km
A monumental granite statue in Aberdeen honoring the 5th Duke of Gordon’s military and civic legacy in a historic city square.
Edward VII Statue
21.5 km
Aberdeen’s grand Edward VII Statue stands in full ceremonial robes, a striking granite and bronze tribute to the British monarch at the heart of the city.
Aedie's House site
21.5 km
Step into Aberdeen’s past at the site of Aedie’s House, a 16th‑century townhouse whose memory lives on in stone, street names, and local history.
Rosemount Market
21.6 km
Discover Aberdeen’s Rosemount Market, a vibrant hub for sustainable shopping, local produce, and artisan crafts in a welcoming community setting.
The Kirk of St. Nicholas Colonnade
21.6 km
An elegant neoclassical gateway marking the historic Kirk of St. Nicholas kirkyard in the heart of Aberdeen’s city centre.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stonehaven Harbour
0.1 km
Experience the beauty and history of Stonehaven Harbour, a must-visit coastal gem in Scotland offering stunning views and delicious seafood.
Stonehaven Beach
0.5 km
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
1.2 km
Dramatic cliff-top ruins steeped in history, guarding Scotland’s crown jewels and offering breathtaking coastal views.
Dunnottar Castle
1.7 km
Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Dunnottar Castle, a stunning historical landmark perched on cliffs overlooking the North Sea.
RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh
5.5 km
Experience Scotland’s largest mainland seabird colony on breathtaking 30-metre cliffs with stunning coastal wildlife and panoramic views.
Crawton Waterfall
5.7 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Crawton Waterfall, a coastal gem near Stonehaven where history meets stunning sea views and serene nature.
Crawton Bay
5.9 km
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
12.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and rich maritime heritage of Portlethen Shore, a scenic coastal haven near Aberdeen.
Castleton Farm Shop - (PYO Not available)
13.7 km
Experience authentic Scottish farm life with fresh produce, homemade meals, and family-friendly charm at Castleton Farm Shop & Cafe.
The Den & The Glen
14.0 km
A nostalgic children’s playground in Maryculter where storybook characters come to life amidst scenic, family-friendly grounds.
Barney Sculpture
14.1 km
Discover the quirky Barney Sculpture, a playful icon within The Den and The Glen’s imaginative fairy-tale park near Aberdeen.
Peterculter Golf Club
14.7 km
Experience the scenic beauty and challenging play of Peterculter Golf Club nestled along the River Dee with panoramic mountain views.
The Mains of Drum
16.4 km
A family-run garden centre and award-winning restaurant offering stunning landscaped grounds, local produce, and expert gardening advice in Royal Deeside.
Drum Castle - Garden & Estate
17.0 km
Explore 700 years of Scottish history, stunning gardens, and ancient oak woodlands at Drum Castle, a timeless estate near Banchory.
Essential places to dine
The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant
0.0 km
A refined seafood dining experience set in a historic harbourfront building with stunning North Sea views in Stonehaven.
SeafoodBothy
0.1 km
Authentic Stonehaven seafood served fresh in an intimate, cozy setting with a focus on quality and local flavors.
The Bay Fish & Chips
0.9 km
Freshly battered fish and hearty chips served with seaside charm in Stonehaven’s beloved coastal eatery.
The Stack Restaurant and Bar
7.2 km
Innovative Scottish dining in a relaxed coastal village setting, blending fresh local ingredients with global flavors.
Mains Of Balquharn Brewers Fayre
12.1 km
Family-friendly pub in Portlethen serving classic British dishes and hearty breakfasts in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The Himalayas Restaurant
15.5 km
Authentic Nepalese and Indian flavors served with warm hospitality in the heart of Peterculter, Aberdeen.
The Ploughman
15.6 km
A traditional Scottish pub and restaurant in Peterculter serving hearty local dishes with warm hospitality and a rich drinks selection.
Quayside Restaurant & Fish Bar
15.7 km
Fresh seafood and classic fish & chips served with stunning harbour views in the heart of Gourdon’s fishing village.
Borsalino
15.9 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist in the warm, inviting atmosphere of Borsalino, Peterculter’s culinary gem.
Blairs Restaurant
16.2 km
Refined Scottish dining in a historic country estate near Aberdeen, blending fresh local flavors with elegant ambiance.
The Brae Cafe
16.5 km
A charming traditional Scottish café in Auchenblae offering homemade bakes, hearty meals, and warm hospitality in Aberdeenshire’s scenic countryside.
The Bieldside Inn
16.9 km
A contemporary English pub and restaurant in Aberdeen offering quality food, warm hospitality, and inviting spaces for every occasion.
The Conservatory Restaurant and Drawing Room Bar | The Marcliffe
18.3 km
Elegant British dining in a historic Aberdeen mansion with refined cuisine, live music, and warm hospitality.
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
18.3 km
Luxurious Victorian country house hotel with elegant rooms, fine dining, and a tranquil spa set in peaceful gardens near Aberdeen.
Harvester Ghillies Lair Aberdeen
18.8 km
Family-friendly British bar and grill with unlimited salad, riverside views, and a welcoming atmosphere near Aberdeen’s Bridge of Dee.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
My Beautiful Caravan
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts and charming treasures in Stonehaven’s beloved boutique, My Beautiful Caravan.
Premier
10.1 km
Explore the charm of Drumlithie with a visit to Premier Convenience Store, your friendly local shop for all essentials and Scottish treats.
The Steeple Shop
10.1 km
Discover local essentials and delightful treats at The Steeple Shop, your friendly convenience store in Drumlithie near Stonehaven.
The Paper Shop
13.6 km
A cozy Inverbervie newsagent offering local papers, snacks, and a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Montrose.
Castleton Farm
13.7 km
Experience authentic Scottish farm life with homemade food, local produce, and family-friendly charm at Castleton Farm near Laurencekirk.
Touchwood Inverbervie
13.7 km
Discover handcrafted pine furniture, antique restoration, and unique gifts in the charming coastal town of Inverbervie.
Hidden Scotland Shop
17.2 km
Discover authentic Scottish crafts and handmade treasures in a charming, character-filled shop nestled in Milton of Crathes near Banchory.
LUXE
17.3 km
Discover unique gifts and local artisan treasures at LUXE, a charming gift shop in Cove Bay, Aberdeen, that captures the essence of Scotland.
Sonya Angus: The Unique Boutique
17.6 km
Discover stylish gifts, rustic furniture, and fashion accessories in a warm, community-focused boutique nestled in Cults’ charming Courtyard.
Gifted
19.5 km
Discover unique and locally inspired gifts at Gifted, Aberdeen’s boutique treasure trove on Countesswells Road.
Joli Gifts
20.1 km
A cozy independent gift shop in Aberdeen filled with handmade treasures, local art, and thoughtful Scottish souvenirs.
Starfish Studio
20.2 km
Discover unique Scottish crafts and local artistry in the cozy charm of Johnshaven’s Starfish Studio gift shop.
Country Ways Aberdeen
20.7 km
Northeast Scotland's premier destination for country, lifestyle, and equestrian wear since 1978.
Hush Living
20.7 km
Discover unique homeware and gifts in the charming independent boutique of Hush Living, nestled in the heart of Banchory.
Fernweh UK
20.9 km
Wanderlust-infused accessories from Aberdeen's harbourfront artist studios—discover handcrafted jewelry and scarves amid makers' workshops.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Marine Hotel
0.1 km
Experience coastal elegance and warm Scottish hospitality with stunning harbour views at Stonehaven’s Marine Hotel.
Six°North
0.1 km
Lively waterfront pub at The Marine Hotel offering traditional Scottish fare and stunning Stonehaven Harbour views.
Number 44 Hotel & Bar
0.5 km
Cozy coastal hotel and vibrant bar in Stonehaven offering sea views, delicious food, and warm Scottish hospitality.
Cowie Bar @ Recreation Grounds
0.9 km
A welcoming Scottish pub with a scenic beer garden and vibrant community spirit at Stonehaven Recreation Grounds.
Station Hotel
1.5 km
A charming Stonehaven hotel blending traditional Scottish hospitality with modern comforts, great food, and a welcoming bar.
Quoiters Cafe Bar
8.6 km
A friendly and lively bar in Newtonhill offering local ales, weekly bingo nights, and a cozy atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Drumlithie Inn
10.2 km
A cozy, lively pub in Drumlithie offering hearty homemade food, warm hospitality, and vibrant entertainment in a beautifully updated setting.
The Paddock Bar
11.3 km
A family-friendly pub and lounge in Portlethen offering great homemade food, extensive drinks, live sports, and weekend entertainment.
Queens Arms
13.7 km
Experience authentic Scottish hospitality with local ales, hearty fare, and live music at Inverbervie’s charming Queens Arms Pub.
The Old Bank Bar Ltd
15.6 km
A charming former bank turned cozy bar and cafe, blending historic character with friendly service and hearty meals in Peterculter.
Black's Bar
15.6 km
Experience authentic Scottish hospitality and lively village pub charm at Black's Bar in Peterculter, Aberdeen.
Brig O Dee Bar
18.9 km
Traditional Aberdeen pub with cozy charm, local craft beers, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere on Holburn Street.
Abergeldie Bar
19.5 km
Abergeldie Bar blends cozy charm and vibrant nightlife in Aberdeen’s city centre with quality drinks and welcoming vibes.
Holburn Bar
20.4 km
A lively and welcoming pub in Aberdeen offering great food, drinks, and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
Foundry aberdeen
20.9 km
Lively Aberdeen pub blending live sports, great food, and vibrant entertainment in a warm, modern setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Babylon
20.9 km
Discover the pulse of Aberdeen's nightlife at Babylon, a premier nightclub and bar offering unforgettable nights filled with music and fun.
491 Union Street
21.0 km
Dive into Aberdeen's electric nightlife at this top-of-Union-Street hotspot, where killer beats, craft drinks, and epic events light up weekends until dawn.
Club Tropicana & Venga
21.3 km
Compact retro nightclub on Chapel Street with neon kitsch, themed nights and a late‑night dancefloor for nostalgic hits and loud, energetic DJ sets.
AURA Nightclub Aberdeen
21.3 km
Experience Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife and nostalgic disco vibes at Aura Nightclub, the city’s premier venue for dynamic music and festive parties.
The Mask Club
21.3 km
Aberdeen’s vibrant adult entertainment hotspot with professional dancers, lively music, and a dynamic late-night atmosphere.
Venga
21.3 km
Dive into Aberdeen's electric nightlife at Venga, where retro beats, themed nights, and cocktails fuel unforgettable dances until dawn on vibrant Chapel Street.
Number 7 Club
21.3 km
Aberdeen's intimate adult club on Crown Street: full-nude dances, drinks, and late-night energy from 9pm to 3am weekends.
Private Eyes
21.3 km
Experience Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife at Private Eyes, a stylish nightclub offering lively music, adult entertainment, and a welcoming city-center atmosphere.
The Underground Klub
21.4 km
A compact, bass-forward late-night club in central Aberdeen with booth seating, layered sound and an intimate underground vibe.
CHEERZ
21.6 km
Aberdeen's iconic LGBT bar and nightclub: dance, drink, and connect in a welcoming Exchange Street haven open late into the night.
Exodus
21.6 km
Experience Aberdeen’s vibrant nightlife and boozy brunches in a unique historic church setting at Exodus, The Triplekirks.
Utopia Nightclub Montrose
32.3 km
Experience Montrose’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Utopia Nightclub, where music, dancing, and community spirit come alive after dark.
De Vitos Nightclub
50.5 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife of Arbroath at De Vitos Nightclub, where unforgettable dance parties and vibrant music await you!
Royal Night Club
54.6 km
Vibrant nightlife and lively DJ nights in the heart of Forfar’s historic Royal Hotel, complete with rooftop terrace and buzzing bar scene.
The Attic Club
58.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kirriemuir at The Attic Club, where cozy ambiance meets a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.