There are over 300 potential routes of both top rope and lead climbing. Catch a closer view of the planets and stars with some expert tuition on hand to point out the many other visible astronomical features. My favourite mural is Dreamer by Sofia Sita (below) which is at the back of Dundee Contemporary Arts. The major part of the palace was built at the beginning of the 19th century and is now the seat of the Earls of Mansfield, whose ancestors are shown in portraits lining the Long Gallery. Ask a question. At the McManus, eight incredible open gallery spaces house interesting exhibitions of history, art and the environment. A really great beach, very clean and beautiful, family friendly. We learned so much about exploration of the Antarctic. There are places to park near the top but I recommend the walk up to really soak in the beauty. 29. Lovely place so cheap just look after it ! Also of interest are local history exhibits from prehistoric times to the present day. Very helpful and friendly staff. There are no theatrical frights or ghost stories on this tour; the real deal is disturbing enough, thank you. You wont regret taking the day to visit here you might even leave with a new love for science! Check Out Our Top Accommodation Options In Dundee, Glamping Pods in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire & Moray, Glamping Pods in Edinburgh & The Lothians, Glamping Pods in Glasgow, Clyde & Ayrshire, Glamping Pods in Perthshire, Kinross & Angus, Birds of St. Abbs Head National Nature Reserve, Dumfries and Galloway Cheese Shops & Tasting, Isle of Skye Chocolate Shops & Chocolatiers, Perthshire Chocolate Shops & Chocolatiers, Scottish Borders Coffee Shops & Roasteries, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, The McManus Dundees Art Gallery & Museum, More Things to do in Perthshire, Kinross & Angus. 2023 Hello Kay, Scotlands fourth-largest city fun and vibrant Dundee is a bustling social hub. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Dundee is often eclipsed by the other more well-known cities in Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Walking amongst the crumbling gravestones is incredibly peaceful and there are benches where you can sit and contemplate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Overall, a really great day here and deffo will be back . SCOTTISH TRAVEL BLOG PACKED WITH FUN, FOOD & INSPIRATION. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Dundee was once one of the world's great whaling ports and later, its jute manufacturing capital (think sandbags, burlap sacks). This Way Up gives you that reminiscent experience of browsing and handling your music and books before you buy; everything that Amazon does not. One of the most unique of Dundees visitor attraction is this historic Royal Navy warship with four decks. Aw, it didnt last very long. The spiral stairs are not the easiest but it is well worth making the effort. Notable for its unique "z-plan" design, its towering presence makes a dramatic backdrop for a photo or selfie. The current owners have had the caf for 20 years and little has changed. Thanks for the lovely article on Dundee. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals. This crumbling 16th-century castle may be in ruins, but that shouldnt put you off. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. We went into the greenhouses at the end which was cool, very hot but cool to see and also we liked the little vegetable patches too. If so, youll be happy to hear that this odd statue exists. Scone Palace is situated just 2.5 miles north of Perth, close to where the Abbey of Scone once stood, and is famous as the place where Scottish monarchs were once crowned. Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife, Eye-Level Whale Watching 2 Hour Eco-Raft Tour from Lahaina, Maui. Camperdown Country Park is Dundee's largest public park. It's really popular on a good day, and there are only a few benches but plenty of grassy areas to spread a blanket. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. The views are fantastic. You can tailor your package to your groups specific needs, so youll always get exactly what youre after. Showcasing over 250 objects from collections around the world, the exhibition captures the opulence and extravagance around the romantic era of ocean travel; from the engineering of the ships and the interior design, to the highly fashionable garments worn aboard, and the graphic design of the iconic posters advertising the voyages. Im excited to see the progress! Theres a grand bandstand that has hosted brass bands and open-air concerts. You can choose to walk through the woods or along the beach, both are perfect for family walks, cycling of jogging. Lots of picnic tables and seats along the way. Once overlooked as a tourist destination, Dundee has fast emerged as the cool kid in class, and this is only the beginning. There are lots of great little films to watch. The observatory is home to a Victorian refracting telescope, display areas and a small planetarium. And it is free! We were desperate to take selfies with Dan, and it put us in the mood for a, Great building, excellent staff, very good. Located in a Victorian, Gothic building, The McManus Art Gallery & Museum boasts eight beautiful open gallery spaces housing stunning exhibitions of art, history and the environment offering a fascinating day out. Located an easy 30-minute train ride northeast of Dundee, it makes for an excellent (and easy) daytrip. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Sleeperz is a shiny new hotel which sits above Dundee Railway Station, and is just a stones throw from the citys blossoming waterfront. 5 days + 4 nights. Other Perth attractions are the lovely 15th-century parish Church of St. John, and Branklyn Garden. Thanks, The city has a legacy of being at the centre of the global jute industry. This fascinating and stylish museum illustrates the brilliance of Scottish creativity. Very unusual to have this on these sorts of places. Its a great place to stop and smell the flowers. A perfect picnic spot! The panoramic views from this summit are stunning. Today, it remains one of the world's most spectacular railway journeys. The views are fantastic. Its popular with workmen and locals, as well as visitors from areas around Dundee. Loch 'em Up: Scotland is known the world over for its rugged scenery and beautiful lakes, or lochs. Padrino Pizza has been closed since May 2019. Combine the country's first UNESCO City of Design, the countryside that brought us Aberdeen Angus beef, Arbroath Smokies and Peter Pan, and you've got Dundee & Angus! An absolute must-see among all the fascinating things to do in Dundee. Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more! I'm interested in art/ history and cheap and cheery cafes and child-friendly walks. In addition to its well-maintained gardens, the grounds are home to over 190 tree species. The story of jute and the story of Dundee are forever entangled dont miss the chance to explore it. Go green and travel to Dundee on an electric buswith frequent services running to Dundee from Edinburgh & Glasgow. The strikingly tall building dates back to 1822, where it began its life as a linen factory, before switching its focus to jute manufacturing. Its maritime attractions teach you about the city's shipbuilding heritage, and you can learn about the textile industry that shaped 19th-century Dundee inside masterfully restored mills. The Scottish Design galleries is a great concept and has some fascinating pieces but we felt it could have been much bigger and expansive - there must be thousands more pieces in the V&A archives? and an excellent exhibition on the robots , which is What a fantastic place to visit! The Scottish Design galleries is a great concept and has some fascinating pieces but we felt it could have been much bigger and expansive - there must be thousands more pieces in the V&A archives? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is a beautiful location and one of the more romantic things to do in Dundee. I wont be so sensible next time! When you visit Dundee you will see a city transformed. The flat white was spot on too! Owners Ani and Matt used to run a pop-up shop in the George Orwell pub but decided to take the leap into their very own premises in September 2017, and they havent looked back. Or take on the spy mission trail and save the world (well, Scotland). This is a fantastic (and free) art museum with countless exhibits to fit everyone's taste. This is a fantastic place to see the animals , what let it down was its got a bit messy and not well kept. Instead, an unusual roof was added to cover crew and cannons (what you see is in fact the original roof). A visit to Camperdown Wildlife Centre, part of Camperdown Country Park, is one of the top things for families to do in Dundee. One of the last remaining relics of the city's jute industry, Cox's Stack is also worth a visit. Train and bus travel in Scotland 3:23 am. Things are changing in Dundee. Very informative, lots of multi media/interactive stuff and the walk and talk through the machinery was brilliant. There are two contemporary art galleries, a two-screen cinema, a print studio, and a public engagement programme. Address: Discovery Point,Victoria Dock, Dundee, Scotland. Dundee. Hi Kay, a great positive review of Dundee, there is more of course, and its a shame you didnt have a chance to check out the finest wee guided history and architecture tour in town, the Bright Dundee wander around the Albert Square outside the McManus Galleries. What a fantastic place to visit! It also offers a fantastic family day out, with a whole host of animals from around the world to visit and learn about. This website includes affiliate links to Booking.com and GetYourGuide. Discover wonderful wildlife tours to book and experience in Scotland, including bird watching safaris, whale watching, farm tours and much more! The texture of Anster is creamy and slightly crumbly. What's On in Dundee - Events & Festivals | VisitScotland The wide-open spaces make it a great place to play with the kids and walk the dogs. With accommodations to suit every budget, it is the perfect city break where you can discover award winning cultural attractions, bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. Plus, an excellent bouldering area, cosy caf and more! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Without doubt the friendliest. Also, there is a lot of audio accompanying the exhibits - music, voices, film clips etc and they overlap each as you walk around other in a way that is distracting. Dundee is fairly compact, and its easy to get to most places on foot or by bike. Educational and learning programs are held here regularly, too, including the two-week-long Dundee Science Festival. We spent a morning here and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The Bach is really nice, it's at the back of the McManus. Address: Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland. Sample all that the city has to offer using the Scotland Loves Local Dundee Gift Card. It is also the largest park in Dundee. Go on a journey back in time at Dundee's museums including the V&A Dundee and the industrial heritage site of Verdant Works. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. Entry to the castle is via a fun 50-minute guided tour, and you can linger longer in the grounds and in the castle's caf and restaurant. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); There's also a fun playground for kids, plus a picnic area, as well as a good caf serving snacks and light meals. Here, you can explore the history of jute manufacturing in Scotland as well as its impact on the local culture and people. Padrino Pizza is a small, independent pizzeria in the centre of Dundee, which serves delicious Neapolitan pizza with a sourdough base and fresh toppings. Theres free parking available, plus the use of a great scenic seating/picnic area and barbeque. Megabus and Citylinkrun frequent services to Dundee from major cities across the UK. Dundee has roots in science and in football, but what really draws visitors year-round is the atmosphere. Discovery Point (Dundee) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor When it comes to foodie finds, cool doesnt have to mean new, and this humble establishment is as far away from hipster as you can get. Founded and run by PhD student Russell Pepper, OpenClose initially received funding for 6 doors, however thanks to support from local businesses, and artists volunteering to be involved, there are now 19 door murals on the city centre trail. Well worth a visit on a clear day. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! Answer 1 of 19: My three children and I are tagging along with the hubby up to Dundee for work this weekend. Yes, really! Here are six tasty dishes to add to your list when visiting Dundee. There are plenty of lovely parks to visit in Dundee. Its time for this list to shine a spotlight on Dundees foodie scene. Exhibits focus on space exploration and astronomy, and the planetarium shows our place in the universe. What are the best outdoor activities in Dundee? TOUR ALL THE FLAVORS OF SCOTLAND & SKYE! Just a 10-minute walk from RSS Discovery and looking more like Noah's Ark than a warship, this nearly 200-year-old Royal Navy frigate was equipped with 46 cannons and launched in 1824. Guided tours are available. Learn all about Dundees industrial textile heritage, dating as far back as 1833. This fantastic brewery was voted Best Beer Experience in Scotland and not for no reason. The RSS Discovery was built in Dundee and was launched in 1901. Visit - dundee.com Find out whats on in Dundee with local events and festivals including theatre, food & drink and family-friendly events. Surprisingly really enjoyed the day here we arrived on a sunny Thursday and before I came here, I thought that I wouldnt really enjoy it but actually it was such a nice walk with lots of different things to see - cool trees, plants, flowers and statues. An on-site shop sells related materials and souvenirs. This post contains affiliate links to experiences which I love, and may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. 8 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Dundee - Atlas Obscura The DPM on the Hilltown has got the best work. Our extended family of 6 adults and 5 children ranging from 10 to 6 years old enjoyed an afternoon here in August. Particularly enjoyed the art gallery on the second floor. There is no dedicated parking at the museum even more incentive to travel by public transport! Much of Dundee's growth over the centuries was due to its jute industry, a natural fiber used in the manufacture of ropes and products such as sacks. Affectionately known as the home of jam, jute and journalism, these industries will always be tightly woven into Dundees heritage and identity, as the city undergoes an exciting regeneration. 13) Go old-school with breakfast at Tonys Diner. Find out more here. The first V&A museum in the world outside London and the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland, V&A Dundee welcomes you to the world of design and encourages you to explore creativity. Did not try the food, did not really have much interaction with the staff. 9. This is a fantastic place to see the animals , what let it down was its got a bit messy and not well kept. Dundee - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides - Hotels.com Though it tastes exactly like a normal bagel, it just didnt feel right ordering a savoury filling, so I went for peanut butter and jam. Just like the V&A, this is a free attraction and a perfect wet weather option. There are loads of fun and exciting things to do on your visit. Having been on many a ghost tour in Edinburgh, I was intrigued by what DD Tours had to offer. Dundee really took me by surprise, and quickly stole the top spot for my favourite city break of 2018. Especially when you emerge from the exhibitions and realise that so much of the vast open area of the building is taken up with the cafe, shop and reading areas. If you find the information on this website helpful, please consider booking your next trip using the links below. The equally attractive Loch Lomond should also be included on your Scotland itinerary. If youre looking for things to do in Dundee that are close to the city centre, we would definitely recommend stopping in here. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! InGAME run a brilliant programme of events, training programmes, workshops and masterclasses in collaboration with Creative Dundee. On the recommendation of lovely waitress Lara, I went for the Iskender, which featured various meat kebabs with rice and fresh salad, all doused in garlic yoghurt and chili sauce. We visited the ship today and had a great couple of hours. There's also a great play area for the wee 'uns to blow off steam, as well as a caf and shop. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. Safe to say this city was a bit of an all-rounder! Address: 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, Scotland. It's really popular on a good day, and there are only a few benches but plenty of grassy areas to spread a blanket. Aberdeen, the most northerly major Scottish city, is also worth visiting and is known as "The Flower of Scotland" for its pleasant gardens and parks. Thanks so much! Delicious! This unusual museum welcomes you aboard for an opportunity to explore and learn. A tiny, peculiar-looking late medieval castle straight out of a fairy-tale. The keen travellers among you may have seen stone circles in other places. Used for pop concerts and other fantastic gatherings, you can check out the up and coming events on Dundee City Councils website. Alpacas, miniature Mediterranean donkeys, Poitou donkeys, falabella miniature horses, and guanacos. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The bagels are made by a Jewish baker in London, before being transported up to Dundee, and theyre so popular, the caf sells wee rainbow bagel badges as a tribute. Over the past 25+ years Graham has travelled the length and breadth of the country on camping overnighters, hillwalking adventures, road trips and random getaways. Then you can climb aboard and explore the ship itself. Dundee is ridiculously well located with some of Scotland's most amazing and diverse . Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The place is absolutely beautiful. 2023. If you like variety and plenty of options youre in the right place. Local Foods You Have To Try in Dundee - TasteAtlas Kay. The cheese is produced by Jane Stewart in Fife. See all things to do V&A Dundee 3 2,509 reviews #30 of 129 things to do in Dundee Speciality Museums Open now 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About We are Scotland's design museum and the nation's centre for design. Loved it. A highlight of a self-guided walking tour is to head up to Dundee Law, an extinct volcano with a peak of 572 feet that offers tremendous views of the city and its surrounds. It is a proud symbol of Dundee's shipbuilding past and the city's connection to the seas. Address: Coupar Angus Road, Dundee, Scotland, Official site: www.camperdownwildlifecentre.co.uk. What are the top attractions to visit in Dundee? p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); Fast track needed for almost 3 hr connection Edinburgh 2:21 am. Delve into the details of the once thriving jute industry, as well as Keillers marmalade, and D.C. Thomsons famous publications. V&A Dundee is a new entry in the top things to do in Dundee, as it opened its doors on September 15, 2018. From the fairytale ruins of Dunnottar Castle to Aunt Betty's famous ice cream: here are 15 things to do in Stonehaven for the perfect seaside getaway in Scotland. The galleries are so informative, well laid out and interesting. The spiral stairs are not the easiest but it is well worth making the effort. The most prominent feature on the Dundee skyline. Dundee, the fourth largest city in Scotland, spreads along the north bank of the Firth of Tay at the foot of Balgary Hill. An impressive collection of flora and fauna from around the globe is on show here. The McManus Art Gallery and Museum is housed within a beautiful Victorian, Gothic-style building and is packed with exhibits which tell the story of Dundees history and heritage. A first visit to the V&A Dundee and I have mixed feelings. Any suggestions on cool things to do up there? This museum lives at the University of Dundee and got its name from the Scottish biologist and mathematician DArcy Thompson. Dundee, Scotland's fourth-largest city and the United Kingdom's only UNESCO City of Design, is a place in the process of reinventing itself through engineering, design, and tourism. 25 things to do in Dundee: your complete city guide 9. The social history stuff was great too and bonus of the photography exhibition whilst I was there. The project is an amazing, alternative way to draw in visitors and regenerate the city, while showcasing the talent of both local and international artists. The redevelopment of Dundee city Waterfront. This is a quirky and fun sculpture of a man trying to lead a dog. TeamSport (ScotKart) Indoor Go Karting Dundee. Admission is via guided tours only, but the superb walled garden and woodland walks can be explored at leisure (guidebooks are available for purchase). , Your email address will not be published. A highlight of this free attraction is climbing to its observation levels for stunning views over the city and coastline. Probably the most striking feature in the Victorian Dining Room is the magnificent fireplace, with its heraldic centerpiece in oak bearing the coat-of-arms of the 12th Earl of Strathmore. Theres a great selection of places to eat in Dundee. Address: Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland. Situated on the Tay estuary, Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city. Make sure you check out their currentTartan exhibition, a radical new look at one of the worlds best-known textiles. The street art is such a nice addition to the city definitely check it out next time. There are lots of amazing things to do in Dundee that let you soak in the local natural beauty. It's had a sh*t ton of money invited in it over the past few years and its attractions include underground vaults, a street art trail, an amazing independent restaurant scene, a world-famous design museum . Come and learn all about them! Very informative, lots of multi media/interactive stuff and the walk and talk through the machinery was brilliant. Save up to 58% at top UK Attractions Join Now Dundee and Angus, Dundee Block10 Bouldering Climbing, Indoor Ages Dundee and Angus, Dundee Cake or Dice Food and Drink, Ages Dundee and Angus, Dundee Dundee Treasure Trail Dundee | History, Facts, & Points of Interest | Britannica The bright and airy Tatha Bar & Restaurant (1st floor) has a handful of veggie/vegan options and a lovely outdoor terrace with views of the River Tay and the RRS Discovery in its adjacent dry dock. Originally conceptualised as a memorial to Prince Albert. As well as trying fresh pours of all of their beers, including a few rarities not available anywhere else, you can learn about their cask-ageing . Address: West Henderson's Wynd, Dundee, Scotland. 27 fun things to do in Dundee Like many other large Scottish cities, this stemmed from the Industrial Revolution. Located 60 miles west of Dundee, the long, narrow Loch Tay - a haven for anglers and water sports enthusiasts - is considered one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. 1 Discovery Point and RRS Discovery Explore a historic wooden navy vessel Good for: Families History Photo 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. If you drop by spontaneously, dont worry, the grounds and exterior are absolutely beautiful. Dundee holidays offer science, historic ships and museums for kids (and big kids). You can also take advantage of the local bus services, operated by Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach, with buses departing regularly from High Street to Broughty Ferry. Another excellent museum Dundee is a dream location for history buffs. Dunkeld House Tree Trail. Dundee is approximately a 90 minute drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow, and just over an hour to Aberdeen and approximately 2 and a half hours to Inverness. Why Visit Dundee. Museum admission is free (yeah! The lighting is very low level which I understand may be necessary to protect the exhibits but at the same time it makes it very hard to read the signage. Theres no shortage of activities to keep you happy here.