Name: Discovery Point
Rating: 5.0

Discovery Point

Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, Dundee DD1 4XA, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Discovery Point, located on the waterfront in Dundee, is one of the best things to do with kids in Dundee for families who love adventure, polar exploration, and maritime history. Housed in a striking purpose-built museum, this attraction is home to the RRS Discovery, the famous ship that carried Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their first successful expedition to Antarctica. Visitors can explore the vessel itself and discover the remarkable story of survival, scientific discovery, and life at sea.

Price starts from £14.00 for Adults, £8.00 for Children(5-15 years & under 5s free) and £36.00 for Family(1 Adults and up to 4 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Discovery Point offers an authentic, hands-on experience that brings history to life. By combining the chance to step aboard a real polar ship with interactive galleries, it provides an educational day out that captures the imagination of every visitor.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

RRS Discovery: Step aboard the original 1901 ship and explore the cramped cabins and working decks that served as a home for polar explorers.
Interactive Galleries: Engage with immersive displays, including polar-themed games, weather simulation stations, and hands-on scientific equipment.
Polar History: Discover the stories of the brave crew who faced extreme conditions in the Antarctic, told through diaries, letters, and rare archival footage.
Maritime Heritage: Explore the history of Dundee’s shipbuilding industry and see how the RRS Discovery was constructed to withstand the crushing ice.
Educational Day Out: Take advantage of museum-led resources and workshops designed to teach children about climate change, geography, and exploration.

Detailed "What to See"

The RRS Discovery: Step onto the deck of the actual ship; it is a powerful experience for children to see where explorers slept, ate, and worked during their long voyage.
The Engine Room: See the original triple-expansion steam engines that were the beating heart of the ship, showcasing 19th-century mechanical ingenuity.
The Captain’s Cabin: Explore the private quarters of Robert Falcon Scott, which provides a glimpse into the leadership and planning required for the Antarctic expedition.
The Discovery Gallery: View the wide range of expedition artifacts, including winter clothing, specialized scientific instruments, and preserved food supplies.
The Film Theatre: Watch the engaging museum documentary that tells the story of the expedition’s highlights and challenges, which is great for visual learners.

Facilities

Toilets: Fully accessible toilets are available on-site, including baby-changing facilities.
Buggy Access: The museum is pushchair-friendly, with elevators available to access different gallery levels; however, the ship deck has some steep stairs.
Café and Shop: Enjoy refreshments at the on-site café and browse a wide selection of polar-themed gifts and educational books.
Seating: Ample seating is provided throughout the galleries to make the experience comfortable for families.
Lockers: Limited secure locker facilities are available for visitor bags and coats.

Pro-Tips

Visit the Waterfront: Combine your trip with a walk along the revitalised Dundee waterfront, which is perfect for family photos and outdoor play.
Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will be exploring the ship deck and moving between several large galleries.
Check Accessibility: While the museum is largely accessible, the ship itself has some narrow and steep areas, so please check in with staff if you have specific accessibility needs.
Planning: Budget at least 2.5 hours to fully explore the ship, galleries, and watch the museum’s short films without feeling rushed.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum has lots of visual interest, but the ship itself is best suited for children who can climb stairs safely; toddlers will enjoy the interactive galleries and the nearby waterfront.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 2 to 3 hours is the ideal amount of time to enjoy a guided or self-guided exploration of the ship and the museum’s galleries.
Where is the best place to park? There are several secure council car parks located just a few minutes’ walk from Discovery Quay, providing convenient and easy access for families visiting the waterfront.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

The thrill of being able to board the actual ship used by Captain Scott is the highlight for most children.
The museum staff are frequently commended for their engaging explanations and ability to handle questions from curious kids.
The location on the waterfront is easy to reach and offers a great variety of other nearby attractions, making it perfect for a day out.

What Visitors Don't Like:

Some visitors have noted that the ship interior can be a bit tight and challenging for those who are claustrophobic or have young children in buggies.
Because the RRS Discovery is an historic vessel, it requires careful maintenance, which can sometimes result in restricted access to certain parts of the ship.
The museum is a popular destination, so it can get busy during school holidays; aim to arrive early in the day if you want a quieter experience.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Expedition Gear: Original fur-lined clothing, snow goggles, and leather boots worn during the 1901 voyage.
Scientific Instruments: Rare hygrometers, barometers, and magnetic compasses used for mapping and meteorological observation.
Ship Logs: Original handwritten expedition diaries from various crew members.
RRS Discovery Fittings: Brass ship bells, original porthole fittings, and navigation steering gear.
Polar Specimens: Preserved botanical and geological samples collected by the expedition’s scientists.
Photographic Archives: Original black-and-white prints documenting the landscape of Antarctica.
Communication Equipment: Early signal flags and semaphore tools used to coordinate ship movements.
Crew Mementos: Personal items left behind by the men who served on the historic ship.

Beyond the Main Attraction

V&A Dundee: Located right next door, this world-class design museum offers fantastic family-friendly workshops and changing creative exhibitions.
City Quay: Take a walk along the revitalised waterfront to enjoy the views of the River Tay and see the historic nautical landmarks.
Dundee Science Centre: Situated a short distance away, it provides interactive, play-based learning that is ideal for younger children.
The McManus Art Gallery & Museum: Explore the city's history in a beautiful Victorian building located in the heart of Dundee.
The Law: Hike to the top of this extinct volcano for the best panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding countryside.

New for 2026

Enhanced Virtual Tour: A new digital feature for 2026 allows visitors to explore parts of the RRS Discovery that are inaccessible due to conservation needs.
"Antarctic Wildlife" Exhibition: A new temporary gallery focusing on the biodiversity of the Antarctic, perfect for budding young biologists.
Anniversary Talk Series: Celebrate the ongoing legacy of the expedition with monthly talks from polar historians, running throughout the 2026 season.
Interactive Ship Trails: New self-guided activity trails for families now focus on "crew life," helping kids learn about the different roles on the ship.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Discovery Point

Adult: £14.00.
Child (5–15yrs): £8.00.
Child Under 5: FREE.
Family (1 Adult + 4 Children): £36.00.
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children): £36.00.

Pricing URL: https://www.dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk/tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

No specific birthday party packages are currently listed on the main website. Please contact [email protected] for inquiries regarding private hire or special educational event arrangements.

Monday - Saturday: 10am – 5pm.
Sunday: 11am-5pm.
We are closed on 24, 25, 26, 31 December and 1 & 2 January.

Address: Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, Dundee DD1 4XA, UK

Post Code: DD1 4XA

Council: Dundee

County: Dundee and Angus

Train: A 5-minute walk from Dundee Station.
Car: Follow signs for the Waterfront; multiple council-run car parks are available within walking distance of the museum.
Parking: There is a large pay and display car park adjacent to Discovery Point. Parking is free if you display your blue badge.