We’ve put together some suggestions for you for your short break in Dundee so no matter what the time of year you can enjoy the great outdoors, get some exercise and combine it with a great city break.
Dundee is a brilliantly compact City with lots of independent retailers, cafes, restaurants, bars and more to explore.
Get out and about in Dundee discovering the city by bicycle. Pedal your way East from the city centre out to the seaside town of Broughty Ferry and stop for a refuel before getting the adrenaline going with some thrills and spills at AVertical World or ScotKart. Alternatively you could relive the adventurous exploits of past explorers at Discovery point.
At the end of your day why not slow down the pace with an intimate evening sampling some of Dundee’s gastronomic delights.
Dundee is a great city to discover from on a bicycle. There are plenty of cycle hire stations at various points around the city and many give you a little electric boost with your pedal power.
Point yourself East, cycle through the tunnel at V&A Dundee, stop by the Dundee Cycle Hub to say hello. and enjoy the sights and sounds of a riverside journey that will lead you all the way to Broughty Ferry. The route might take you between 20- 40 minutes depending on ability, but the good news is that it’s nice and flat.
Park up in Broughty Ferry and discover lots of independent cafes, shops and restaurants. Browse for gifts at Eduardo Allesandro Studios, stop for a coffee at Sweetpea Cafe, or have a lunch at Bruach Bar & Restaurant.
V&A Cycle Hub Bruach
Point yourself West and pedal back to Dundee.
Stop at the Dundee Museum of transport and compare modes of transport, (look out for two of Marc Beaumonts round the world cycles)….you’ll even spot Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
If you’ve got energy to burn then test your physical ability and reaction time with a visit to Avertical World or ScotKart
Maybe you’d prefer learning about the exploits of others with a stop at the RRS Discovery, where explorers set off on a journey to tackle the Antarctic in days when we knew more about the moon than we did about the South Pole.
Prepare for your own expedition by stocking up on supplies and some tasty local goodies from traders like The Cheesery, Fisher & Donaldson’s or the Birchwood Emporium.
DMOFT Avertical World Scot Kart
You’ll be in need of a well earned rest after a fun filled start to your visit, so we suggest you refuel at one of the many fine eateries throughout the city.
You can still be adventurous with your tastebuds and taste menus to suit both local and exotic palates.
Gidi Grill Porters Daisy Tasker
Not many cities have such an abundance of beautiful natural places to explore, all within a short distance. Whether it’s north, south , east or west, you’ll find some of the most amazing hills, glens, rivers and beaches. Take time out and enjoy all the outdoors offers and breath in that fresh air.
Angus offers the adventurer a choice of 5 beautiful glens to explore. With well marked routes that take you through some spectacular scenery, you’ll be a world away and at one with nature.
Stay in Dundee can give a true city plus experience, where you’ll be in the hills during the day and hitting the hot spots in the city at night.
Make the most of the day with a bright start and point north to take a short drive to Glen Clova to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the East of Scotland. Explore Corrie Fee, bag a munro (or two) or take a more gentle walk up to the bonnie banks of Loch Brandy. The more adventurous might even try a little wild swimming. Get back to nature with this wee day excursion into the Angus Glens. It even amazes us at what beautiful countryside we have right on our doorstep.
Remember to pack your lunch and make the most of your time outside in the fabulous fresh air of Scotland.
Glen Clova Loch Brandy Angus GlensThe adventure continues in to the night where you can also explore Dundee’s nightlife filled with live gigs, secret cocktail bars and a whole host of enticing restaurants that can offer a well earned reward for all that exercise you’ve had during the day.
Why not soak up a little culture with an evening show at the Caird Hall or the Whitehall Theatre. Or catch some live music at a local venues and dance the night away
Casa Innis & Gunn 3 Session Street
By day three, you’ll be seeing why Dundee is a perfect base from which to explore Angus, Fife and Perthshire.
Cross the Tay and get back to nature at Tenstmuir Forest and beach, or bring out your competitive side with country sports. Or you may just want to sit peacefully fishing instead.
You can’t experience Dundee without learning a little about it’s history and there’s no better place than the McManus. Wander the galleries and find out why Dundee surprises even itself sometimes.
Then bring it home with some feel good food and a farewell dram.
Break your fast after an energising walk or run along our amazing waterfront with a stop at one the fab wee cafes dotted around the city.
Then head down across the water to blow away any cobwebs that still linger with a jaunt though Tentsmuir Forest and Beach. How many cities have such a range of award winning beaches to choose from?
Or Embrace the country life with a stop at Auchterhouse Country Sports.
Here you’ll be able to test your shooting skills with archery or clays or have some fun on a quad bike.
Spend a day fishing at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort. Trout filled ponds and all the fresh air you could want.
The Selkie Birchwood Tenstmuir
Your body mat be getting tired but your mind might be intrigued by what makes Dundee such a dynamic city? Then take some time to find out more about its fascinating story with a visit to the McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, peruse the shops and maybe catch up on some Christmas shopping. Make sure you visit Dundee Winterfest if you’re visiting in December
McManus Dundee Winterfest
Take it easy on your third night and soak up the atmosphere.
The dark nights aren’t quite so dark when you’re greeted like an old friend at one of the many bars and restaurants in Dundee.
Grosvenor
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