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Top-Rated Things To Do In Dundee, The Cultural Hub Of Scotland

Dundee city

Dundee is one of the largest cities in Scotland which is filled with nature, art designs, and numerous cultural heritages. The city was listed in UNESCO City of Design in 2015, the first city in the UK to do so. Being the cultural and commercial hub of Scotland, there is a wide range of tourist attractions and things to do in Dundee

Apart from being a cultural hub, the city of Dundee also has several places to visit for entertainment, shopping, and food. Before planning for a trip to this magnificent Scottish city, let’s have a look at the top 10 tourist attractions and things to do in Dundee

Also Read: 10 Most Unusual And Unique Things To Do In Scotland

Top 10 Things To Do In Dundee    

  1. Dundee City square

Dundee City square

via – seedundee.com

The Dundee city square is a good place to hang out in Dundee with a variety of things to do. The square houses one of the most popular landmarks of Dundee such as Caird Hall and Dundee City chamber of the 18th century. Some numerous shops and restaurants surround the square offering British cuisine alongside Mexican and Asian.

If you’re specifically coming here for shopping then head to Overgate shopping center, one of the most famous shopping centers in Europe. Other than this, you can also visit attend several cultural events and festivals in Dundee city square such as parades, concerts, etc. 

Location: City Centre, City Square, Dundee 

2. Visit The Art Gallery of Dundee “The McManus”

the mcmanus

via – visitdundee

The Art gallery at The McManus has a collection of artworks dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The artworks belong to some of the local artists, European masters including popular artist James Macintosh Patrick. Visiting the art gallery is one of the cheapest things to do in Dundee

Some other tourist attractions included in this gallery are collections of objects from the prehistoric era. The archaeological depart of the museum is equipped with artifacts of ancient Egypt, natural history, and more. 

Location: Albert Square, Meadowside

3. A Family Trip At Camperdown Wildlife Centre

Dundee Wildlife Center

via – visitdundee.com

Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a must-visit place in Dundee while you are traveling with your family. There are more than 50 species in Camperdown including birds, animals, and reptiles. The major tourist attractions in this park are snowy owls, macaws, Lar Gibbons, Meerkats, European Brown bear, and lion tail macaques. 

Several events are also conducted in Camperdown including, birthday parties, community open days, and others. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Dundee with kids.   

Opening Hours: 

  • March to September: 10:00 to 4:30 PM
  • October to February: 10:00 to 3:30 PM

Pricing: 

  • Adult: 6 Euros
  • Senior Citizen: 5 Euros
  • Children(3 years old): 1.50 Euros
  • Family(2 adults and up to 3 children): 22 Euros

Location: Coupar Angus Road, Dundee

Also Read: 8 Top Rated Road Trips From Glasglow, Scotland

4. Spend Evening At Lunan Bay

Lunan Bay

via – walkhighlands

If you are looking forward to spending some time away from the busy city life of Dundee, then Lunan Bay is the place you should not miss. Lunan Bay has one most breathtaking beaches in Scotland. A huge number of tourists are visit beaches while touring Dundee city.     

Being on the hidden gems of Scotland, the Lunan Bay is a worth visiting place in Dundee with family. There are a variety of fun things to do in Lunan Bay such as horse riding, surfing, and fishing. Lunan Bay also houses the ruins of Red Castle which was built in the 12th century. You can also explore a number of arches and caves situated at the northern cliff.  

Location: Montrose, Dundee

5. Engage in Adventours activities At Monikie Country Park

Monikie Country park

via – angusalive

Monikie Country Park is gorgeous woodland in Dundee with a range of attractions and activities for families. Things that attract tourists to visit Monikie include trails, a variety of watersports, and a children’s play park. Some top activities you can enjoy at this park include rafting, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. 

If you are visiting Monikie between April and October, then you can take the High ropes lesson or the Fly fishing course. The courses are offered by the Monikie Angling Club. 

Location: Angus, Dundee

6. Take A Walk At Historic Tay Rail Bridge

Dundee historical bridge

via- wikipedia

The historical bridge of Dundee city, the Tay Rail Bridge was built in 1878 that connects the city to Edinburgh. The bridge collapsed the following year due to a storm while a train was passing. It was later rebuilt in 1887 and it stands at the remains of the original bridge. 

The Tay Rail Bridge is now one of the most stunning railway bridges alongside “Glenfinnan Viaduct”, the famous bridge shown in Harry Potter movies. The bridge is accessible on foot from where you can experience the spectacular sea views. Also visit the nearby bridge named Forth Road Bridge, which is another tourist attraction in Dundee city.  

Location: Wormit, Dundee

Also Read: Top 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Scottish Capital “Edinburgh”

7. Travel Back in Time At Loch Tay and Killin

Loch tay

via – taymouthmarina.com

The Loch Tay is situated between the Killin and Kenmore village of Dundee. The loch spans up to 23 kilometers which offer some of the most breathtaking landscape views, especially during the sunset. The loch Tay once served as the home to the settlers of the Iron Age.  

Currently, there are several remains dating back to 2000BCE till the middle ages. The place is quite mysterious and also has a dark past. It is believed that one of the islands houses the tomb of Scottish Queen Sybilla. Keeping aside its dark past, Loch Tay has various activities to do such as Hiking, numerous watersports, sailing, kayaking, and many more.

Location: Killin and Kenmore Village, Dundee

8. A Tour To Glamis Castle

Glamis castle

via – youtube

Situated just 12 miles north of Dundee, Glamis Castle is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Scotland which is worth a visit. It is like one of those fairytale castles you must have heard or even seen in movies. There have been numerous myths and stories about this 17th-century castle. 

According to locals, the castle is haunted by ghosts or even vampires. Even being haunted, the castle is open for tourists accompanied by a tour guide. The tour guide will help you help explore the castle and tell more about the castle’s history in the 50 minutes guided tour. 

Things To Do:

  • You can also spend some time in the restaurants located within the castle ground. 
  • In case you are visiting the castle in winter, then do visit the famous Christmas market.

Accommodation: The castle has a luxury accommodation facility for tourists which is worth a stay for 2 to 3 days.

Location: Glamis Castle, Angus 

9. Navy Warship “HMS Unicorn” 

Navy War Ship

via – nationalhistoriships

The floating tourist attraction in Dundee, HMS Unicorn is a Navy warship dating back to 1824. Also referred to as the 46-Gun Unicorn, it is the oldest British ship that still floats but unfortunately, it stopped operating soo after it was launched. The ship was later used as a gunpowder store in the 19th century and a training vessel.

The ships hold so much importance not only in Scotland but also internationally as it is the only well-preserved ship by Sir Robert Seppings. Today 4 decks of this sheep are accessible to the tourists.  

Opening Hours: 

  • April to October: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • November to March: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM(Thursday to Sunday)

Entry Fee:

  • Adult:  6.50 Euros 
  • Children: 2.50 Euros 

Locations: Discovery Point, Victoria Dock, Dundee

10. Stargaze At Mills Observatory

Mills Observatory Dundee

via – frasermacpherson.wordpress

The Mill Observatory is the only observatory for the public in Britain. The mill offers stargazing opportunities for the public with help of a computerized telescope. With help of this telescope, you can easily spot over 30,000 stars. The place is also good to enjoy scenic river views. 

The good thing about Mills Observatory is that there is no entry fee required nor do you have to book tickets in advance. The main aim to build this observatory was to educate the public and create awareness among them about science. 

Location: Glamis Road, Balgay Park, Dundee 

Also Read: Top 5 Places And Things To Do In Aberdeen, The Flower Of Scotland

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