From ‘jute, jam, and journalism’ and the RRS Discovery to Grand Theft Auto, the waterfront city of Dundee in East Scotland is renowned for many things. Scotland’s ‘City of Discovery’, its fascinating heritage, industrial innovations, and leading design credentials have made it a vibrant hub of culture and creativity. It also happens to be responsible for a particularly delicious sweet treat, known as Dundee Cake.
Today, for visitors and locals alike, Dundee promises an inviting backdrop to immersive stays, whether you're looking to simply relax, wine, and dine, or learn all about what makes this city so special. And with one of the best resorts in Scotland just a few miles from the city centre, there's no better base from which to explore.
Ready to discover what Dundee is famous for? Here are some of the top things to see during your stay.
The history of Dundee is famously intertwined with its ‘three j’s’ – jute, jam, and journalism. This story began in the late 1700s, when James Keiller ran a confectionery shop in the city's Seagate. In 1797, his mother, Janet Keiller, is credited with the recipe that became Keiller's Dundee marmalade, widely regarded as the first commercial marmalade brand in Britain.
In the 1800s, Dundee’s already thriving linen production industry was expanded into jute. This was so successful for a while that the city became informally known as ‘Juteopolis’. In 1905, the Scottish publishing company, DC Thomson, was founded in Dundee. Completing the city’s famous ‘j’ trio (journalism), it is particularly well-known for publishing The Beano, The Courier, and The Scots Magazine. Today, places such as Dundee Heritage Trust’s Verdant Works Museum offer excellent insights into the city’s past.
Dubbed the City of Discovery, Dundee truly is a city at the heart of, well, many discoveries. Especially significant in the city’s history is the building of the RRS Discovery. A 172-foot-long wooden sailing ship, she was the first ship purpose-built for scientific research and the last traditional wooden three-masted ship to be built in Britain. Designed at the Admiralty by naval architect W. E. Smith and built by the Dundee Shipbuilders Company, she was launched in March 1901 for the British National Antarctic Expedition, led by Robert Falcon Scott.
Discovery later played a pivotal role in further expeditions, notably the attempted retrieval of Ernest Shackleton’s crew from Elephant Island, as well as the transportation of food and munitions during World War One. Head over to Discovery Point in Dundee and learn all about her extraordinary past and enthralling adventures, from Dundee shipyard to Antarctic realms.
A UNESCO City of Design, Dundee is the first and only designated city of its kind in the UK. Recognised globally for its creative industries and design innovation, it spans everything from art and literature to technology and engineering. In fact, Dundee has long been involved in the world of technology and was even the birthplace of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, first released in 1997. Rockstar Games still has a studio in the city, Rockstar Dundee, although the GTA series itself is now developed at Rockstar North in Edinburgh.
If you would like to dive into Dundee’s creative world, one of the best places to start is V&A Dundee. Scotland’s first design museum, it can be found on the city’s waterfront and hosts a huge array of exhibitions, displays, tours, talks, workshops, shows, and more. To find out more about what Dundee is famous for and uncover more things to do, visit The McManus Art Gallery and Dundee Science Centre, and keep an eye on the proposed Eden Project Dundee, planned for the city's waterfront.
Dundee’s waterfront has been beautifully revitalised in recent years to offer a mesmeric mix of past and present. Celebrating the city’s maritime heritage and industrial heartbeat with a variety of modern hubs and attractions, it makes for a wonderful place to explore. Wander along Discovery Walk and arrive at the waterfront, ready to enjoy the area’s eclectic offerings.
For those seeking unmissable historical insights and artistic inspiration, make your way to Discovery Point and V&A Dundee and take time amongst the rolling and temporary exhibitions. If you're looking for peace and tranquillity, then a walk around Slessor Gardens and Waterfront Place is a must. Meanwhile, Dundee’s urban beach adds a touch of tropical vibes for those sun-kissed days. Elsewhere, the city centre provides a huge range of things to see and do, including Dundee Science Centre, Dundee Museum of Transport, and Dundee Contemporary Arts, with plenty of accessible attractions in Dundee for all visitors.
Situated on the banks of the River Tay, Dundee’s waterside location in East Scotland makes it a great place for staycations and road trips. In fact, Dundee City Council shares that “90% of Scotland [is] within 90 minutes’ drive” from the city. Just a short distance from Kingennie, the area has something for everyone. And, if you're looking for a break from city glamour for a while, the Angus Glens, the Fife coast and the Cairngorms National Park are all within easy reach. Enjoy a luxurious base in welcoming self-catering accommodation and get to know all that Dundee is famous for – and what makes it so special!
Offering cosy rural retreats in the heart of Kingennie countryside, our stunning holiday accommodation at Forbes of Kingennie promises an unforgettable break. Start planning your dream getaway and take a look at our collection of welcoming retreats, including lodges with hot tubs, shepherd's huts for two, eco escape pods, dog-friendly lodges, and our tranquil boathouse. Promising the finest self-catering accommodation and everything you need onsite, including a waterside restaurant, you can relish a soothing break surrounded by countryside, yet only a stone’s throw from Dundee’s charms.
Get ready to fall in love with Dundee from the comforts of one of our luxurious retreats. If you’d like to find out more about booking your accommodation, what Dundee is famous for, and where to visit during your stay, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
This is a city with its own dragon legend, a polar bear that once went shopping, and a link to one of the most famous album covers ever made. Here are eight of our favourite Dundee stories, and where to find them today.
Ready to discover what Dundee is famous for? Here are some of the top things to see during your stay.
The Munros in Scotland are a list of mountain peaks over 3000ft and have been a obsessive checklist for hillwalkers since it was compiled in 1891. If you’re looking to explore the full range of Scotland’s dramatic landscape, try your hand at ‘munro-bagging’. That is, to climb every single one and explore Scotland’s finest scenery and far-flung locations in the process.
We already knew that the resort was special but our charming, dreamy and lavishly furnished Leannan Boathouse has featured in VisitScotland’s mini-moon destination list.
The idyllic waterside hideaway, a former boat house built in 1855, has been lovingly restored and offers the perfect retreat for a relaxing getaway in Scotland. With a balcony to boot, you can enjoy picturesque views whilst having breakfast or enjoying a glass of something nice.