Scotland’s waterfront city of culture and golf – an expert guide to Dundee

What can I do in four hours or less?

With the city centre so close and flat you don’t need an excursion to make the most of Dundee. Culture vultures can make it a one-stop stay at the VA Dundee. The Kengo Kuma-crafted world-class design museum, the first VA outside London, opened to much acclaim in 2018. It’s ever changing temporary exhibitions keep it lively and its waterfront restaurant with river views tempts on longer visits. The McManus Galleries are another venerable cultural institution and the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s old ship, sits right by the VA Dundee offering an experience more in keeping with the city’s long maritime history. If it’s St Andrews you seek, then Seabourn’s ‘St Andrews, Home of Golf’ tour allows you time to take in the golf heritage and the landmark cathedral.

What can I do in eight hours or less? 

Full day trips are the best option as the vagaries of the local weather seldom allow a deck day sunbathing. There are myriad possibilities beyond Dundee, best opened up with your own car. Break north up the coastline and the fishing villages of Angus await, a miniature Cornwall of craggy rocks and bountiful beaches. Arbroath sports an active fishing fleet and a landmark cathedral that has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history. Take the Tay Road Bridge south and Fife beckons with the legendary ‘Home of Golf’, St Andrews. Book well ahead to play any of the famous courses through the St Andrews Links.