About Garioch Heritage Centre

Garioch Heritage Centre is a four‑star visitor attraction set in rural Aberdeenshire, just 30 minutes from Aberdeen City and easily accessible by road and rail. Housed in an architecturally acclaimed conversion of the former Inverurie Locomotive Works, the site is B‑listed for its industrial heritage significance and reflects the social and economic development of the area.

Visitors can explore the rich history of the North East of Scotland from the early 20th century to the present day through permanent exhibitions, special displays, creative arts projects, and community initiatives.

The Heritage Centre is ideal for groups and FIT, offering free general admission. Onsite facilities include a welcoming café serving home bakes and light lunches, accessible parking for cars and mini‑buses, and convenient coach drop‑off and pick‑up.

Product Offering

General Admission

Duration: 45 minutes+
Availability: Year round, Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Group Size: 1 - 50 min/max

  • Please allow at least 45 minutes to explore the museum.
  • Entry to main exhibition.
  • Light lunches, refreshments and home baking in our on-site cafe.
Travel Trade Exclusive Tours

Duration: 1 hour
Availability: Year round, Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Group Size: 5 - 50 min/max

Your clients can enjoy interactive tours guided by local experts to suit a range of interests. The following themes are available by prior arrangement:

  • Storytelling: "Local Voices" – Audio Visual and in-person stories on a choice of topics including a country childhood: an insight into life in the Garioch in earlier times; a Loco Works apprenticeship: the life and work of the young folk entering adulthood in the earlier half of the twentieth century.
  • The Aberdeenshire Canal – The inside story of the reclamation, conservation and installation of the last boat known to survive from this particularly ambitious local transport initiative in the first half of the 19th century. An illustrated presentation and the opportunity to actually see and discuss this unique example of waterways history in the museum.
  • Fashion Through the Ages – Gain insight into what our vintage costume collection has to offer. An illustrated presentation featuring a virtual tour of our recent exhibition and a rare opportunity to see a small selection of our delicate costumes, typically kept away from public view due to their fragility.
  • The History of Tait's Paper Mill – A leader in its field. Experience an illustrated presentation by those who were part of the story.
  • A Lost Lifestyle – 10 household items that tell a story.
  • Local Expert Led Tour
Accessibility

Step‑free access and ramps to the main entrance and all public areas, making the museum visitable by people with limited mobility. 
Wheelchair access throughout the Centre including galleries and exhibition spaces. 
Lift access to the upstairs gallery, so visitors who can’t use stairs can still enjoy all exhibits. 
Accessible toilets are available onsite for visitors with mobility needs. 
Accessible parking or drop‑off point close to the entrance helps groups with mobility needs or coach passengers. 
Suitable for visitors with limited mobility; staff are welcoming and volunteers can assist where needed. 
Café Loco has level access from the main spaces and offers seating options for those with mobility needs.

Practical Notes for Travel Trade

Group welcome – The accessible design suits day trips, educational groups and special needs groups alike. 
Guide support – Volunteers can tailor commentary to group needs and pace. Prior notice helps with planning accessibility support. 
Coach access – Drop‑off and parking close by makes arrival and departure simpler for mobility‑impaired visitors.

Terms and Conditions

Travel trade pricing available on request

Payment terms available on request

We accept tour operator vouchers

cancellation policy: 48 Hours for FIT // 7 Days for groups

Open all year, Thursday to Sunday, Monday tours can be accommodated by prior arrangement.

Blackout days 19 December - 14 January.

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