10 Best Things to Do in Dundee

Head to Discovery Point to climb aboard the famous RSS Discovery research ship and learn about the tale of Captain Scott’s expedition to the Antarctic between 1901 and 1904. The ship was the last wooden vessel ever built in the UK. Though heavily restored, the RSS Discovery keeps its original features, and incredible audio-visual effects bring its historic voyage to life.

You’ll find Discovery Point and the RSS Discovery by the Dundee Waterfront near the harbour. While you’re in the area, check out the HMS Unicorn, Britain’s oldest seaworthy warship. Both maritime attractions give you a deep insight into Dundee’s shipbuilding heritage.

Broughty Ferry Beach is an award-winning stretch of golden sand flanked by dunes, just a stone's throw from the 15^th-century Broughty Castle. During summer, it’s a wonderful place to relax with the family, paddle in calm waters, and visit local attractions such as Windmill Gardens. Over winter, the beach attracts wildlife watchers looking for migrating waders, seals, and porpoises.

Activities at Broughty Ferry Beach include a crazy golf course, go-karts, and a kid's play area. During the warmer months, the beach can get crowded, so head there early for a prime sunbathing spot. Stay until the early evening for a chance to see dolphins fishing in the Tay Estuary.

V&A Dundee is one of Dundee’s most popular museums. It became the first museum dedicated solely to Scottish design achievements when opened in 2018. Its exterior resembles the cliffs of East Scotland. Inside, you’ll find the Scottish Design Gallery and the beautiful Oak Room, a tearoom originally built in Glasgow in 1908.

There are educational exhibitions for the kids inside V&A Dundee. Even so, visitors of all ages love the hi-tech gadgets and historic Scottish design innovations on display. Admission to the museum is free, making it one of the best places to learn about the local culture without breaking the bank.

The 2-mile-long Tay Rail Bridge was the world’s longest bridge upon its construction between 1872 and 1878. It still is one of Scotland’s most impressive examples of engineering innovation. If arriving in Dundee by train, you’ll get to experience this spectacular railway journey first-hand. Head to its 2 viewing platforms for panoramic views of the city’s landmarks and the Firth of Tay.

To capture the best shots of this historic landmark, take a stroll to the newer Forth Road Bridge, which is suitable for cycling and walking. We recommend visiting just before sunset to see hues of purple, orange, and yellow bouncing off the waters beneath.

Camperdown Wildlife Centre lies within the 400-acre Camperdown Country Park estate, which is home to a 19^th-century mansion and an 18-hole golf course. You can see ocelots, European brown bears, wolves, lemurs, and owls. For a full day of family entertainment, sign the kids up to become zookeepers.

Admission to the country park is free, though you’ll have to pay a fee to access Camperdown Wildlife Centre. We recommend booking in advance if you’re visiting on a public holiday. On rainy days, free umbrella hire is available, so there’s no reason to let grey skies put you off visiting.

Glamis Castle is a fairy-tale-like landmark built in the baronial style during the 17^th century. According to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, it’s occupied the site for over 1,000 years. As well as the castle grounds, you can explore the surrounding parklands complete with long avenues lined with oaks. Add spookiness to your visit by joining a ghost tour.

Glamis Castle is about 12 miles north of Dundee. If you don’t have a car, you can ride the bus along line 22 for about 45 minutes from Dundee centre. Expect to pay around £15 per person for a 50-minute guided tour of the castle and the grounds.

Dundee City Square is an ideal place to soak up the city's architecture and culture. It's surrounded by among Dundee's most notable structures, such as Caird Hall (a Category A-listed concert auditorium) and the 18^th-century Dundee City Chambers. You’ll also find plenty of shops and restaurants specialising in Italian, British, Asian, and Mexican cuisine.

If visiting Dundee for its shopping scene, visit the nearby Overgate Shopping Centre, Europe’s only single-sided shopping mall. Here, you can browse trendy fashion and lifestyle brands in over 60 stores.

The Verdant Works occupies a former mill and tells the story of how the jute industry impacted Dundee during the 19^th century. Inside, you'll see fully restored machinery, multimedia attractions, and firsthand exhibits detailing how Dundee was once responsible for all the world's jute production. Don't forget to check out the High Mill, the oldest exhibit in the museum. 

While you’re here, you’ll not only learn about the production of jute but also the industry that employed half the city’s populace, making it a wonderful place to get an insight into local history. A 282-ft-high mill chimney known as Cox's Stack is just over a mile away from the Verdant Works.

The Dundee Science Centre teaches you about the human senses, robotics and life sciences through interactive displays, workshops, and sensory exhibits. The kids will love trying to master the intricacies of heart surgery and climbing on displays such as a giant head. There’s also a planetarium where you can learn about the solar system and the search for alien life.

The Dundee Science Centre is open to the public daily, and you’ll need around 3 hours to see all its exhibitions. If you still haven’t had your fill of science, head over to the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum inside the University of Dundee, where collections include fossils of birds, animals, insects, and reptiles.

The Mills Observatory is the UK’s first purpose-built astronomical observatory, where you can see upwards of 30,000 objects in space through a digital telescope. Inside the planetarium, you can learn about our planet’s position in the universe. There are shows, talks, and workshops on space exploration.

Admission to the Mills Observatory is free, though you’ll need to pay a small fee to access the planetarium and watch live demonstrations. Head outside the observatory to admire sweeping views across the River Tay from the top of Balgay Hill.