Things to do on a short break in Dundee

Tuesday, 27 March 2012 11:06 AM

A short break in Dundee is guaranteed to be a fun experience, thanks to the wide range of things to do in the Scottish city. Whether you want to see Desperate Dan, learn more about Captain Scott or just give your credit cards a workout, you will be able to do it here.

Museums and visitor centres

There is a wide selection of visitor centres in Dundee, so there is sure to be something you are interested in close to your Scottish holiday accommodation. One of the best is Discovery Point and RRS Discovery, which tells the story of polar explorers such as Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton.

You can take a tour of the RRS Discovery, the tall ship used for the famous 1901 Antarctic expedition, and also learn more about the brave explorers involved in the trip at the accompanying interactive exhibition.

Make sure you stop to take a look at the statue of Dandy character Desperate Dan in High Street, close to where the comic's publisher DC Thomson is based. Then head for the McManus Gallery and Museum for a very different cultural experience.

Housed in a beautiful Gothic Revival-style building, it features collections of paintings by local artists. You will also discover lots of artefacts related to the city's history, including everything from relics of the Scottish whaling industry to pieces picked up by traders from Dundee during trips to Egypt.

Castles

No break in a Scottish holiday home is complete without a visit to at least one of the many castles north of the border. There are lots to choose from around Dundee, including the imposing Broughty Castle, which overlooks the mouth of the River Tay.

It was built late in the 15th century and has been the site of numerous battles in the intervening years. It now houses a display about local history, as well as being the perfect place to enjoy spectacular views over the river and Broughty Ferry Beach.

You could also take a trip out of Dundee to see the fairytale-style Glamis Castle, which was the Queen Mother's childhood home, and Edzell Castle & Garden.

Shopping

You may have booked a holiday house in Scotland for a more traditional city break and if that is the case, you are sure to love the shops. In addition to modern malls, Dundee has a pedestrianised area with more traditional stores and a selection of factory outlets selling designer labels on the waterfront.

Aberdeen - the perfect short break destination

If you're looking for a city break destination that offers wonderful shopping facilities and cultural attractions, head to Aberdeen. Not only will you find retail opportunities and artistic landmarks in abundance, but you'll also be able to stay in high-quality Scottish holiday accommodation that ensures you have a relaxing and peaceful break.

Top 3 things to do on a villa break to Saint-Tropez

If you are keen to embark on a luxurious long weekend away but haven't yet decided where to go, you should think about visiting Saint-Tropez (or St Tropez, as it's sometimes spelt). This glamorous coastal town is the ideal place for a short break, though upon arriving you may be tempted to extend your holiday a little longer!

Feature: Short activity break ideas in Britain

We all know what it’s like. You have a few days off and the only thing you can think about is that the garden needs weeding or a cabinet needs fixing. Well, instead of wasting your energy on trivial matters best suited for a cloudy day, shake it all off with a horse-riding trip through Wales or two-day survival course in England’s south coast.