Tolbooth Museum
Explore Aberdeen's 17th-century jail, the Tolbooth Museum. Discover its 'dark history' and preserved cells for free.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Tolbooth Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Aberdeen's 17th-century jail, the Tolbooth Museum. Discover its 'dark history' and preserved cells for free.
"A very interesting little museum with great dark history of Aberdeen."
🚶♀️ Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Aberdeen's city center and the Maritime Museum .
⏳ Allow an Hour
Spend about an hour to read all the historical information and exhibits .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Old Jail Cells
Inside the Tolbooth Museum
Step back in time and explore the preserved cells, imagining the lives of those imprisoned here centuries ago.
Aberdeen's Dark History
Exhibits within the museum
Uncover intriguing stories of convicted murderers, debtors, and alleged witches from Aberdeen's past.
Uniform Granite Architecture
Exterior of the Tolbooth Museum
Admire the distinctive grey granite buildings that characterize Aberdeen, the 'Granite City'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Granite City's Past
Free Entry, Steep Stairs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Aberdeen's city center and the Maritime Museum.
⏳ Allow an Hour
Spend about an hour to read all the historical information and exhibits.
⚠️ Mind the Stairs!
The stairs are very steep and narrow; use the provided rope for support.
🆓 Free Admission
Enjoy this historical gem without any entry fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable from City Center
Easily accessible on foot from Aberdeen's city center and the Maritime Museum.
⏳ Allow an Hour
Spend about an hour to read all the historical information and exhibits.
⚠️ Mind the Stairs!
The stairs are very steep and narrow; use the provided rope for support.
🆓 Free Admission
Enjoy this historical gem without any entry fee.
📜 Grab an Info Leaflet
An information leaflet is provided to guide your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tolbooth Museum to be an interesting and well-preserved historical site, offering a glimpse into Aberdeen's past as a jail. Its free admission and central location are highly appreciated, though the steep, narrow stairs are a notable drawback for some. Despite its compact size, it provides a valuable historical perspective.
"Spent Christmas with Mum here this 2019. Such a quiet and peaceful place. Although it all looks greyish, it’s still beautiful. I love the uniformity of granite buildings. Lovely Scotts as well. :)"
Iggy
"Lovely cute museum and good for like half an hour of you're just looking but about a hour if you're stopping to read everything.
They provide you with an information leaflet and would answer any of your questions.
A good place to visit while in Aberdeen. Walking distance from the city center and also the maritime museum."
Abigail Akin-Laguda
"What a very interesting little museum.
Great dark history of Aberdeen.
The only draw back is the stairs.
Very narrow and steep.
Make use of the rope to aid you on them."
Andrew Geddes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tolbooth Museum is conveniently located within walking distance of Aberdeen's city center and the Maritime Museum. It's easily accessible by public transport or on foot if you're exploring the city.
While specific parking details for the museum itself are limited, there are several car parks available in Aberdeen's city center. It's recommended to check local parking apps or websites for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Aberdeen has an extensive bus network. Numerous bus routes stop in the city center, making it easy to reach the Tolbooth Museum from various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Tolbooth Museum offers free admission, making it an accessible historical experience for everyone.
Opening hours can vary, and it's always best to check the official museum website or local listings before your visit to confirm current times.
As admission is free, advance booking is typically not required for the Tolbooth Museum. However, for special events or group visits, it's advisable to inquire directly with the museum.
The museum offers historical insights for all ages, but the steep and narrow stairs may pose a challenge for very young children, the elderly, or those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A quick visit to see the main exhibits might take around half an hour, but to fully appreciate the historical details and read the information, plan for about an hour.
You'll find exhibits detailing Aberdeen's history, particularly its past as a jail. Expect to see preserved cells and learn about the conditions faced by prisoners, including murderers, debtors, and alleged witches.
The museum features very steep and narrow stairs, which can be a significant accessibility concern. A rope is provided to assist visitors on these stairs.
Information regarding a gift shop is not widely available. It's a small museum focused on historical preservation.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage upon arrival or ask a museum attendant if you're unsure about taking pictures.
📸 📸 Photography
The preserved jail cells offer a unique and atmospheric backdrop for photos, capturing the historical essence of the building. The exterior granite architecture also presents a classic Aberdeen photo opportunity.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for historical sites to have restrictions on flash photography or professional filming. Always look for signs or ask staff for guidance.
The granite buildings of Aberdeen look particularly striking in natural light. Mid-morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds for exterior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the steep and narrow stairs.
🏛️ History Buffs
Reddit users often discuss the 'dark history' and the 'interesting little museum' aspects,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Aberdeen's Judicial Past
Visitors often remark on the 'dark history' presented within the museum.
It's important to note that the museum's historical integrity comes with certain physical challenges. The steep and narrow stairs are a recurring point in visitor feedback.
The 'Granite City' Aesthetic
While the museum itself is small, its location within the city center means it's surrounded by other examples of this characteristic architecture. A visit to the Tolbooth can be combined with exploring other parts of Aberdeen, appreciating the cohesive aesthetic that defines the city. The uniformity of the granite buildings, though sometimes described as 'greyish,' is often cited as a unique and beautiful aspect of Aberdeen by visitors.
For photographers, the Tolbooth Museum's exterior offers a classic Aberdeen shot, especially when bathed in the softer light of morning or late afternoon. The historical significance of the building, combined with its architectural style, makes it a noteworthy subject for capturing the essence of the 'Granite City'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit