Dundee

Dundee's accommodation is concentrated in and around the city centre, putting the V&A, the waterfront and Slessor Gardens within easy walking distance of most doors. Chain options such as Hampton by Hilton Dundee City Centre, Four Points Flex by Sheraton Dundee and Staybridge Suites - Dundee suit those wanting predictable comfort and a central base, while The Clarendon and Urban Quarters offer a more individual feel.

Guest houses tend to sit slightly further out in the residential streets, with places like Alberta Guest House, Ashley House Guest House, Dupplin152 and Aabalree Guest House offering a quieter, more personal alternative at a gentler price. For something with character, the Fishermans Tavern Hotel in Broughty Ferry pairs a proper pub with rooms, handy for those preferring the coast to the city bustle.

Dundee packs a lot into a compact city, from the waterfront museums that trace its jute, jam and journalism heritage to a scattering of activity centres for wetter afternoons. Verdant Works and The McManus cover the history well, while Dundee Law offers the best view over the Tay for anyone wanting the lie of the land.

Families and groups tend to gravitate towards the indoor options such as Avertical World Climbing Centre, Block10 Bouldering and TeamSport Indoor Karting, all useful year-round regardless of weather. For something outdoors, Ancrum Outdoor Centre and SaltDog Marine make the most of the river, and Claverhouse Equestrian Centre suits those wanting to get out of town altogether.

Trails like the Dundee Treasure Trail are a good way to string several sights together on foot, especially for visitors trying to cover the city centre in a single day.

Dundee's dining scene has grown up around the waterfront regeneration, with the V&A and city quay drawing a run of cafes and restaurants that make the most of the Tay views. Broughty Ferry, a few miles east, keeps its own separate identity, with spots like Ferry Selkie reflecting a more coastal, low-key pace than the city centre.

Elsewhere the choice runs from neighbourhood coffee shops such as St Columba's Coffee Club to family-friendly places like Mother Hubbards and Bounce House Cafe. Independent cafes and specialist roasters, including the Ian Low Centre Espresso Lab, sit alongside curry houses such as Dil'se, giving visitors plenty of scope whether they want a quick coffee between museum visits or a proper sit-down meal.

Given the spread across the city, from the centre out to the Ferry and beyond, it is worth thinking about which part of Dundee fits your day before booking, since character and pace shift noticeably from one pocket to the next.