Day Trips & Tours from Dundee

North of Dundee you'll find the friendly town of Forfar. Take a tour of Glamis Castle to learn the history of the castle located in the childhood village of Queen Elizabeth. There is a bus service which leaves from the Forum Centre in Dundee that takes you within a 10 minute walking distance of Glamis Castle.

Just minutes from the castle is the Gin Bothy Experience where you can enjoy tastings of the award-winning gin, or you can take a tour of Ogilvy Distillery, just south of Glamis, to learn about, and sample Scotland’s first ever potato vodka.

For those interested in a scenic stroll, Forfar Loch Country Park offers a 4 km route around the banks of the loch, which is suitable for all abilities. There is a bus service which leaves from the Forum Centre that takes you within a 10 minute walking distance of the country park.

Visit Forfar

North of Glamis is Kirriemuir, the home of Scottish playwright JM Barrie. Find out more about the creator of Peter Pan at JM Barrie's Birthplace, a museum created in his traditional weaver's home.

Visit Kirriemuir

South of Dundee is Scotland’s world-famous Home of Golf, St Andrews. Choose from 10 courses to play, including St Andrews Links and the Old Course.

St Andrews is also renowned for its historic architectural attractions which are open to the public, including St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle. The town’s university is the oldest in Scotland, founded in 1413.

When the weather permits, or if you fancy a coastal walk, the West Sands Beach stretches along almost 2 miles of St Andrews coast and is the perfect setting for a family picnic or a dip in the sea.

There are regular bus and train services running from Dundee to St Andrews, making it a very accessible town to visit.

Visit St Andrews

Just a short drive or bus journey to the east, is the neighbouring coastal town, Broughty Ferry. This seaside town is home to an award-winning beach, independent shops and cafes and the historic Broughty Ferry Castle is also an opportunity to explore some of the community’s heritage on the banks of the River Tay.

Visit Broughty Ferry

Explore the former royal burgh of Arbroath with the remains of Arbroath Abbey and cultural Hospitalfield House, once a hospital for the abbey's Benedictine monks. Learn about the history of the lighthouses as well as observing fishing exhibits at the Signal Tower Museum. Arbroath beach features some of the most magnificent cliff top views over the coast and Arbroath, where you can spot a variety of seabirds. 

Visit Arbroath

Head west of Dundee to Perth, situated on the banks of the well renowned River Tay. Perth can be reached by a short train journey, or bus ride. There are endless attractions and activities to see and do in Perth, including Scone Palace – one of Scotland’s Georgian Gothic style architectural wonders that you can take a fascinating tour around.

Take in the picturesque views over Perth at Kinnoull Hill, with views of the River Tay, Friarton Bridge and the Tay Coast Railway Line. Other family-friendly attractions include the Black Watch Castle & Museum, North Inch Golf Course, and Perth Leisure Pool. Perth Concert Hall is also an iconic landmark worth visiting with a range of music, theatre, dance and art on offer to exhibit.

Visit Perth