Scotland’s City of Discovery by the silvery Tay

Scotland’s 4th largest city, on the North Sea coast, was built on the solid industrial foundations of the 3 “J”s (Jute, Jam and Journalism) and is now a lively cosmopolitan centre.  Dundee offers the visitor access to its industrial and seafaring heritage via museums, art galleries and two finely restored vessels; it also offers excellent shopping facilities. Visitors can enjoy Scottish golf at its finest or taste the unique atmosphere and the pies and Bovril of a Scottish football match. Home to such colourful characters as Desperate Dan and Dennis the Menace from D.C. Thomson’s Beano and Dandy comics, the City also produced the infamous William McGonagall, who’s truly awful poem about the Tay Bridge Disaster of 1879 is well worth a read. The city lies in the county of Angus, which abounds with romantic castles, stunning formal gardens, top-quality golf courses, distilleries and beach-strewn coastal scenery.

Why go?
You can shop ‘til you drop at 4 excellent centres, view the city and its famous bridges from the summit of Dundee Law and learn about Dundonian history. Cheer on the Tangerine Terrors (Dundee United), watch a play at the nationally-renowned Dundee Repertory Theatre and dine on an Aberdeen Angus steak.

When to go?
Dundee’s climate is typically Scottish: cold and wet in winter and, if you’re lucky, much more congenial from May to September. November sees the city’s Festival of Mountain Film and the Jazz Festival, whilst you can catch the International Guitar Festival in June and the Food and Flower Festival in August/September. The “Fest ‘n’ Furious” Festival in October allows you to enjoy Scottish dancing and drinking at a not-to-be-missed traditional ceilidh. 

How to get there?
Dundee Airport can accommodate small aircraft from London City, Belfast International and Birmingham.  An hour and a half on the train will take you from either Glasgow or Edinburgh to Dundee, with the Edinburgh route taking you over the impressive Tay Rail Bridge. If you choose to travel by car or bus, it’s 62 miles from Edinburgh and 81 from Glasgow. 

Must see
Become a polar explorer aboard The Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration ship or relive naval battles of bygone days aboard the Frigate Unicorn.  Step back in time to experience Dundee’s rich past at the Verdant Works. View evocative seascapes at the Victorian McManus Art Galleries or broaden your mind at the Sensation Science Centre or the Mills Observatory. Marvel at the beautiful stained glass and gilded altar of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. Savour Scottish football at Dens Park or Tannadice. Enjoy the finest Scottish municipal golf at Camperdown or links golf at the championship course at nearby Carnoustie.