Name: Arbroath Signal Tower
Rating: 5.0

Arbroath Signal Tower

Signal Tower Museum, The Signal Tower Museum, Ladyloan, Arbroath DD11 1PU, UK

1-99 Years

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Arbroath Signal Tower Museum, located near the picturesque harbour in Arbroath, is one of the best things to do with kids in Angus who love maritime history and lighthouse lore. Set in the original 1813 shore station and accommodation for the famous Bell Rock Lighthouse keepers, this museum offers a unique window into the town's seafaring past. Visitors of all ages can explore the lives of lighthouse families and discover the industrial heritage that defined this coastal community.

Entry to the museum is free, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option for families. While general admission is complimentary, some special guided tours or specific activities may occasionally require booking or incur a small fee. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information on seasonal events and workshops.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Arbroath Signal Tower Museum is an excellent choice. By combining interactive exhibitions with a real-life historical site, it offers an engaging educational day out that brings the story of the sea to life for every visitor.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Galleries: Engage with the "Spotlight on Arbroath’s Fishing Heritage" exhibition, featuring audio-visual games and family-friendly quizzes.
Maritime History: Discover the incredible engineering feats of Robert Stevenson, the designer of the world’s oldest surviving sea-washed lighthouse.
Virtual Reality Experience: For those unable to climb the tower, on-site VR headsets offer an immersive way to see the panoramic views from the top.
Dog Friendly: The museum welcomes well-behaved dogs, provided they remain on a short lead and stay on the floor.
Educational Day Out: Learn about the daily lives of lighthouse keepers and their families through a collection of historical objects and multimedia displays.

Detailed "What to See"

The Bell Rock Lighthouse Lens: See the massive, original lens from the lighthouse, a highlight that showcases the advanced technology used to protect sailors for generations.
The Lighthouse Keepers' Cottages: Walk through the restored living quarters to see how families once lived while their loved ones were stationed 11 miles offshore.
The Signal Tower Viewpoint: Climb the dramatic spiral staircase to the tower room for stunning panoramic views across Arbroath harbour and the coastline.
Maritime Artifacts: Explore a curated collection of fishing tools, model ships, and navigation equipment that shaped the local industry.
Cottage Gallery: Visit this space for frequently changing exhibitions that highlight local art, community history, and regional talent.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets available on-site, including baby-changing facilities.
Buggy Access: Wheelchair and buggy access is provided for the lower floors; a computer system is available to provide views of the upper floor for those who cannot climb the stairs.
Gift Shop: A curated shop featuring locally crafted jewellery, books, and unique lighthouse-themed souvenirs.
Bike Racks: Available just outside the main museum gates.

Pro-Tips

Book Your Climb: If you want to conquer the tower, remember to call ahead. Tours are often scheduled at 1 PM, and spaces can fill up during peak season.
Check the Weather: Arbroath’s coastal location means weather can change quickly; if planning to walk the nearby cliffs, bring waterproof layers.
Visit Arbroath's Food Scene: Combine your trip with a visit to a local "Smokie" producer to taste a famous Arbroath delicacy.
Arrive Early: Parking in the small on-site car park can be limited; if it’s full, head to the nearby harbour council car park.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is very welcoming for young families, and the lower floors are easily navigated with a buggy; however, the tower itself is strictly for those who can manage the steep climb.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 1.5 and 2 hours exploring the galleries, completing the interactive quizzes, and visiting the tower or taking a virtual tour.
Where is the best place to park? There is a small car park directly in front of the museum, but if it is full, the most reliable and spacious option is the council-run car park at Arbroath harbour, a short distance away.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

The staff are frequently praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, especially when explaining complex lighthouse engineering to younger visitors.
The "hidden gem" status means the museum is rarely overcrowded, allowing kids to explore at their own pace.
The combination of free entry and high-quality, interactive exhibits offers excellent value for money for a family afternoon.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The tower climb is not suitable for everyone, and those with limited mobility may find the 70 steps and ladder difficult.
The museum is relatively small, so families should pair it with other local activities to fill a full day.
Some visitors have noted that finding the museum entrance can be slightly tricky if you are not familiar with the local harbour road layout.

What to see

Detailed Inventory of Exhibits

The Bell Rock Lighthouse Lens: The last manually operated lamp used in the lighthouse.
1813 Charter/Documents: Original records detailing the early history of the site.
Fishing Heritage Models: Detailed scale models of local fishing vessels used in the North Sea.
Keeper's Uniforms: Authentic clothing worn by lighthouse staff during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Navigation Tools: Historic sextants, compasses, and ship-to-shore signalling equipment.
Audio-Visual Kiosks: Interactive digital stations featuring quizzes on local marine biology and history.
Gunn Family Memorabilia: Personal effects and photographs documenting the lives of the keepers who lived on-site.
Industrial Scales: Equipment used to weigh and process catches at the historic Arbroath harbour.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Arbroath Harbour: Take a short walk to the active harbour to watch fishing boats arrive with their daily catch and grab some traditional fish and chips.
Arbroath Abbey: Visit the red sandstone ruins of this medieval abbey, best known as the site where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.
Victoria Park: A nearby green space perfect for children to run around, featuring play areas and coastal views.
Seaton Cliffs: For families with older children, the cliff-top trail offers spectacular geological formations and sea caves.
Arbroath Beach: Spend an afternoon walking along the shoreline or exploring the sand and rock pools near the town centre.

New for 2026

ANGUSalive Digital Archive Launch: Experience the newly launched digital archive and museum collection, providing unprecedented online access to Arbroath’s rich maritime records and historical artifacts.
Golden Anniversary Celebrations: Join the ongoing 50th-anniversary festivities, featuring a range of community-focused events, celebratory talks, and special heritage demonstrations throughout the 2026 season.
Expanded Exhibition Programming: The museum has refreshed its rotating gallery schedule, featuring new temporary displays that highlight local artists and specific themes within the region’s ecclesiastical and industrial history.
Refreshed Learning Engagement: Enhanced interactive materials are now available for families and school groups, building on the success of the popular "Spotlight on Arbroath’s Fishing Heritage" gallery to create a more immersive experience for younger visitors.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Birthday Parties available. For more information contact the venue directly.

1 April – 31 October: Wednesday to Monday, 10:30 – 16:00 (Closed Tuesdays).
1 November – 31 March: Friday to Monday, 10:30 – 16:00.
Last Admission: 30 minutes before closing.

Address: Signal Tower Museum, The Signal Tower Museum, Ladyloan, Arbroath DD11 1PU, UK

Post Code: DD11 1PU

Council: Arbroath

County: Dundee and Angus

Location: Situated beside Arbroath harbour on the A92. Wheelchair access to lower floors. Computer system provides information in regard to upper floor.
Train: The museum is a 10-15 minute walk from the train station.
Bus: There are local bus services. Visit Angus Council website for further information. From Arbroath Bus Station, the museum is approximately a 10 minute walk. No bus stop outside museum.
Bike: Bike rack is located just outside the museum gates.
Parking: Off street parking is available in Angus Council sites (charges apply). A small car park sits in front of the museum. Should this car park be full, an Angus Council car park is available nearby, at the harbour.