My visit to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Every day I come to work and look out the office window across the harbour to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. However I have to confess that I had never been inside before.

I also had the chance to put my skills to the test by seeing how quickly I could get myself in and out of a survival suit.

After my first visit to Aberdeen Maritime Museum though, I can hand on heart say that I will certainly be back.

Deep sea diving suit at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Deep sea diving suit at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum has artifacts dating from the 13th century all the way up to the present day. The museum is open all year round, only shutting for a few days over the festive period. It is also completely free to enter which is another great reason to visit!

Ship display at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Ship display at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance
Greenland to Scotland kayak
Greenland to Scotland kayak photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance
Stairs within the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Stairs within the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

The Museum is made up of three buildings which have been joined together over the years to create one fantastic gallery. As I entered I was welcomed by the friendly team who issued me with a map to help me find my way around the building.

Café in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Café in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

On the basement floor there is a café filled with teas, coffees, fancy cakes, sandwiches and so much more! This is a must-stop after you have explored the museum. As I looked above, I saw a striking oil rig structure stretching through the middle of all of the floors. This is a handy focal point as you scout through the museum.

Oil platform in the centre of Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Oil platform in the centre of Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance
Oil rig in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Oil rig in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

The first floor is an introduction to the North East’s strong maritime heritage, explaining stories of Rattray head during the war and showcasing the Duthie Deckhouse. You can learn all about working underwater and even test out your skills on a ROV; which is a hit for all ages!

Controlling an ROV
Controlling an ROV photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

The ‘North Boats’ display was on my list for when I visited and I didn’t have to wait long to see it as it was located on the first floor too. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of the boats which served Orkney and Shetland before MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland. There were also old menus and old log books from past captains and chief engineers to discover.

North Boats menu in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
North Boats menu in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance
North Boats log book
North Boats log book photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

Across both the second and third floor there are lots of displays dedicated to the oil and gas sector and specifically to offshore life. One of the highlights for me was investigating an offshore oil rig cabin and accommodation quarters.

Oil rig accommodation
Oil rig accommodation photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

I also had the chance to put my skills to the test by seeing how quickly I could get myself in and out of a survival suit. The offshore exhibits are incredibly educational. For many Aberdeenshire parents and guardians this exhibit is also the perfect way to show their children where they go to work!

View of Aberdeen harbour
View of Aberdeen harbour photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

The views that can be seen from the top floor of the Aberdeen Maritime Museum are some of the best in town, overlooking the busy harbour which is full of ships of all different shapes and sizes.

Ship models in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Ship models in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

On a final note, the museum is fully accessible and wheelchair-friendly with lifts and ramps all on site.

Diving suit
Diving suit photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance

Fun for all ages, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers a hands-on and all-round fantastic experience with plenty to explore. If I had a tip for visiting, it would be to allow plenty of time to see everything! Next time you’re visiting the city I would highly recommend going to Aberdeen Maritime Museum!

Shona LawranceBy Shona Lawrance
A young quine with an energetic sense of adventure but dire sense of direction! Born and bred in the North East of Scotland with a long loving appreciation of the Scottish islands.

Pin it! My visit to the Aberdeen Maritime MuseumMy visit to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Header image: One of the interactive diplays in the Aberdeen Maritime Museum photo © Copyright Shona Lawrance