Museum and castle excursions, parkland walks, urban exploration, and even beach visits are among the top things to do in Dundee. Dundee has it everything, whether you want to go animal watching, learn about history, or simply relax in an urban paradise. While you’re here, don’t miss out on these top-rated sights and activities that both locals and visitors alike.
1. Discovery Point and RRS Discovery
Visit Discovery Point to board the legendary RSS Discovery research ship and hear about Captain Scott’s trip to Antarctica in 1901 and 1904. The ship was the last wooden vessel built in the United Kingdom. The RSS Discovery has been significantly renovated, yet it retains its original characteristics, and spectacular audio-visual effects bring its historic voyage to life.
Discovery Point and the RSS Discovery can be found on the Dundee Waterfront, near the port. While you’re there, pay a visit to the HMS Unicorn, Britain’s oldest seaworthy warship. Both maritime attractions provide a detailed look at Dundee’s shipbuilding history.
2. Broughty Ferry Beach
Broughty Ferry Beach is an award-winning length of golden sand surrounded by dunes, located just a short distance from the 15th-century Broughty Castle. During the summer, it’s a great place to unwind with the family, paddle in calm waters, and visit nearby attractions like Windmill Gardens. During the winter, wildlife watchers flock to the beach in search of migrating waders, seals, and porpoises.
A crazy golf course, go-karts, and a kid’s play area are among the activities available at Broughty Ferry Beach. The beach might get crowded during the summer months, so get there early for a nice sunning location. Stay until early sunset to catch a glimpse of dolphins fishing in the Tay Estuary.
3. V&A Dundee
The V&A Dundee is one of the city’s most popular museums. When it opened in 2018, it became the first museum dedicated completely to Scottish design achievements. Its exterior is reminiscent of the cliffs of East Scotland. The Scottish Design Gallery and the lovely Oak Room, a tearoom originally built in Glasgow in 1908, may be found inside.
Inside the V&A Dundee, there are educational exhibitions for children. Nonetheless, visitors of all ages are drawn to the hi-tech gadgets and historic Scottish design innovations on display. The museum is free to enter, making it one of the best venues to learn about local culture without breaking the wallet.
4. Tay Rail Bridge
When it was built between 1872 and 1878, the 2-mile-long Tay Rail Bridge was the world’s longest bridge. It is still one of the most spectacular displays of engineering creativity in Scotland. If you arrive in Dundee by train, you will be able to witness this wonderful railway ride firsthand. Visit its two viewing platforms for sweeping views of the city and the Firth of Tay.
Take a stroll to the newer Forth Road Bridge, which is accessible for cycling and walking, to get the greatest photos of this iconic monument. We recommend going right before sunset to view the colors of purple, orange, and yellow reflecting off the sea below.
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5. Camperdown Wildlife Centre
The Camperdown Wildlife Centre is located on the 400-acre Camperdown Country Park estate, which also includes a 19th-century mansion and an 18-hole golf course. There are ocelots, European brown bears, wolves, lemurs, and owls can be seen. Sign the youngsters up to be zookeepers for a full day of family fun.
The national park is free to enter. However, you must pay to enter the Camperdown Wildlife Centre. If you’re visiting on a public holiday, we recommend making a reservation in advance. On rainy days, free umbrella rental is offered, so there’s no excuse to skip a visit.
6. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle is a fairy-tale-like monument erected in the 17th century in the baronial style. It has occupied the location for almost 1,000 years, according to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In addition to the castle grounds, you can explore the nearby parklands, which include lengthy avenues lined with oak trees. Join a ghost tour to add some spookiness to your visit.
Glamis Castle is located approximately 12 miles north of Dundee. If you don’t have a car, you can take the bus along Line 22 from Dundee Center for around 45 minutes. A 50-minute guided tour of the castle and grounds will cost roughly £15 per person.
7. Dundee City Square
Dundee City Square is an excellent location for taking in the city’s architecture and culture. It is flanked by some of Dundee’s most prominent landmarks, including the Category A-listed Caird Hall and the 18th-century Dundee City Chambers. There are also several shops and restaurants that specialize in Italian, British, Asian, and Mexican cuisine.
If you’re in Dundee for the shopping, be sure to stop by the neighboring Overgate Shopping Centre, Europe’s first single-sided shopping mall. In over 60 stores, you can shop for trendy fashion and lifestyle brands.
8. Verdant Works
The Verdant Works is housed in a former mill and shows the tale of Dundee’s jute industry in the nineteenth century. Inside, you’ll find fully restored machinery, multimedia attractions, and firsthand exhibits detailing how Dundee once produced all of the world’s jute. Don’t forget to visit the High Mill, the museum’s oldest exhibit.
While you’re here, you’ll learn not only about jute production but also about the industry that employs half of the city’s population, making it a great place to learn about local history. Cox’s Stack, a 282-foot-high mill chimney, lies just over a mile away from the Verdant Works.
9. Dundee Science Centre
Through interactive displays, workshops, and sensory exhibits, the Dundee Science Centre teaches you about the human senses, robotics, and life sciences. The children will enjoy attempting to master the complexities of cardiac surgery and climbing on displays such as a gigantic head. A planetarium is also available for learning about the solar system and the quest for alien life.
The Dundee Science Centre is open every day to the public, and it takes about 3 hours to see all of its exhibitions. If you still haven’t had enough science, visit the D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum at the University of Dundee, which houses fossils of birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles.
10. Mills Observatory
The Mills Observatory is the UK’s first purpose-built astronomical observatory, with a digital telescope that can view up to 30,000 objects in space. You can learn about our planet’s place in the universe within the planetarium. There are space exploration shows, presentations, and workshops.
The Mills Observatory is free to enter. However, you must pay a nominal fee to use the planetarium and witness live displays. Outside the observatory, take in the panoramic views of the River Tay from the top of Balgay Hill.
