Broomfield Road, Montrose, Angus, Scotland, DD10 8SY

Montrose Air Station Museum

Museum & collection

Place photograph

7.6

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Historic

Feel

Historic townHistory loversFamilies

Why it's Wildland

7.6

Established in February 1913, Montrose was the first operational military air station in Great Britain. The museum tells the story of the airfield and the people who served and worked there, from its opening through to its closure in 1952.

This is a distinctive aviation-history visit with a clear claim to national significance: the site of Britain’s first operational military air station. Its appeal lies in connecting aircraft with the people and events behind the airfield, from a full-size B.E.2a replica associated with the First World War to a Panavia Tornado GR4.

Historic · Atmospheric

Find your way

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Broomfield Road, Montrose, Angus, Scotland, DD10 8SY

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The experience

Allow at least an hour, and ideally two, according to the museum. Explore the aircraft and exhibition rooms, using the museum’s tour map; the official site says visitors can encounter uniforms and exhibits hands-on. Check opening days and seasonal closures before setting out.

Things to do

Compare early and modern military aircraft

See the full-size B.E.2a replica, associated by the museum with No. 2 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, and compare it with the Panavia Tornado GR4.

Allow at least 1 hour for the museum overall

Follow the people’s story, not just the aircraft

Look through the photographs, artefacts and memorabilia documenting those who served and worked at the air station and the surrounding community.

Explore the museum with its tour map

The museum says visitors normally tour the exhibition rooms independently using a map provided on arrival. Ask about a guided tour if arranging an eligible group visit.

Try the hands-on exhibits

Visit Angus describes opportunities to handle exhibits and try on uniforms; check with the museum which hands-on activities are available on the day.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow at least 1 hour; ideally 2 hours

Quick Escape: the air station essentials

01
Check the museum’s official website for current opening days, seasonal closures and last entry before travelling.
02
Use the museum’s tour map to explore the exhibition rooms.
03
Compare the full-size B.E.2a replica with the Panavia Tornado GR4.
04
Make time for the photographs, artefacts and memorabilia that tell the human story of the air station.

Verified history

Montrose Air Station was established in February 1913 and is described by the museum and Visit Angus as the first operational military air station in Great Britain. The museum presents the site’s aviation history alongside the stories of the people who served and worked there; the station closed in 1952. Its collection includes a full-size replica of a B.E.2a flown by No. 2 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, and a Panavia Tornado GR4.

Hidden details

The site’s 1913 distinction — The museum is on the site of the first operational military air station in Great Britain, established in February 1913—a useful detail to keep in mind as you explore the exhibits.

A contrast across military aviation — The museum places a full-size B.E.2a replica associated with the Royal Flying Corps alongside a Panavia Tornado GR4, offering a striking comparison between very different generations of aircraft.

When to go

· Visit during confirmed opening hours; the official site says last entry is no later than 15:00. Check the current schedule before travelling.

The supplied official website notice describes a winter closure and reopening in late February 2027. Opening days and schedules may change, so check the museum’s website for current information.

The museum visit is indoors; check the official website for opening changes before setting out.

What to look for

01
Look for the full-size B.E.2a replica associated with No. 2 Squadron, the Royal Flying Corps, and the beginning of the First World War
02
compare it with the Panavia Tornado GR4. Notice the photographs, artefacts and memorabilia that tell the stories of people who served and worked at the air station.

The story

Military aviation; the Royal Flying Corps; the history of the people who served and worked at the air station, 1913–1952.

Best time to go

Check the official website for the current seasonal opening schedule; the supplied page says the museum closes for winter and reopens in late February 2027.

Plan around the museum’s current opening days rather than a particular season. The official website says last entry is no later than 15:00 and gives a winter closure notice; verify the latest information before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

History lovers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Broomfield Rd, Montrose DD10 8SY

Phone

+44 1674 678222

Website

rafmontrose.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 12-4pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 727 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Public museum. The official website says no booking is required for ordinary visits; check its current opening schedule before travelling. The supplied official page notes seasonal closure and changed opening days.

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Parking

The source row reports free on-site parking and free street parking; verify current arrangements before visiting.

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Toilets

The source row reports toilets and a wheelchair-accessible toilet; confirm current facilities before visiting.

Food & drink

The official group-visits page says there is no cafeteria. It mentions picnic tables for group parties bringing snacks or packed lunches; check current availability for ordinary visits.

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Dogs

Dogs are welcome if well behaved and kept on a lead at all times, according to the official museum website.

Accessibility

The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park and toilet. Check directly with the museum about route and exhibit access before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting