Dundee Train Station

Located on the banks of the River Tay in Scotland, Dundee is today the fourth largest city in Scotland, and one of the most important cities in the United Kingdom. Founded in the 11th century, and granted city status in the 19th century, Dundee has reinvented itself over the centuries. Today, this former industrial city is a technological powerhouse leading the way in biomedical research and digital entertainment.

Dundee is a pioneer too, becoming the first UNESCO City of Design in the UK in 2014. Its cultural cachet is being recognised around the world. In 2018, the Wall Street Journal placed the city in the top five ‘Worldwide Hot Destinations’.

With accolades like this, there’s never been a better time to visit Dundee. CrossCountry trains serve the city on several popular routes, including Aberdeen to Dundee and Edinburgh to Dundee, both are journeys you can complete in under ninety minutes. If you want to travel from further afield (and you should) Durham to Dundee is just over three hours away. Even a journey from the other end of the United Kingdom is possible. Taunton to Dundee is a relaxing eight-hour journey. There’s no better way to enjoy the countryside than on a CrossCountry train while travelling.

Things to do in Dundee

Located halfway between Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Dundee is perfectly situated as your starting point to explore the beauty of Scotland’s cities and countryside. The station itself was reopened in 2018, following a four-year £38 million redevelopment project.

You can uncover the city’s rich industrial history as it transitioned from textiles to pioneering developments in modern biotech and game design. Learn all about the impact of the jute industry on Dundee at the Verdant Works Museum. Hire an electric bike to explore the city and visit Broughty Castle Museum on the banks of the Tay. Climb to the top of Bagley Hill in the centre of the city and look up at the stars through the Mill’s Observatory - the UK’s first purpose-built public observatory, and it’s free to visit.

If you enjoy friendly sporting rivalry, then there is no better city than Dundee. The stadiums of the two local football clubs, Dundee F.C. and Dundee United F.C., are only one hundred metres apart. Scotland is just as famous for its rugby, so it’s not surprising the city is home to six Rugby Union teams as well.

From art galleries to museums, Dundee has a lot to offer the cultural traveller too. The V&A Dundee Museum of Design opened in 2018, and many famous authors, including Mary Shelly the creator of Frankenstein, have called this city their home. But perhaps Dundee’s cultural highlight is the statue of Desperate Dan, a character famous from the pages of The Dandy comic which ran from 1937 to 2012.

Don’t forget the whisky tours when you visit Dundee! You can arrange a private multi-day tour across the highlands, or simply enjoy a glass of your favourite whisky in one of the many bars and pubs around the city.

If you want to do some shopping while you are in town the city centre is only a moment away from the newly renovated train station and is packed with top retail destinations. The Wellgate Shopping Centre and Overgate Shopping Centre are both in the heart of the city so you will be spoilt for choice.

There’s plenty to see and do in Dundee, so why not book your visit to this wonderful city today, courtesy of CrossCountry?