RRS Discovery and Discovery Point: Gateway to Antarctic Exploration
Explore the legendary RRS Discovery and immersive Discovery Point museum, celebrating Dundee’s rich Antarctic exploration heritage.
RRS Discovery, docked at Discovery Point in Dundee, is the last traditional wooden three-masted ship built in the UK, famous for Captain Scott's 1901 Antarctic expedition. The adjacent Discovery Point museum offers over 12 interactive galleries, immersive exhibits, and the Discovery Dome, celebrating Dundee's maritime heritage and polar exploration history. Visitors can explore the ship’s decks and living quarters, gaining insight into early 20th-century oceanographic research and exploration.
A brief summary to RRS Discovery
- RRS Discovery, Discovery Point, and, DD1 4XA, GB
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the museum and the ship.
- Book tickets online in advance to save 10% on admission fees.
- Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted inside the museum and ship.
- Visit during the summer programme (late June to August) for special events and activities.
- Combine your visit with Dundee’s Verdant Works Museum for a broader historical experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Bus
Frequent bus services run from Dundee city centre to Discovery Point, with journey times of approximately 15-20 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£4. Buses operate daily but check schedules for weekend frequency.
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Taxi
Taxis from Dundee city centre take about 10 minutes to reach Discovery Point. Fares typically range from £8 to £12 depending on traffic. Taxis are readily available throughout the city.
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Walking
For those staying near Dundee city centre, Discovery Point is a pleasant 25-30 minute walk along the waterfront. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Car
Visitors arriving by car can use nearby public parking facilities, including pay-and-display lots within a 5-10 minute walk. Parking fees vary but typically cost £1.50-£3 per hour. Note that parking availability may be limited during peak times.
RRS Discovery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about RRS Discovery
Historic Maritime Legacy Anchored in Dundee
RRS Discovery, launched in 1901, is a barque-rigged auxiliary steamship built specifically for Antarctic research. It holds the distinction of being the last traditional wooden three-masted ship constructed in the United Kingdom. Commissioned by the Royal Geographical Society and built by the Dundee Shipbuilders Company, the ship was designed for the British National Antarctic Expedition, famously captained by Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton. This expedition marked a pioneering era in polar exploration, with Discovery spending over two years locked in Antarctic ice, enduring harsh conditions while charting unknown territories.Immersive Museum Experience at Discovery Point
Discovery Point, located on Dundee’s waterfront, serves as the museum and visitor centre for the RRS Discovery. It features more than a dozen interactive galleries that bring to life the ship’s construction, the crew’s daily life, and the scientific achievements of the early 20th century. The museum includes the innovative Discovery Dome, an immersive audiovisual experience narrated by Alan Cumming, which transports visitors back to Dundee in 1901 and the ship’s Antarctic voyage. Exhibits showcase over 100 polar objects, including crew clothing, navigation instruments, and personal artifacts.Exploring the Ship: A Journey Through History
Visitors can board the RRS Discovery to explore its three levels, including the officer’s wardroom, crew quarters, engine room, and deck areas. The ship’s mahogany-paneled interiors and preserved features offer a tangible connection to the lives of the explorers. The wardroom, where Captain Scott and his officers dined during the Antarctic expedition, is available for private dining and events, enhancing the ship’s unique atmosphere. The ship’s ongoing conservation work is visible, highlighting efforts to preserve this national historic treasure.Significance and Recognition
In 2000, RRS Discovery was designated one of the United Kingdom’s most important historic ships by the National Historic Ships Committee, recognized for its maritime heritage, historical association, and technological innovation. The vessel is part of the Core Collection of vessels of pre-eminent national significance. Discovery Point itself has won multiple awards and is a five-star visitor attraction, operated by Dundee Heritage Trust, an independent charity dedicated to preserving Dundee’s maritime history.Events and Educational Outreach
Discovery Point hosts a variety of exhibitions and educational programmes, including the 2025 centenary celebration of RRS Discovery’s first scientific voyage. The museum offers resources such as virtual tours, crew interviews, and interactive displays that engage audiences of all ages. Special summer programmes and family-friendly activities make it an inspiring destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts alike.Setting and Accessibility
Situated on Dundee’s vibrant waterfront, Discovery Point offers scenic views of the River Tay and is adjacent to other cultural landmarks such as the V&A Dundee. The site is accessible with facilities including wheelchair access, hearing loops, accessible toilets, and tactile routes for visitors with visual impairments. While some areas of the ship can be cramped, the museum strives to accommodate visitors with limited mobility. Nearby amenities include a gift shop and visitor information services, enhancing the overall visitor experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Dundee War Memorial
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DD Tours
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Cox's Stack
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Dundee Photo Walks
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V&A Dundee
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Dundee Waterfront Gardens
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Dundee Urban Beach
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Dundee Maritime Trail
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Slessor Gardens
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Caird Hall
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Dundee City Square
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Dundee Contemporary Arts
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Essential places to dine
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Mexican Grill
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The Flame Tree Cafe
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The Selkie
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Vandal & Co
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Medina Bar
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Black Mamba
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Quirky Coo
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The Cheesery - Dundee Cheese Shop
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Primark
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USC
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New Look
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Maisie and Mac Gifts and Contemporary Arts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Educational
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
