Why you should visit Dundee

Why Visit Dundee ?

As you approach the Tay Road Bridge whether by car or by train through the Tay Rail Bridge you begin to understand why they call the river “Silvery Tay”. The city is situated on the east coast of Scotland on the north bank of the firth of Tay.

Dundee is Scotland’s fourth largest city and one of the most beautiful! Driving across the bridge you can clearly see the Law Hill. The city is built around this extinct volcano. You can drive right up to the top of the hill and from this vantage point you can see the whole of Dundee!

Dundee is Scotland’s sunniest city (it faces south) with over 1400 hours of sunshine every year. Its title “City of Discovery” comes from the HM Frigate Unicorn, the oldest surviving ship in the UK.

Dundee is known for its “3 Js” – Jute, Jam & Journalism. Although the Jute & Jam industry is no longer predominant in Dundee, you can still see the towers associated with the industry. Verdant Works is ideal for tourists wishing to learn about Dundee’s Jute Industry.

Keillers of Dundee pioneered the manufacture of marmalade here. They bought a shipload of oranges which they were unable to sell. Janet Keiller specialized in selling jam and using her knowledge invented marmalade.

Although Jute and Jam are no longer made in Dundee, the journalism sector still thrives. The company began as a branch of the Thomson family business. In 1884, David Couper Thomson took over the publishing business, and established it as DC Thomson in 1905. The firm flourished, and now produces more than 200 million comics, books and magazines every year.

Dundee is also a university town with a student population averaging about 32,000. Due to the high numbers of students, Dundee has a lively pub and club scene.

The town is a fantastic holiday location with Broughty Ferry having one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.

Within walking distance of Dundee city centre are Captain Scott’s Ship “The Discovery” and Discovery Point visitor attraction, Discovery Point is the home of Captain Scott’s famous Royal Research Ship Discovery. McManus Galleries is a remarkable Gothic building housing one of Scotland’s most impressive collections of fine and decorative art. Verdant Works, Sensation Science Centre, and the Dundee Repertory Theatre.

Close to Dundee you can visit Glamis Castle, Scone Palace, Angus Folk Museum, J M Barrie’s Birthplace, Arbroath Abbey and many other local sites of historic interest.

Give yourself plenty of time to absorb romantic castles and stunning formal gardens; experience top-quality visitor attractions that inform, inspire and entertain; and indulge in modern, 21st century, cosmopolitan city life, which combines shopping, art, theatre and culture.

Scone place breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and a major attraction to visitors from all over the world. Fifteen hundred years ago, it was the capital of the Pictish kingdom and the centre of the ancient Celtic church. It has housed the Stone of Destiny and been immortalised in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Dundee shopping is where visitors can enjoy state-of-the-art shopping at the glass fronted Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee, or take time to explore unique and individual designs created by gifted and talented crafts people in and around rural Angus.

Dundee has all the entertainment facilities you come to expect from a modern city. Theatre, Comedy and the latest films are all available.

Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre puts a huge mix of shows and talent under the spotlight. It is Dundee’s original ‘Music Hall’ and is situated within the centre of Dundee. The Theatre puts on a variety of shows including West End performers, TV stars, local Amateur Groups and shows specifically for children.

Cineworld is a multi-screen cinema located at the Camperdown Leisure Park and shows the latest films.

If you are hugry after sightseeing and shopping in Dundee there is help:

Dundee has a variety of eateries, restaurants and pubs that will suit all tastes and budgets. You can savour the flavour all across Dundee’s city centre. The welcome throughout Dundee is warm and when it comes to eating, drinking and enjoying yourself the atmosphere is cosmopolitan.

The Italian on Commercial Street is where the chefs are Italian and their passion for fresh, quality food can be seen and tasted. Many of their ingredients are sourced from Italy; but they use the finest local produce where possible. All of their meat comes directly from a nearby traditional farm and their steaks are nothing but finest Aberdeen Angus. Their fish is all fresh and prefer to use local suppliers wherever possible.

Bon Appétit provides traditional and modern French cuisine in a classic brasserie atmosphere in Dundee’s Exchange Street. It prides itself in slow food, but fast service! All dishes are prepared on the premises so during your wait you can select a typical French aperitif, a Kir or a glass of champagne. There is a small, but good, cellar with house wine of good quality at a reasonable price at one end of the range as well as some big wines for that real celebration dinner at the top end of the range.

Dundee and the surrounding area is the ideal place to see the history of Scotland at close quarters. With so many historical sites your lust for information will be satisfied. If shopping is more your way of enjoying your leisure time then Dundee has a modern shopping centre to offer you and quick access to major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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