The perfect destination for a fun day trip during your holiday, Dundee is a lovely little city about an hour’s drive from most of our cottages. The home of “jute, jam and journalism” is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations thanks to its fascinating history, lively city centre and numerous museums and attractions. Read our suggestions below or watch our latest YouTube video to find out what you can do in one day.
Discover the city
Tired of depending on your phone/travel guide to find the best attractions? Make things more fun with one of the many city tours available. If you are visiting with your family, the Dundee Treasure Hunt will keep the children entertained while also giving you a chance to learn more about the city. For the creative souls out there, the Dundee Photo Tours might be the best way to explore the area while creating new masterpieces. Alternatively, you can follow the 15 plaques that make up the Discovery Walk, and learn about the achievements of local scientists and innovators.
Cycle the day away
We know, visiting a city is just as tiring as it is exciting. If you are feeling lazy, tired or simply missing your favourite mode of transport, you might want to rent a bike to make all that sightseeing even more enjoyable. Check out Bike & Go and EBS Cycle Centre for more information.
About Dundee’s past, present and future
All the main museums and art galleries in Dundee are located in the city centre, within walking distance of each other. The MacManus Art Gallery and Museum is made up of eight galleries distributed over two floors, and it gives an insight into the city’s ancient and modern history, its most famous scientists and artists. If you are more interested in contemporary art and design, you might want to visit the DCA. The latest addition to the city’s attractions, the V&A Museum is Scotland’s first design museum. This stunning building is located right next to Dundee’s popular Discovery Point, where you will be able to learn everything about the ship “Discovery”, famous for Captain Scott’s expedition to Antarctica. If you enjoy the RRS Discovery, you should also head out to the Museum of Transport. Last but not least, Dundee Science Centre is loved by visitors of all ages, and its interactive exhibitions are a wonderful learning tool for children.
Exciting indoor activities
Who said rainy days cannot be fun? If your sightseeing plans fall through because of our typical Scottish weather, worry not! There are plenty of exciting activities that will make you forget about those grey skies. Need some climbing experience before you take on those stunning Munros? Avertical World is the place for you. Pick the perfect course for you based on your age and previous experience, and start climbing! Children aged 7 and older are welcome. If you often dream of flying, then you should definitely visit Ryze Dundee. With its numerous oversized trampolines, obstacle courses, stuntman airbags, inflatables and much more, this extreme air sports park will definitely be one of the highlights of your holiday! Alternatively, reach for the stars at Mills Observatory. Located in a beautiful location just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, the observatory fascinates adults and children alike with its planetarium shows, activities and other events. Check out their website for more information about opening times.
More attractions
Now you have plenty of suggestions for your day trip to Dundee, but do not forget to simply stop and look around when you are there. You will find historic stone buildings, beautiful churches like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Steeple Church and much more. To the north-east of the Central Waterfront you will see City Quay, a commercial and residential space that is also home to the famous warship HMS Unicorn and to Scotland’s first wakepark, Foxlake Adventures. Who can say no to a thrilling wakeboarding class at the end of a long day of sightseeing?
