Doors Open Days | Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Museums Service Headquarters

19 September 2026

The Aberdeenshire Museums Service Collections Centre is the headquarters of Aberdeenshire Museums Service, part of Live Life Aberdeenshire, and is located in Mintlaw. Aberdeenshire Museums Service cares for and manages the historic and artistic collections owned by Aberdeenshire Council.

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WC
Disabled WC
Parking
Limited Access

Aberdeenshire

Alford Valley Community Railway

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

The Alford Valley Community Railway is a narrow-gauge railway and popular community attraction that runs between Alford village centre and Haughton Country Park. Operated by the Alford Valley Charitable Community Benefit Society (AVCCBS), the railway is a successful community-led project that has brought a much-loved local attraction back into operation through significant funding and volunteer effort.

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Disabled Access
Disabled WC
WC
Refreshments

Aberdeenshire

Banff Castle Community Centre

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

Banff castle, originally a medieval royal castle, was first mentioned in historical records of the 12th century. The early structure served as a defensive stronghold and royal residence. Over the centuries, the original castle fell into ruin, and little of it remains today. The site was reborn as a Georgian mansion around 1750 and now houses a community arts centre hosting a space for music, exhibitions and workshops and is open for all to enjoy.

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Disabled WC
Limited Access
WC
Parking
Refreshments

Aberdeenshire

Banffshire East Church of Scotland (Formerly Macduff Parish Church)

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

The parish church occupies a prominent position in the community of Macduff. On a hill overlooking the harbour, the building was opened in 1805. With its Italianate square tower, domed roof and cupola added in 1865, it is a landmark for boats approaching the town. Points of architectural interest include the stained-glass windows installed in 1922 to the memory of local people who died in the World War 1. These were created by the City Glass Company of Glasgow and displayed at the Royal Academy in London. More recently stained-glass windows by the artist Jennifer-Jane Bayliss, were added to the vestibule to commemorate the links with Malawi. The organ was built in 1903. In August 2025. Macduff Parish Church and Whitehills Parish Church united and became Banffshire East Church of Scotland.

Facilities
WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking
Refreshments
Hearing Loop
Events For Children

Aberdeenshire

Beannachar Camphill Community

19 September 2026

Set within a historic estate on the South Deeside Road, Beannachar, formerly known as Banchory House, is centred around a distinguished mansion designed by the renowned Aberdeen architect John Smith and completed in 1837. Today, the estate is home to a thriving Camphill community, providing residential and day services for young adults with additional support needs in a supportive and inclusive environment.

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WC
Disabled WC
Disabled Access
Parking
Events For Children
Refreshments

2026 Theme

Aberdeenshire

Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Museum

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

Located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Johnshaven, the Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum is housed within the former Lifeboat House, built in 1891. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, the museum celebrates the rich history and heritage of Benholm Parish and offers visitors an engaging and hands-on insight into local life.

Facilities
Disabled Access
Disabled WC
WC
Events For Children
Limited Access

Aberdeenshire

Bennachie Parish Church at Chapel of Garioch and Blairdaff

19 September 2026

**NEW FOR 2026** The Chapel of the Garioch has a history stretching back almost 900 years. A private chapel stood at Old Logie from 1151 before becoming a parish church in 1583. A new church was built on the present site in 1599, with the current building dating from 1813. Over the centuries the church has remained at the heart of the local community and today offers visitors the opportunity to explore its rich architectural and historical heritage.

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Disabled WC
WC
Parking
Hearing Loop
Limited Access

Aberdeenshire

Bennachie Parish Church at Echt and Midmar

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

**NEW FOR 2026** Standing at the heart of the village, Bennachie Parish Church at Echt occupies a prominent position at the crossroads of the historic routes linking Aberdeen and Tarland, and Banchory and Kintore. Built between 1804 and 1806, the church is an early example of the Gothic style, distinguished by its elegant, pointed basket-weave windows and strong architectural presence.

Facilities
Disabled WC
WC
Refreshments
Events For Children
Parking
Hearing Loop
Limited Access

Aberdeenshire

Bennachie Parish Church at Kintore

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

**NEW FOR 2026** Built in 1819 to a design by the renowned architect Archibald Simpson, Bennachie Parish Church at Kintore stands on the site of an earlier medieval church and remains an important landmark at the heart of the town. The building incorporates several historic features from its predecessor, including a 16th-century Sacrament House and a 17th-century carved pew end, providing tangible links to centuries of worship on the site.

Facilities
Disabled Access
Disabled WC
WC
Refreshments
Events For Children
Hearing Loop

2026 Theme

Aberdeenshire

Bennachie Parish Church at Monymusk

19 September 2026

20 September 2026

**NEW FOR 2026** Bennachie Parish Church at Monymusk is a remarkable Category A listed building with roots that stretch back to the earliest days of Christianity in north-east Scotland. While much of the present church is believed to date from the 12th century, the site has strong connections to an early Christian community established in the area during the 7th century. Restored between 1929 and 1932, the church was carefully returned to an approximation of its medieval appearance, creating the simple yet beautiful interior that visitors see today.