Scotland

There has been a settlement at Dundee since the time of the Picts and the city, the fourth largest in Scotland, has a long association with trade and commerce. The three main trades in Dundee were “jam, jute and journalism”. Although Dundee can be described as a post-industrial city, as it has a mixed economy, it still has a large percentage (compared to the rest of Scotland) of it’s population (13.5%) employed in manufacturing industries.

Dundee City

For tourists Dundee proves to be an excellent base for a Scottish vacation.  Transportation links are reasonable with the city having an airport, Dundee Airport, and an excellent bus service. With such a long, and often violent, history it will not come as a great surprise to find that there are plenty of historic sites well worth a visit in and around the city. However, if you are prepared to hire a car then you will find that there is a huge selection of superb places to visit within driving distance of Dundee. I would strongly suggest a visit to the city of Stirling as Stirling Castle is one of the best days out I have had with my family. Below I introduce three visitor attractions that are worthwhile considerations for a visit while taking a vacation or short city break in Dundee.

The Discovery In Dundee

Discover Point Visitor Centre

Discovery Point is an award-winning attraction in Dundee, that tells the tale of the most heroic voyage of exploration ever done. The tale is of the famous Antarctic explorer, Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his first ship, RRS Discovery. On March 21st, 1901, the Discovery was launched at the Panmure Shipyard in the town. Captain Scott and his crew set sail for Antarctica on 6th August 1901, reaching there in January 1902. The RRS Discovery is a major element of the visitor centre, and has been fully restored, inside and out. Narrow passageways and steep stairs make it difficult to get around for some people, so there is an audio visual presentation on the dockside.

Sensation Science Centre

If you are looking for an attraction that the whole family can enjoy, then Dundee’s Sensation Science Centre is an ideal place to go. Sensation Dundee is the only UK science centre that is based on the five senses of the body. You can discover the wonders of science through your senses, with over 80 hands-on interactive exhibits. There are even live science shows, including on on the spot demonstrations, which show how ordinary household ingredients can be used to amazing effects. Any budding surgeons can even try their hand at keyhole surgery. Sensation brings science to life in dozens of fascinating ways.

Verdant Works

Verdant Works was once a working jute mill. At it’s peak in the 1860’s and 1870’s, the jute industry in Dundee employed about 50,000 people, in over 60 factories scattered across the city. Today, Verdant Works brings the history of this industry to life, through a range of displays including film shows, interactive computers and original machinery. This remarkable museum was once home to three steam engines running 70 power looms and 2,800 spindles. There was also 500 people working here, preparing and spinning jute and then weaving it in another factory across the road. Restoration work of the building began in 1992, and it first opened to the public on 16 September 1996.

If you are in the process of planning a vacation in Scotland or Dundee then you will find the sites listed below excellent resources for accommodation, hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts in the area:

Dundee Hotel Scotland – http://www.dundeehotelscotland.com/

Hotels & Accommodation in Dundee – http://www.virtualscotland.co.uk/accommodation/dundeehotels.htm

Hotels & Accommodation in Dundee, Scotland – http://dundee.hotelreservationhelper.com/