What to do and see in Dundee, Scotland: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

July 29, 2021 Deane Carmody

Ian Borthwick
Restaurants in Dundee

1. DD Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 271 reviews

DD Tours

Join our local guides on a city walking tour of Dundee. Whether you want to explore the achievements and culture of the city on a Discover Dundee tour, or unearth the city's dark past on a Dark Dundee tour we have a variety of tours to choose from. We run tours of the ancient Old Steeple, the tallest surviving medieval church tower in Scotland as well as the Vaults, the underground street from 17th century Dundee. We can also offer private tours for groups including parties, corporate groups and educational groups. See our website for latest tours, time and prices.

2. Escape Rooms Dundee

Balgray Works, Balgray Place, Dundee DD3 8SH Scotland +44 7421 995910 [email protected] http://escaperoomsscotland.com/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

Escape Rooms Dundee

Escape Room Scotland is an unforgettable experience in Dundee. With 60 minutes on the clock, you and your team have to solve the puzzles, riddles and brain teasers. The goal is simple – GET OUT IN TIME. We have 4 different immersive themed rooms. Each room is suitable for 2-6 players. C.A.R.A, Black Pearl & Gold Rush are family rooms suitable for 8 years and above. There must be at least one adult as part of every room booked. Kidnapped its not for the faint hearted and is for 16 years and over ONLY.

Reviewed By aer0811 - Livingston, United Kingdom

First of all, wasn't sure about the escape room as a concept, but how wrong I was! It's genius! I thought, 60mins, how good could it really be? But it's great fun, can be quite high pressure, a laugh, difficult but satisfying and leaves you on a real high! Can't tell details of the room, cause that's a spoiler, so I won't! We did Gold Rush, which is mining helmets, gold digging, dynamite themed... You've solve the puzzles to escape the mining hatch/tunnel... We are a family of 5, 2 adults, a 13yr old, 8yr old and 5yr old and we all had fun! Some of it a wee bit tricky for he youngest, cause she couldn't reach or read, but if you keep her involved she helped where she could! It can end up quite tense, frustration can be felt bubbling inside! But we all survived and came out friends! Highly recommended to anyone that asks! If you are going as family with younger people I think Gold Rush is the best room (there is a choice of 4 rooms in total) with Cara next for families. black Pearl is good, but slightly more difficult (in our opinion) for younger families, and Saw Room is over 16's only! Go for it, you got nothing to lose, the staff are great, it's fun, exciting and you get a cool photo at the end!!!

3. Verdant Works

West Henderson's Wynd, Dundee DD1 5BT Scotland +44 1382 309060 [email protected] http://www.verdantworks.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 895 reviews

Verdant Works

Verdant Works | Made in Dundee | One Mill | Many Stories Verdant Works is a world-class visitor attraction which tells the story of Dundee’s industrial textile heritage in the atmospheric setting of a beautifully refurbished Mill building which dates back to 1833. The story of jute and the story of Dundee are inseparable. The industry employed 50,000 people in the city at its peak and supplied much of the world’s demand for jute goods. As you explore the self-led museum at your own pace you will: – Soak up the atmosphere of the cobbled 19th century courtyard – Enter a busy jute office of 1900 and meet some characters of the period – Find out how jute was harvested in India, how and why it came to Dundee and more about Dundee’s bustling docks – Experience the deafening sounds of the machines and see the jute process from raw fibre to woven cloth – See a typical Dundee ‘plettie’, learn about tenement life and the health of the mill workers. – Discover who ‘kettle bilers’ were and all about the reversal of traditional gender roles in Dundee – finding out about mill girls, Suffragettes and the unions. – Visit the Victorian Half-Time School and also see how the workers spent their precious leisure time. – Enjoy drop in family activities in our specially designed Red Box learning hub – Learn about pattern casting, engineering and stop to pick up tips for researching local and family history in our History Hub – Appreciate the stunning mill architecture from the two viewing platforms in the High Mill – Watch in awe as the 1801 Boulton & Watt beam engine chugs into action … and don’t forget to stop by our gift shop and café to get a well-earned cup of tea and Dundee cake!

Reviewed By 349elainea - Cupar, United Kingdom

Fantastic museum, very impressed with first visit, wonderful tour, lots to see, Hilda friendly, first class friendly staff, great cafe and shop, well worth a visit, granddaughter loved it, we will be back.

4. HMS Unicorn

South Victoria Dock Road Victoria Dock, Dundee DD1 3BP Scotland +44 1382 200900 [email protected] http://www.hmsunicorn.org.uk/
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 373 reviews

HMS Unicorn

Please note, HMS Unicorn is currently operating with reduced opening hours. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for any updates. HMS Unicorn is one of the UK's most unique visitor attractions and a real treasure in the city of Discovery! A fascinating journey through time, we will guide you through the ship’s journey from a Georgian warship to becoming Dundee’s Royal Naval base during both World Wars. Built in 1824, she is the 3rd oldest ship still afloat in the world today and the most original old ship in existence. Come aboard for the unique opportunity to explore all four decks of the ship and get hands on with knot tying, try out our hammocks, learn about our armament and more! Take a tour of the ship using our brand-new guidebook, or if you're lucky, a guided tour from one of our fantastic volunteers before finishing off with a visit to our gift shop.

Reviewed By Navigate168807 - Alloa, United Kingdom

Wad passing it and just noticed it was a floating museum, glad I took the time out to visit it and learn of ot's part in our history, plenty to see and do for all ages, worth a visit

5. Mills Observatory

Glamis Rd Balgay Park, Dundee DD2 2UB Scotland +44 1382 435967 http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Mills Observatory

Reviewed By drrivett - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

I loved our visit here, managed to get a good view of Jupiter before it clouded over. We arrived early for a planetarium show and a very kind couple who knew what they were doing managed to focus the telescope for us to view before everyone else showed up. This would be great for kids who are interested, but the show may be boring for them if they are not into astronomy. Be very careful driving down the very dark road afterwards!

6. The Dundee Law

Dundee Scotland http://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/supportservs/dundeelaw/
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 945 reviews

The Dundee Law

Reviewed By HANDH13 - Duns, United Kingdom

Hold onto your hat! A brisk hike in a bracing wind rewarded us with a panoramic 360 degree view of Dundee and surrounding area. You can also drive up or take a bus.

7. Dundee Museum of Transport

Market Mews Market Street Unit 10 Market Mews, Dundee DD1 3LA Scotland +44 1382 455196 [email protected] http://www.dmoft.co.uk/
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 275 reviews

Dundee Museum of Transport

Dundee Museum of Transport tells the stories of local transport pioneers and innovators as well as displaying vehicles from local and national collections. Come along and learn about Dundee’s tram network, railway and marine history. Look around our constantly changing selection of cars, commercial vehicles and buses. Get up close and personal with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and have a look at our recreation of Dundee’s first flying machine. We host transport related events throughout the year, so keep an eye on our website for details of these, and new additions to our collection. Winter Hours: (November – February) Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday (not open on Wednesdays in January) 10.30am to 3.30pm. Summer Hours: (March – October) Wednesday – Monday (Closed Tuesday) 10.30am to 3.30pm. Last admission 30 mins before closing. Recommended visiting time is 1 hour

Reviewed By 966colinc - Dundee, United Kingdom

Just back from a little visit to Dundee’s less publicised museum and have to say was very impressed indeed. A fantastic selection of exhibits from transportation through the years ranging from cars from the 50s to the 60s and on to public transport in the second gallery where you are allowed to board the buses that transported Dundee folk through the 50s and 60s. Met Derek Simpson ( one of the volunteers) and his knowledge of the buses and trams on display were second to none, had a few questions and he answered them all ! Will be back and will be recommending this great wee place to family and friends.

8. Lemmings Statues

80-84 Perth Road Located at the entrance to Seabrae Gardens, Dundee DD1 4HQ Scotland
Excellent
59%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Lemmings Statues

Reviewed By cherminwil - Craftsbury Common, United States

The lemmings statues are climbing a post in a beautiful park with views of the river. During my stay in Dundee I would often walk in the direction of this park to sit on a bench and enjoy the breeze off the river. The lemmings are cute too!

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