Dundee - the new must-see
The stunning V&A Dundee opens in September, making this Scottish city perfect for a mini break full of style, music and cool culture
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
Once most famous for being the home of the Desperate Dan statue (don’t miss out on taking a pic), Dundee has undergone a transformation in recent years and is now placed sixth in Lonely Planet’s list of must-see European destinations. It’s home to the spectacular new V&A building, which was designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and has the Duchess of Cambridge as its Patron. There’s also nearby St Andrews, where Kate studied and is well worth a visit.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
The home of The Beano, The Dandy and Jackie magazine (where I was once fashion editor), Dundee was formerly famous for the three j’s – journalism, jute and jam. But now arts and culture are taking priority. V&A Dundee opens on 15 September with the fantastic exhibition Ocean Liners: Speed and Style. The exhibition runs until 24 February 2019 and is one to make a diary date for. Visitors will also enjoy a celebration of design, past, present and future here. See vam.ac.uk/dundee
DON’T MISS
Take a boat ride up the River Tay with the handsome fellas who run Pirate Boats (pirateboatsltd.com). The trip departs from historic Broughty Ferry, where wealthy jute millionaires built their mansions. The castle and museum at the waterside are worth a visit. A trip to the beautiful Hospitalfield arts centre ( hospitalfield.org.uk), on the road to Arbroath, is another must-do. Round off the day there with tea and whisky truffles.
GETTING THERE
Dundee is easy to reach by train from most places, or you can fly from London Stansted (under two hours on Logan Air), into the tiny airport by the Tay, which has the quickest baggage collection ever! The East Coast train journey is a picturesque one, and Dundee train station is nice and central. The Scottish capital Edinburgh is only an hour away, so there’s the option to fly into Edinburgh Airport, catch a tram to Edinburgh Haymarket, and then a train onward to Dundee.
STAYING THERE
The stylish Malmaison Dundee boutique hotel is conveniently situated for the new V&A. Prices start from a very reasonable £69 (depending on the season), and offers are often available. Visit malmaison.com/ locations/dundee/ to book.
FOOD AND DRINK
Don’t miss a visit to Draffens bar. This ‘secret’ bar is down a side street, the very Scottish-sounding Couttie’s Wynd. Inside, you’ll find a 1920s speakeasy-style cocktail lounge. A journey over the water to NewportOn-Tay for dinner is a must. Masterchef winner Jamie Scott has created tasting menus for the Newport Restaurant (thenewportrestaurant.co.uk) – the food is as sensational as the waterside views.
Once famous for jute and jam, art and culture are now Dundee’s priorities