This post is part of an AD campaign with VisitScotland and Museums Galleries of Scotland. All views are my own.
Known as Scotland’s sunniest city. It has managed to rained every time we have visited Dundee. it was no different on this occasion but for us, it’s the perfect weather! Let us take you on a wee day trip to the Verdant Works with VisitScotland and Museums and Galleries Scotland!
We set off on an early morning train ride from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, with a backpack of snacks and games. Straight from one city centre to another, travelling by train is a fun way to add extra adventure to your day.
The train ride itself is beautiful. Across the Forth Bridge and views of the Firth of Forth, watching the birds fly over the misty water. Travelling with 4 little ones can be quite costly, but Scotrail have their ‘kids for a Quid’ and up to 4 kids can travel for £1* each with a paying adult (*T’s & C’s apply).
The Verdant Works is just a few minutes from the city centre and well signposted for you to find. We challenged the kids to find the way and were there in 10 minutes from the station.
The museum is a mill, dating back to the early 1800’s. I hear what you are thinking. A jute mill? Really?
The kids LOVED it! There was a scavenger hunt for them to take part in the whole way round. Armed with little clipboards they got to spot weaving looms, top hats and typewriters. We were transported back to the 1800’s and got to see how the mill worked and the conditions of those that lived back then.
The kids learn about ‘mill fever’ and how young children worked in factories picking the cotton out of dangerous machinery…
Emily tried her hand at weaving too!
The staff were incredibly helpful and shared stories with the children and answered all the wild questions they come up with. Mainly about poop… so we got to see an old cludgie too. Look out for the surprise when you open that door!
Every part of the museum was so well thought out and interactive, the kids could wander freely around exhibitions, push buttons for to light things up, feel fabrics and play old school games.
Harry mastered the gird and cleek in the courtyard we did a bit of hopscotch too.
We stopped by the cafe for a late lunch, the blaggis (black pudding and haggis) toasties were excellent and the homemade lentil soup – in Emily’s words – better than Grandma’s. Their menu was all locally sourced ingredients and had something for everyone on it, including the kids.
The Verdant Works was voted No 2 in the 128 best things to do in Dundee, and we can see why! But that’s not all it has to offer. We had time before the train to stop by the McManus Art Gallery & Museum, one of our favourite museums. Not only does it look like something from a movie outside, it’s got 8 galleries over 2 floors, delighting in Scottish heritage, wildlife and decorative art. It’s an incredible museum and it’s free!
Fancy something else? You can go on the Desperate Dan trail, stop by the V&A and also board the HMS Unicorn. There’s something for everyone, rain or shine when you visit Dundee.
We got the late train home, fuelled by hot chocolates and chatted about our favourite parts of our visit before the kids dozed off and we arrived back in Edinburgh. Cant wait for our next adventure!
Verdant Works Museum extra information:
Summer Hours
Starting 1st April until 31st October. Monday – Saturday 10:00 to 18:00 (Sunday 11:00) Last admissions one hour before closing
Winter Hours
Starting 1st November until 31st March
Monday, Tuesday Closed
Wed – Sat 10:00 – 17:00
Sun 11:00 – 17:00