My husband has a business trip to Dundee September 9-12. I am contemplating joining him if we could do a scenic train trip out of Dundee to ?????.
We haven't been to Scotland before but would like to take advantage of this opportunity. We just aren't sure 1) What there is to see in the area and 2) given the short window of time we have available, if I should even join him.
We need to return to the US on the 16th and cannot extend the trip. (Just got back from England and have a trip to Canada scheduled for October, so we've gotta work!)
Can anyone give recommendations for where to go from Dundee by train that would be enjoyable for this short amount of time?
Posted by
Delaware
1440 posts
Hi, Lynne,
How many days do you actually have to travel outwith your husband's business appointments? Dundee isn't one of the most attractive cities in Scotland, but it is "up and coming," with many decent restaurants and shops. If you're stuck in town for a day while your husband attends to his business affairs, Discovery Point is well worth a visit, as are the Verdant Works Museum and Mills Observatory. The Victoria and Albert Museum is scheduled to open September 15th., and is expected to be a world class museum. Unfortunately, the exterior of the building is not attractive at all.
If you're interested in shopping, there are two malls in the city center. Of the two, the Overgate is the more upscale.
Train trips from Dundee can take you to Stonehaven for Dunnottar Castle; Leuchars for a bus or taxi ride to St. Andrews; or a visit to Edinburgh. I wouldn't recommend Aberdeen, as the train station is in the least attractive part of the city, and most of the attractions are outside of the city. However, the train ride, along the North Sea coast, is very scenic.
Hope that gives you a start on your plans.
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
OP
Knoxville TN
115 posts
His meetings would be over the evening of the 12th. We would have to fly home the morning of Sept 16.
Posted by
Delaware
1440 posts
Hi again, Lynne,
From which airport are you departing for the U.S.?
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
OP
Knoxville TN
115 posts
Edinburgh. We want to take train but to where from Dundee?
Posted by
Delaware
1440 posts
Hi, Lynne,
As you basically have three full days, and you're flying out of Edinburgh, you could catch a train from Dundee to Leuchars on the evening of the 12th, then take a bus or taxi to St. Andrews. Spend a half day in St. Andrews, return to Leuchars, then take the train down to Edinburgh. There is enough to see and do in Edinburgh to keep you busy for the next two and a half days.
If you want to get really ambitious, you could take the train to Perth, then switch trains and head up to Inverness. Last train out of Dundee in the evening would be at 5:50 p.m., if you can make it. The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours. That way, you'd get to see more of the Scottish countryside, and you could possibly take side visits to Aviemore and/or Pitlochry along the way.
Hope that helps in the decision making.
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I would do the trip up to Inverness or somewhere like Pitlochry, or Blair Castle which is along the route. I once stopped off at Blair Castle and I had all my luggage. There was a hotel--I bet it was the Atholl Arms--and they kindly let me leave my luggage with them as I walked up to the see the castle.