As an adult on holiday, your version of fun can be vastly different from that of a kid. In a city like Dundee where there seems to be very little to do except maybe visit castles and go to the park. Activities that are actively tied towards children’s curiosity and fun, and families are more inclined to do, you might be wondering what to do to have fun in the city.
5 Fun Things to Do in DunDee As An Adult
1. Observe the stars at the Mills Observatory
2. Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Piperdam Leisure Resort
3. Have an Adventure at Monikie Country Park
4. A Tour of the Dark Dundee Vaults
5. Tour Dundee’s numerous Castles
Fun Things To Do In Dundee As An Adult
We’ve compiled a list of some of the places and things to do in the city of Dundee.
1. Observe the stars at the Mills Observatory
If you are a fan of stars, space, and the planets, then a visit to Mills Observatory is well in order. Although the observatory is open to all–including kids, it is also one of the best places for adults in love with the unknown of the universe. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the wonder of space, right?
The beautiful Observatory is perched atop Balgay Hill and is one of Dundee’s most iconic landmarks. As Britain’s first purpose-built public observatory, it offers visitors the rare chance to explore the night sky through a powerful Victorian refracting telescope.
During the summer, Mills Observatory is usually closed, and it only opens on selected dates in a particular season, mainly in the winter and spring. When it is opened, the observatory lets you view stars, planets, and other celestial wonders in space, while its planetarium hosts engaging shows on constellations and the solar system.
Other than the views of space, the exhibits that are usually held inside the observatory cover astronomy and space exploration. But the fun doesn’t stop there, outside, the surrounding Balgay Park features a “Planet Trail,” which is a scale model of the solar system ideal for an educational walk. All of this for free. So if you are looking for something beautiful and affordable to do in Dundee, Mills Observatory is high on the list.
Location: Glamis Road, Balgay Park, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Price Range: Free
2. Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort
You can guess what’s high on the list for fun activities for any adult, and it probably has to do with relaxation and comfort. This is where Kingienne Country Resort comes in, a luxury resort set in the Angus countryside just outside Dundee. Forbes of Kingennie is a combination of outdoor pursuits with comfortable, high-quality relaxation facilities.
The resort is especially renowned for its fishing, with several well-stocked lochs that attract anglers of all levels. Golfers also particularly love its well-catered golf lawns with its two on-site courses.
Meanwhile, accommodation is provided through stylish self-catering lodges and glamping sites. Many feature private hot tubs, a wood-burning stove or fireplace, a lakeside view, and your own personal garden. You can lie all day in the sun reading a book, or walking the natural trails surrounding your lodge and the lochs for a secluded and relaxing retreat. Guests can also enjoy The Scullery, the resort’s award-winning restaurant, where seasonal, locally sourced ingredients are used to create delicious Scottish dishes. There is also a bar and several communal spaces if you want more human connection and to meet with other vacationers.
Nothing screams fun than a chance to get away from everything and truly relax.
Location: Forbes of Kingennie Drive, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Price Range: £200 – £550
3. Have an Adventure at Monikie Country Park
Monikie Country Park is a beautiful woodland park with a lot of adventurous and relaxing activities to do. The park is located northeast of Dundee and was developed around two former reservoirs. It features woodland, parkland, and trails ideal for walking and cycling. But that’s not all the park offers.
The major highlight of visiting Monikie is the park’s watersports centre, which is open from spring to autumn. It is a major draw for many with activities such as kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and rafting. For those who find this too leisurely and instead seek a thrill, there is also a high ropes course and zipline.
Friends and partners can enjoy the picnic spots and peaceful nature walks through the woodlands. You can also hire a marquee tent and a barbecue stand and make a relaxing but fun-filled day of it. If you love bird watching, there is also the Denfield Bird Sanctuary that offers a view of several wetland birds throughout the year.
Location: Monikie Country Park, Panmure Road, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Price Range: Free
4. Explore Dundee Underground Vaults and Dark History with Dark Dundee Tour
This tour is for both locals and visitors alike who want to have an in-depth knowledge of Dundee. Filled with dark tales; stories of murder, battles, and gore, Dark Dundee Tour takes visitors on a tour of Dundee’s lesser-known history with humour and fun. The tour experience is perfect for adults who don’t mind a little bit of walking around and learning new things.
The Dark Dundee Vaults Tour takes visitors beneath the streets of Dundee to uncover stories of crime, intrigue, and debauchery from the 17th century. These now underground vaults, once part of an old street, offer a chilling look at a side of Dundee that is now long forgotten. Good news: there are different tours targeted at various sections and aspects of the city’s history, such as the Brutal Broughty, which focuses on murders, shipwrecks, and brawls, or the Vaults tour that takes you underground. You can tailor each tour to what you want to know exactly, your interests, and your horror level.
The tour is led by engaging guides and is very theatrical as well as immersive, bringing history vividly to life while revealing the darker chapters of the city’s past. Not recommended for young children or those with mobility issues, the Vaults Tour is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the macabre.
Location: Dundee City, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Price Range: £12 – £15
5. Tour Dundee’s Castles
Dundee is more of a gateway city to the more historic castles surrounding its area. However, this doesn’t mean that the city doesn’t hold its own well in the grand scheme of things. When it comes to castles, Dundee has quite a few to boast of, from ruins and preserved ones to others that have been converted for personal use.
Still, two castles are very well preserved and in use today. So if you are an adult in Dundee, castle watching is a fun activity to try out. There is the Broughty Ferry Castle, a 15th-century fortress perched at the mouth of the River Tay. With its long history of enduring sieges, constant switch of hands between Scots and English, and later used as a coastal defense during World War II. The castle is now operated as a museum by Leisure & Culture Dundee. It invites visitors to explore its battlements, gun emplacements, and exhibitions on local history. Plus, a climb to the top of the tower is rewarded with sweeping views of the Tay Estuary and the surrounding coastline.
The other castle, Claypotts Castle, is just outside Broughty Ferry and is a beautifully preserved Z-plan tower house from the late 16th century. Built more for comfort than defense, it stands out with its distinctive round towers and unusual attic corbelling. Perfect for those who love architecture, its many original features still survive inside, including the timber roof, though the interior is only open on select dates. The castle is also wrapped in folklore; from the tale of a brownie who abandoned it over a lazy maid to the spectral “White Lady,” said to appear at a window each May 29th, waiting for her lost lover.
Location: Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
64 Claypotts Road, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
Price Range: Free
Conclusion
Dundee is not just known as the “Discovery City of Scotland” for nothing. The city might be largely residential, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. Whether you prefer exploring and adventure, or relaxation and comfort, you can be sure to find something that you love.
