Dundee Museum of Transport

Dundee Museum of Transport, Market Street, Dundee, UK
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Dundee Museum of Transport is one of the best things to do with kids in Dundee for families who want a look at the city's rich history. Situated in Market Mews, this independent museum showcases a diverse collection of historic vehicles, including vintage buses, trams, and classic cars that tell the story of Scottish transport through the ages.

Price starts from £7.50 for Adults, £4.00 for Children(under 5s free) and £18.00 for Family(2 Adults and up to 2 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, the Dundee Museum of Transport provides an authentic, volunteer-led experience. It is a fantastic educational day out where children can discover how people traveled in the past through hands-on engagement with real-life machines.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

  • Historic Vehicle Collections: Explore a diverse range of transport, from horse-drawn carriages and trams to classic motorbikes and vintage cars.
  • Volunteer-Led Tours: Engage with passionate volunteers who share personal stories and deep local knowledge about the city's industrial past.
  • Interactive Learning: Experience hands-on transport history with displays that allow children to visualize how local pioneers and innovators shaped Scotland.
  • Archive Exhibits: View rare memorabilia and archival photographs that document the evolution of transport in Dundee.
  • Inclusive Environment: The museum is dog-friendly and welcomes visitors of all abilities to explore the ground-floor galleries.

Detailed "What to See"

  • Dundee’s Last Horse-Drawn Tram (1887): See a significant piece of local heritage; it helps children understand how public transport functioned long before motors.
  • Aberdeen Corporation Tram (1901): This beautifully preserved tram allows families to see the transition in early 20th-century urban transit.
  • Vintage Daimler Buses: Step back into the mid-century era and see the design evolution of the buses that once defined the streets of Dundee.
  • Classic Motorbikes: A collection of motorcycles that showcases the changing styles and engineering focus of 20th-century personal transport.
  • 1880s Horse-Drawn Ambulance: A unique exhibit that highlights how emergency services operated before the advent of the modern motor vehicle.

Facilities

  • Gift Shop: Browse a small but unique selection of transport-themed souvenirs and educational books.
  • Café: A space is available for light refreshments, perfect for a quick break while exploring.
  • Toilets: Standard facilities are available for visitor use.
  • Accessibility: The museum is located at ground level, but visitors are encouraged to contact staff in advance to discuss specific needs due to the building's historic nature.
  • Parking: On-street parking is very limited. Use public transport or contact the museum for reserved mobility-impaired parking.

Pro-Tips

  • Visit Timing: Aim for a weekend morning to enjoy a quieter experience, as weekday afternoons can become busier.
  • Transport: The museum is easily reached by the number 5 or 74 bus lines, which stop at South Baffin Street, just a 3-minute walk away.
  • Accessibility Note: If you require mobility aids or disabled parking, email the museum management in advance to secure your spot at the top of Market Street.
  • Group Visits: If you are visiting with a group of 10 or more, book in advance to ensure the museum can provide extra guides and staff.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is it worth it for toddlers? Yes, the museum is very engaging for young children who enjoy seeing big vehicles like buses and trams up close, though they should be supervised as they are not permitted to climb inside the exhibits.
  • How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1 to 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to explore the four halls of exhibits and chat with the volunteer guides.
  • Where is the best place to park? On-street parking is restricted, so we strongly recommend using public transport; if you have mobility issues, contact the museum beforehand to reserve a space near the entrance.

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

  • The enthusiasm of the volunteers who bring the history of the vehicles to life with personal stories.
  • The wide variety of vehicles, which appeals to both young children and adults interested in engineering.
  • The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a stress-free environment for family visits.

What Visitors Don't Like:

  • Limited parking in the immediate vicinity makes it best suited for those using public transport.
  • Because many vehicles are on loan from private collections, visitors cannot sit inside them, which can be a slight disappointment for energetic younger children.
  • The current site is a temporary facility, meaning the space can feel tight when the museum is hosting popular weekend events.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

  • 1887 Horse-Drawn Tram: A cornerstone of the local transport collection.
  • 1901 Aberdeen Corporation Tram: A rare example of early electric-era transit.
  • Vintage Daimler Buses: Authentic city transit vehicles from various decades.
  • Classic Motorcycle Collection: Various makes representing mid-century British engineering.
  • 1880s Horse-Drawn Ambulance: A historical artifact of local medical transport.
  • Steam-Powered Road Roller: A heavy-duty machine showcasing the power of early industrial road maintenance.
  • Vintage Pedal Bicycles: A selection of cycles reflecting everyday travel in the early 1900s.
  • Maritime Models: Miniature replicas of ships significant to Dundee’s river history.
  • Railway Memorabilia: Station equipment and signals from the local historic rail lines.
  • Archive Photography Gallery: A collection of moving images and photos documenting the 70-year legacy of Dundee’s trams.

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Discovery Point: Just a short distance away, this award-winning attraction features the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic research ship.
  • V&A Dundee: Located on the waterfront, this design museum offers a great contrast to the transport museum with its modern architecture and creative exhibits.
  • The McManus Art Gallery & Museum: A beautiful Victorian building in the city centre that houses extensive collections on local history and fine art.
  • Dundee Science Centre: A perfect follow-up for families looking for more interactive, hands-on scientific learning.
  • City Quay: Take a walk along the waterfront to enjoy views of the River Tay and see the historic nautical landmarks.

New for 2026: Tram Heritage ExhibitionCelebrate 70 Years Since Dundee’s Last Tram Journey – Marking the anniversary of the city's final tram service in October 1956.

  • Legacy of the Tracks – Explore the history of Dundee’s tram network, from the first horse-drawn trams of the 1870s to the electric trams that operated until 1956.
  • Archival Memories – View rare photographs and historic film footage showcasing daily life, commuting, and Dundee’s bustling streets during the tram era.
  • Voices from the Past – Discover personal stories, memorabilia, and donated artefacts from former tram drivers, conductors, passengers, and their families.
  • The Final Journey – Learn about the historic last tram ride and see special displays dedicated to the iconic vehicles that served the city for more than half a century.
  • Rare Artefacts and Displays – Enjoy a unique collection of tram-related objects, photographs, documents, and moving images celebrating Dundee’s transport heritage.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission prices

  • Adult: £8.50 (includes Gift Aid) or £7.50 Standard.
  • Child: £4.50 (includes Gift Aid) or £4.00 Standard.
  • Concession: £7.00 (includes Gift Aid) or £6.00 Standard.
  • Family (2 Adults & 2 Children): £20.00* (includes Gift Aid) or £18.00 Standard.
  • Under 5s: FREE.

Annual Pass

  • Adult Annual Pass: £22.50.
  • Concession Annual Pass (OAPs and Students): £18.00.
  • Child Annual Pass (16 and under): £12.00.
  • Family Annual Pass (2 adults and up to 2 children): £54.00.

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

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The museum is now open 7 days per week, from 10:00am – 4:30pm, with last entry at 4:00pm.

Address: Dundee Museum of Transport, Market Street, Dundee, UK

Post Code: DD1 3LA

Council: Dundee

County: Dundee and Angus

  • Bus: Routes 5 (Ninewells/Barnhill) and 74 (West End/Ethiebeaton/Monifieth) stop at South Baffin Street.
  • Car: Parking is very limited at Market Mews. Please use public transport whenever possible.
  • Train: A short walk from Dundee Station.
  • Parking: We have limited parking spaces at the entrance to the museum and there is nearby on-street parking.

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