Grampian Transport Museum

About the museum

Grampian Transport Museum grew out of the interest of local enthusiasts and collectors in the early 1970s who wanted a museum for the transport history of north-east Scotland. In 1978 a public meeting led to the founding of an association, and the former railway terminus at Alford was chosen as its home. The first Alford Cavalcade vintage vehicle rally took place in 1981, and the exhibition hall and the restored station were completed in 1982. The museum opened to visitors in April 1983.

The site has grown steadily since then. An extension was added in 1998, followed by an outdoor road circuit, a collections centre for larger vehicles and a new reception building in 2016. The museum is run by a Scottish charity and is an accredited museum.

The collection ranges from horse-drawn carriages and bicycles to cars, motorcycles, steam vehicles and electric vehicles. It also tells the story of local engineer Robert Davidson, an early builder of electric traction motors. Changing displays complement the permanent collection, and the outdoor circuit is used for rides in historic vehicles and for vehicle events, including the Alford Cavalcade, which is held each summer.

Highlights

• Wide collection of historic cars, motorcycles, bicycles and steam vehicles
• Displays on Robert Davidson and early electric traction
• The Guy Martin Collection
• Outdoor road circuit used for rides and vehicle events
• Collections on horse power, the cycle and vehicles made in Scotland

Permanent exhibitions

• The Guy Martin Collection – A display of vehicles and machines from the Guy Martin Collection.
• History of the Cycle – A look at the development of the bicycle and its place in everyday transport.
• Made in Scotland – Vehicles built in Scotland, showing the country's contribution to road transport.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Grampian Transport Museum Trust

Admission & discounts

Tickets include a 10% charitable donation, which can be removed when buying. Dogs enter free. Annual GTM+ memberships are available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The buildings are wheelchair accessible with fully accessible internal doors, a wheelchair is available at reception, and a platform lift serves the upper floor. Dogs are welcome inside on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The museum holds family ride days, sells family tickets and offers bespoke children's birthday packages that include a museum visit, tearoom space and vehicle rides on the arena.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Montgarrie Road in Alford; the what3words location is ///skippers.rear.kingdom.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Motorbites Tearoom has reduced hours and is open only at weekends outside Aberdeenshire school holidays, so visitors are advised to call ahead. An online shop is available. The meeting room that can be hired has Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Options range from a single room to after-hours hire of the whole museum and site. The meeting room in the museum store area has AV equipment and can be laid out as boardroom, classroom or open space, with catering available. The outdoor arena can be hired by clubs and companies, and children's birthday packages are offered.

Plan your visit