Dunee is the UK's first UNESCO City of Design and offers some hidden gems and secret spots to explore.North-East of Edinburg and Glasgow, Dundee’s waterfront location is beside the River Tay. From luxury weekend breaks, cultural scenes, the historic waterfront, buzzing music, creative events and a touch of history, it also offers plenty for families to keep little minds busy.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
1.HM FRIGATE UNICORN
The cities second floating tourist attraction retains the authentic atmosphere of a salty old sailing ship. The 46-gun Unicorn was built in 1824 and is the oldest British-built ship still afloat but never saw action. In the middle19th century sailing ships were outclassed by steam and the Unicorn served as a gunpowder store, then later as a training vessel. In the 1960’s it was proposed to break up the ship for scrap, but a preservation society was formed and the ship was saved. The Unicorn is berthed in Victoria Dock. Wandering around below deck gives you an excellent impression of what it must have been like for the crew forced to live in such cramped conditions
2.DUNDEE MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT
The museum displays a wide range of classic and modern modes of transport that have been used throughout the years. The museum offers a great day out for the whole family. You can get involved in events, listen to fascinating talks, and buy a souvenir to take home from the onsite shop.
3.DUNDEE TREASURE TRAIL
You can learn more about the city’s monuments and structures, and solve sneaky clues along the way. The trail starts at Yeaman Shore, through the streets of the city, pass the Albert Square, City Square, Howff Cemetery and more en route.
4.OLD STEEPLE
The church tower is the oldest surviving medieval tower in Scotland. After 500 years of battles, armies and attacks, the tower is now home to a collection of medieval carved stones, an Antiquities Room, and the Cap House. Visitors can climb the 232 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy the scenic bird's eye view of the city - don't forget your camera!
5.DISCOVERY POINT
Captain Robert Falcon Scott's famous polar expedition vessel with its three masts, the RRS Discovery provide a historic counterpoint to the modern architecture of the V&A Design Museum. The exhibitions and audiovisual displays provide a fascinating history of both the ship and Antarctic exploration in the neighbouring visitor centre . You can visit the bridge, the galley and the mahogany-panelled officers' wardroom, and poke your nose into the cabins used by Scott and his crew. The ship was built in Dundee in 1900 and sailed for the Antarctic in 1901 where it spent two winters trapped in the ice. In 1931 it was laid up in London where its condition steadily deteriorated, and was rescued and restored to its 1925 by Peter Scott and the maritime Trust. The ship was giving a berth in the port of Dundee in 1986, where it became a symbol of the city's regeneration.
6.MCMANUS: DUNDEE’S ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM
The museum is located in a grand old Victorian building in the center of the city. On displays is a collection of works by the 19th and 20th centuries European masters and local artists, as well as local history exhibits from prehistoric times to the present day. Particularly interesting artifacts from ancient Egypt is on display in the archaeological department. The natural history collection on display concentrates on the wildlife of the Lowlands. You can also visit the 300-year-old graveyard and the former garden of the Grayfriars monastery.
7.SCOTLAND’S JUTE MUSEUM @ VERDANT WORKS
The cities growth down the centuries was due to its jute industry, a natural fiber used in the manufacture of ropes and products such as sacks. The musem explores the impact of the industry on the area, including its effect upon the local populace. The museum contains fully restored machinery, hands-on exhibits and multimedia attractions of interest to all ages.
8.DUNDEE SCIENCE CENTRE
The centre offers over 60 hands-on exhibits depicting the five senses. Visitors can experience the magic of science, shows, workshops, and talks regularly covering a spectrum of topics such as creepy crawlies, forensics and the environment as well as demonstrations for the whole family. From crawling through a giant nose to challenging the robots of Roborealm, the centre will provide hours of fun and stimulation. You can also explore space in the planetarium, move a ball with the power of your mind, morph into an ape, and try out some fun science experiments, and meet the robots!
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Dundee Law
- Dundee Contemporary Arts
- City Square
- Caird Hall / Dundee Rep Theatre
- St Mary’s Church
- The Tay Rail Bridge
- Dundee’s Old Town Highlights
- The Mills Observatory
- Glamis Castle
- House of Dun and Montrose Basin Nature Reserve
- Cox’s Stack
- Dudhope Castle
- The Howff
- Mains Caslte
- Medow Mill Studios
- V&A Museum of Design Dundee
- Broughty Castle Museum
- Claypotts Castle
- Maggie’s Centre
Public transport such as trains, bus, ferries can cars provides access to all areas.
June through August is considered to be the best time to visit Dundee regarding pleasant weather and numerous festivities such as Highland Games, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. From April through May nature awakens which makes hillwalking and admiring bluebell fields an unforgettable experience.
