Things to do in Dundee and Angus

Other parts of Scotland might grab more headlines, but Dundee and Angus are well worth a visit. This part of the country combines the lively, contemporary feel of Dundee with the beautiful, historic countryside of Angus. But what are the best things to do here?

History lovers will get a real buzz from visiting this fully accredited museum in Dundee. Discovery Point is home to the famous ship RRS Discovery and tells the story of its many voyages, including an Antarctic trip in 1901 with Captain Scott.

This iconic building on Riverside Esplanade in Dundee is one of the UK’s best design museums. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, it also has free admission (with exceptions for specific special events) and a room dedicated to Scottish design.

If you get a bit peckish when checking out V & A Dundee, why not try a bite from this award-winning street food spot? Situated right outside the museum, it serves doughnuts, coffee and a selection of sandwiches.

Found on Nethergate, Wee Mexico serves Mexican food, with classics like tacos and burritos. Their menu also comes with vegan, halal and gluten-free options.

Close to V & A Dundee is this inviting and contemporary venue. With a lively feel and a bi-level design, it not only serves up top-notch pub food but has an eye-catching cocktail menu as well. A drink in their Dock Street beer garden when the sun’s out is also a pleasure.

The Howff in Dundee is a burial ground which was constructed on the site of a former Franciscan monastery. It was established in 1564 and enjoys a reputation for having the most important tombstone collection in Scotland. Due to this status, it’s listed as a Category A building.

Located in the centre of Dundee, this art gallery and museum are housed in a Gothic-revival type property. It actually contains 8 different galleries and tells the story of Dundee in a fascinating way. Admission is free and galleries such as ‘Dundee and the World’ really are worth a look.

Popular attractions in the centre of Dundee are the statues of Desperate Dan (from the classic kids comic ‘The Dandy’) and Minnie the Minx (from the ‘Beano’). Both comics were published in the city and the statues make a great photo opportunity for visitors.

Billed as Scotland’s first public art trail, this features the popular character of ‘Oor Wullie’ from the DC Thomson newspaper ‘The Sunday Post’. Running from June until September, Slessor Gardens in Dundee is where to head for the fun.

This is a world-class venue in Dundee that’s dedicated to the exhibition and development of contemporary arts. It features 2 art galleries, a 2-screen cinema and a print studio. There is also a shop here for souvenirs and a cafe if you need a break.

Anyone who passes close to City Churches in Dundee will notice these cute penguin sculptures. Produced by sculptor Angela Hunter, they have become a real favourite with both locals and tourists. They were installed to celebrate Dundee’s connection with penguins and regularly get dressed up to mark special occasions.

This is a beautifully-restored textile mill which dates back to 1833 and recalls the history of textile production in Dundee. Ideal for an interesting family day out in the city, there is a cafe here for coffee or tea.

This independent boutique optician located in Dundee’s cultural quarter offers a wide choice of glasses to suit all tastes, from designer frames to vintage looks and one-off pairs.

Known locally as ‘the jewel in Dundee’s crown’, Broughty Ferry is an upmarket seaside village found around 4 miles out of the city. It has an award-winning beach and a lovely esplanade for strolls in the sun. There are also plenty of shops here to browse around.

One of the major attractions in Broughty Ferry is Broughty Castle. It is found on the banks of the River Tay and has a history stretching back to 1495. The castle now houses a fabulous museum which tells the story of Broughty Ferry itself.

Gracie’s is a lovely cafe in the centre of Broughty Ferry which serves light bites, lunch and brunch. The menu here also has gluten-free and vegan options to order. It is family-friendly, and a good place on the Ferry to take five.

An elegant restaurant in Broughty Ferry with an open-plan design and mezzanine floor, the menu at Bruach Bar is based on classic Scottish fare with a global twist. Look for their ‘Balmoral Chicken’.

Pretty Fly Workshop is an independent jeweller in Broughty Ferry which produces bespoke pieces and stocks unique hand-made local art. If you are looking to treat yourself or find a beautiful gift while away, this is the place to head.

An independent knit shop in Dundee, Knit Shop focuses on design, education and industry. Set up by Donna Wilson, it is determined to share skills, encourage innovation and bring the Scottish textile sector back to its former glory.

Arbroath smokies are famous well beyond Angus and are worth trying when you’re here. They are basically haddock smoked over hardwood, which gives the fish a smoky, distinctive taste. They can be found on the menu of cafes and restaurants all over Arbroath.

One of the top tourist attractions in Arbroath is the Abbey. Founded by King William I in 1178, it is now one of the best ruined Medieval abbeys in all of Scotland. As well as the fascinating grounds to wander around, there is also a superb visitors centre to explore here.

Seaton Cliffs in Arbroath is a stunning nature reserve set among red sandstone cliffs and rugged sea caves. It looks over the North Sea and has a 3-mile nature trail to roam along. As you would expect, it is also a great place to spot wildlife and plants.

Lunan Bay in Angus is a spectacular sight and is framed by majestic cliffs. It not only has a fabulous beach to frolic on but also extensive sand dunes behind it. The water is clear and the bay feels unspoilt.

Combining Georgian elegance with baroque melodrama, the House of Dun is the archetypal 18th-century laird’s residence. Now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, visitors can tour inside the property or wander the beautifully kept grounds.

This area is found in the parish of Dun in Angus and on the River South Esk. It is known for its stunning walks and proximity to the Montrose Basin Local Nature Reserve. For fans of steam trains, the Bridge of Dun station is a real treat.

This majestic castle in Angus has been the home to the Earls of Kinghorne and Strathmore since 1372. Visitors can take a tour of the castle to find out more about its history and events are held here through the year.

Strawberry Bank Lane is known locally for being the city’s prettiest lane and is home to some of the best architecture Dundee has to offer. The West End of Dundee is also a famous part of the city and home to the University of Dundee. This district is also known as Dundee’s cultural quarter and plays host to venues like the Whitehall Theatre.