Dundee Attractions

Top Things to Do in Dundee, Scotland

Things to Do in Dundee


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Dundee.

Top Attractions in Dundee

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Speciality Museums
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!
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Red
    Stockport, UK331 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the amazing story of the earliest voyages to the most inhospitable place on earth, the Antarctic. Excellent displays of artefacts and stories about the crew and the hardships they endured and the incredible Captain Scott. There's also the dome gallery with a panoramic view of Dundee and the Tay. The highlight though is the RRS Discovery, built by skilled local shipbuilders to cope with the harsh Antarctic conditions which helped it endure two years trapped in ice. The expeditions were mainly scientific and were absolutely groundbreaking. This is all part of British and world history. There is also a very good cafe and shop. Combine the ticket with a visit to the Verdant jute mill.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • emma8434
    Edinburgh, UK17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We loved our visit here! There was lots of information but the best part is the volunteers. We met Lily who used to work in the mill and showed us the machines in use and gave us a wonderful explanation of her life. Really fascinating and made the trip so much better. We got the joint ticket which also lets you do the discovery point museum which is worth a visit also.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Red
    Stockport, UK331 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic. One of the oldest ships in the world. Launched in 1824 at Chatham Dockyard in Kent. As it was built just after the end of the Napoleonic Wars it was never rigged so had a roof structure built which has helped protect it ever since as well as the lack of sea service. Brought to Dundee in 1873 and spent many years as a training ship though a German submarine did surrender to it in 1945. Its about 90% original and is well worth exploring the different decks and looking at the various exhibits on display. Friendly and helpful staff.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andy W
    United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I didn't know what to expect when walking through its doors, but I was pleasantly surprised. It has many displays of its history, including a huge collection of animals and artefacts. There is an entire floor dedicated to art, where you walk through to another room that has beautiful artwork upon its walls. There is a cafe and it's disabled friendly.
    Written 3 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sharon S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really interesting place to go. A bit off the beaten path but definitely worth it. Staff are really friendly and very knowledgeable - my grandson really enjoyed the trains but do wrap up as it tends to be a bit on the cold side!
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Millie G
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Everything was excellent but some of the equipment was broken or just hard to use. Turns out I need 100 characters, goodbye.
    Written 21 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SheyM
    Dundee, UK20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smashing place, steeped in history, with spectacular views up, down and across the River Tay. Friendly staff, an emphasis on local history, plus an art gallery and a nice bit for kids, makes this quite the place to spend a few hours. That's before we get to the superb on the beach location. and the fact it's a short stroll from 'Ferry central.' What's more it's free.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Red
    Stockport, UK331 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic. Learn all about how jute is grown in India and why it then came to Dundee and became such an important industry. The Verdant Works was built in 1833 and by 1864 had 70 power looms and 2,800 spindles and was employing 500 workers involved in spinning and weaving jute. The industry employed 50,000 in the city at its peak. By 1889 though this mills time as a true textile works is over. The staff are friendly and helpful and it was lovely to see some of the machines working and be able to ask questions. See the architecture of the building from the viewing platforms and enjoy the different displays and the mighty 1801 steam beam engine. There's also a lovely cafe and gift shop though it would have been good to see some more jute made items. We got a combined ticket with Discovery which made it extra good value. Free parking next door for visitors.
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Callum S
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place to go for a walk, also has a nice play park if you have any children or need to run off some energy.
    Written 27 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Culture36024764043
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a lovely afternoon with Alison and her amazing animals, so many different characters with lots of personality ‼️
    Well loved and cared for ❤️.
    Brilliant experience definitely recommend a visit.
    Cheers Tracy
    Written 7 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris M
    Wetherby, UK1,302 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    we visited this impressive building designed to resemble the bow of a ship. The structure and displays were very good, and there was an additional cost exhibition relating to tartan. During our visit there was a great short dancing display by some children. The museum also has a cafe (separate review) and a shop. The location next to the RRS Discovery ship and museum is also very convenient. Our impression was that the space in the V&A museum provides a very pleasant environment, but was a little underused.
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 4407KR
    Northumberland, UK535 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    . . . Desperate Dan in the sunshine this time, with children clambering all over him for photos. A great magnet in the Square, attracting lots of attention.
    Written 5 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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