6 Cool day trips from Dundee

Travel: Dundee to Forfar

• Via bus – 35 minutes
• Via car – 25 minutes

Head north from Dundee to the town of Forfar where you’ll find Glamis Castle, a majestic grand castle and gardens set amongst towering trees and lush greenery. This historic attraction has been significant throughout time and is said to have inspired one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Macbeth. You can also learn more about the long-standing connections to the Royal Family.

Spend a day at the award-winning Newton Farm Holidays where you can enjoy a tour to see all the friendly faces, such as Highland cows and goats, pick a farm experience or two, such as the Feeding Frenzy or Little Lambers, or how about taking your own alpaca for a walk? There’s plenty to get involved in here, and if you’re looking for that extra farm experience, why not stay a little longer in 4-star farm cottage or B&B onsite?

Travel: Dundee to St Andrews

• Via bus – 30 minutes
• Via car – 30 minutes

Travel to St Andrews where you can test your skills on the water with Blown Away at West Sands Beach. With thrilling watersports on offer such as landyachting, kayaking, surfing, stand up paddleboarding and more, the whole family can enjoy a day out on the water.

If you’re looking for a tranquil and peaceful escape from the city, head to St Andrews Botanic Garden. This living research and conservation project is hard at work to restore a variety of ecology. There’s over 18-acres to explore here, including a rock garden, a rhododendron globe, a pond, a pinetum, the Tangled Bank and more. Elsewhere, why not visit the St Andrews Aquarium to get up close with an array of wildlife, such as penguins, marmosets, pythons, seals, tarantulas, amphibians, and more.

Travel: Dundee to Broughty Ferry

• Via bus – 20 minutes
• Via car – 10 minutes

Just a stone’s throw away from Dundee you’ll find Broughty Ferry. This little coastal town is home to Broughty Castle Museum, a fascinating 15th century fort overlooking Broughty Ferry Beach. The castle is home to a detailed museum that looks into the people, life and history of the area. Afterwards, head for a stroll along Broughty Ferry Beach with views that span for miles across the River Tay to Tayport and beyond.

After all that exploring you are bound to have worked up an appetite. Head to Forgan’s for delicious local Scottish produce served up in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Travel: Dundee to Arbroath

• Via train – 25 minutes
• Via car – 30 minutes

Journey west from Dundee to Arbroath where you can delve into a wealth of history and heritage. Arbroath Abbey is a sizeable Tironesian monastery that has been significant throughout history, particularly in 1320 when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, asserting Scotland’s independence from England. Today you can wander through the ruins and explore the visitor centre, exhibition and shop to learn more. Located next to Arbroath’s picturesque harbour you can find the Signal Tower Museum, which tells the story of the local fishermen, fishing trade in the area and of the lighthouse itself.

Elsewhere, you can explore Arbroath’s cliffs and beaches which offer spectacular views and scenery to admire. Venture along the Arbroath Cliff Trail to see a number of intricate rock formations, or relax on Arbroath Beach whilst the kids build sandcastles.

Travel: Dundee to Crail and Anstruther

• Via bus – 1hr (+15 minutes to Anstruther)
• Via car – 45 minutes (+10 minutes to Anstruther)

Venture south to the Kingdom of Fife where the coastal towns of Crail and Anstruther await. These quaint fishing villages are full of character and offer delicious locally-sourced food with a real history to uncover. In Crail, explore the harbour and stop by Crail Fish Bar for traditional fish & chips, play a round of golf at Balcomie Links, or spend a few hours by the sea at Crail Beach. If you’re looking to explore the area more on foot or would like to get out for a wander, the Fife Coastal Path passes through Crail and Anstruther and encompasses stunning coastal locations and attractions to explore.

Extend your day trip a little further by venturing on to Anstruther. Here you can enjoy fresh local delicacies from the Anstruther Fish Bar, head out on a boat trip to the Isle of May where there are hundreds of nesting seabirds to spot, and pay a visit to The Scottish Fisheries Museum where you can learn all about the fishermen and fishing trade of the area.

Travel: Dundee to Dunkeld

• Via train – 1hr
• Via car – 55 minutes

Take a trip back in time to the Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay, which recently reopened its doors after suffering a tragic fire back in 2021. Now once again open to the public, you can see for yourself the magnificent Iron Age dwelling replicas, alongside exciting events that celebrate ancient Scottish traditions and culture.

Elsewhere in Perthshire you are spoilt with stunning, dense woodlands and forests everywhere you turn, with endless paths and trails to explore if you’re looking to get out for a wander. In Autumn, make sure you grab tickets for the immersive Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry that sees the trails of Faskally Forest come to life with sounds and colour. Get outdoors with thrilling adventure activities, such as bungee jumping on the River Garry, and watersports such as canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding with Outdoor Explore. The opportunities are endless in the ‘Big Tree Country’.