A Day Of Discovery
Exploring Dundee
1 DESPERATE DAN
Slap, bang in the heart of Dundee’s bustling city centre sits this quirky statue. A monument to one of the stars of The Dandy, it provides a jovial feature in the city’s ever-changing, bustling centre. Just metres from the home of his publishers, DC Thomson, the statue is joined by his faithful pooch Dawg and closely followed by Minnie the Minx, from The Beano. The wild-west character is reportedly the strongest man in the world so start your day in Dundee with an arm-wrestle!
2 CAMPERDOWN WILDLIFE CENTRE
A lovely stroll through this wildlife centre gives you the chance to witness mischievous monkeys, brash bears and beautiful birds. The park is packed with wonder ful wildlife and the visitor centre allows you to learn about the residents before you start the walk around the grounds.
3 RRS DISCOVERY
The RRS Discovery has stood tall on Dundee’s water front for over 30 years. First launched in 1901, this is the ship that took Captain Scott to Antarctica where it remained for two years, locked in the ice. Its brand-new neighbour, the V&A, may hog the headlines, but the Discovery’s story will leave you breathless with admiration for the hardy crew who lived aboard.
4 THE LAW
Take a stroll up the dormant volcano sill and view Dundee, Fife and Perthshire in all their beauty. An hour-and-a-half round trip on foot from the city centre, it is ideally located for the perfect sunset stroll. The 572-foot peak is the most recognisable feature in Dundee’s skyline.
5 VERDANT WORKS
The world-famous jute mills of Dundee used to employ over 50,000 people in the city, and you can see how they used to work in this fascinating museum. There’s so much do in this historic building that a quick stop won’t seem enough. Witness what it would have been like to work on the deafening factor y floor and live in the tenements of Dundee at the height of the jute trade.
6 THE V&A
The brand-new art gallery opening in a couple of weeks’ time is the jewel in Dundee’s crown. The remarkable building has been designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and is one of the most striking buildings you’ll ever see. Inside you’ll find a massive collection of world-class art, ever-changing exhibitions and a painstaking restoration of The Mackintosh Oak Room, a tearoom considered one of Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s key projects. Saved by Glasgow Museums in the 1970s when the building was demolished, it has been kept in storage until now.
7 THE MCMANUS
Lose yourself in the museum and art gallery’s eight exciting exhibitions. Situated in the heart of Dundee, The McManus offers a per fect hub for your day of discovery. The galleries themselves are packed with a wide variety of exhibitions meaning you won’t be bored. You can learn about ancient Egypt, view breathtaking art, and how the city of Dundee came to be what it is today throughout the stunning building, before enjoying lunch or a snack in the friendly café.
8 SLESSOR GARDENS
Named after mill-girl-turned-missionary Mary Slessor, this open, green space is sandwiched between the V&A and Dundee’s city centre and plays home to big concerts and cosy gardens. Little Mix, Steps and Simple Minds have all per formed here in recent summers and there are a number of fascinating themed gardens. Here’s the per fect spot to enjoy a scenic picnic.