Dundee, though a relatively small city, is brimming with energy, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its rich history or finding hidden gems, there’s always something to discover in the City of Discovery. Dundee is known as the City of Discovery for good reason, having been involved in many innovations including the invention of marmalade and the building of the RRS Dsicovery, a merchant ship that served in World War I. It’s a compact little city, easy to navigate and with great transport links which makes it even more appealing to visitors. In this blog, we’ll delve into what makes Dundee so special, the must-visit attractions and the food and drink scene that will leave you spoiled for choice.
Dundee’s Top Attractions
V&A Dundee
As Scotland’s design museum, V&A Dundee’s galleries showcase the brilliance of Scottish creativity and bring world-class exhibitions to the city.
The building itself, designed by famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a stunning symbol of great design and innovation, with its striking, angular facade mirroring the rugged cliffs of the country’s coastline. It also plays home to the stunning restoration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Oak Room.
The McManus
Housed in a splendid Gothic Revival-style building, The McManus offers a fascinating and unique insight into Dundee’s storied past. The museum has eight galleries to explore, covering art, Scottish history, and the environment, as well as annual exhibitions that reveal rarely seen works from the museum’s collection.
Discovery Point & RRS Discovery
The Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery was built in Dundee in 1900 and carried Captain Scott on his first expedition across Antarctica. She returned home in 1986 to become an award-winning, five-star attraction. Next to the ship is Discovery Point, where interactive experiences and displays of actual crew artefacts transport you to Antarctica, letting you follow in the footsteps of Captain Scott and his team on one of the most heroic voyages ever undertaken.
Verdant Works
Experience the fascinating tale of Dundee’s industrial heritage at Verdant Works Museum – a hidden gem of the ‘City of Discovery’. Explore the beautifully refurbished mill building and hear stories of the city’s mill workers in an industry that was integral to Dundee’s past. Witness the machines at work and step back in time to the heart of Dundee’s industrial era, discovering more about the city’s social history through displays that transport you back over 100 years to when jute was king.
Broughty Ferry, Beach & Esplanade
Broughty Ferry is a picturesque seaside town right next to Dundee, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. History enthusiasts will love Broughty Castle, a 15th-century fortress, while the town centre is packed with charming boutiques, cosy cafés, and award-winning restaurants, making it a delight for shoppers and food lovers alike. At the heart of Broughty Ferry is its stunning beach, where golden sands stretch along the River Tay, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation. The beach is perfect for families, with plenty of space for picnics, sandcastles, and leisurely strolls along the shore. The town’s welcoming community and calendar of local events ensure visitors feel right at home.
Do it all in Dundee!
There’s so much to see and do in our little city! Dundee is home to the UK’s first public observatory, botanical gardens, theatres, arts galleries, and is surrounded by hills, Munros, cycle routes, parks, as well as watersports, woodlands and waterfront walks for outdoor adventure lovers. The city is a stone’s throw from a number of golf courses including being less than a 30-minute drive from the legendary St Andrews Links, home to seven public courses, including the famous Old Course, where golfers have been teeing off since the 15th century.
Dundee has an exciting year-round events programme, with attractions and hot spots of all shapes and sizes – from the weird to the wonderful. Whether you love history or cutting-edge design, bustling bars or cosy coffee spots, authentic Scottish bites or innovative restaurants, there’s truly something for everyone in Sunny Dundee!
At Best of Scotland Holidays, we have over 40 years of experience curating personalised itineraries for our overseas visitors to the United Kingdom and Ireland. We can incorporate an outing to the City of Discovery into your next visit to Scotland where you can explore all of the above and more. Contact us today with your requirements and one of our friendly team will be happy to assist you.
