18 Amazing Gardens and Country Parks Near Dundee
We have rounded up the best parks and country parks near Dundee, Angus and Fife. All of these parks on this list are in Dundee or are in a short driving distance from Dundee.
This post explores the best short walking routes, national nature reserves and green space in Dundee and surrounding areas. From cliff tops to lochs, there is a trail which is enjoyable for everyone.
Clatto Country Park, Dundee
Clatto Country Park is a large reservoir with woodland and multiple path networks.
Interestingly, the reservoir was created as part of Dundee’s water supply in 1874, however, the reservoir is no longer connected to the supply network.
From the centre of Dundee, Clatto Country Park is a 10-minute drive.
The water is home to a range of wildlife. There are many ducks and diving birds, with many fish living very deep in the water.
Also, the reservoir is used by Ancrum Outdoor Centre for water sports, however, there are problems with Blue Green Algae.
There is a well-maintained path which surrounds the reservoir, and smaller paths which extend into Baldragon Woods and Clatto Moor.
Clatto plantations were connected to Templeton Woods by Admiral Duncan wood to give animals such as Red Squirrels more habitat.
Camperdown Country Park, Dundee
The largest public park in Dundee with stunning neo-classical Camperdown House as its centre-piece.
The name of the park comes from the victory of Admiral Adam Duncan over the Dutch Fleet in 1797 at the Battle of Camperdown, off the Dutch coast.
Camperdown Country Park is 400 acres and is home to almost 200 species of tree. There are a wide range of events and activities run in the park throughout the year.
Facilities include two elven aside pitches, children’s play area and gold course. Also, there is woodland, a cycle path, mountain bike trail and path network.
Camperdown Wildlife Centre is located in Camperdown Country Park. Camperdown Country Park is located three miles from Dundee City Centre.
The citywide Green Circular Cycle route goes through the park. From the centre of Dundee, it is a 15-minute drive to get to Camperdown Country Park.
Monikie Country Park, Angus
Monikie Country Park has two reservoirs, lots of green space, parkland and forest trails. Some of the many attractions include adventurous land and water activities.
There is a 50-acre water sports site that includes windsurfing, dingy sailing, kayaking and rowboats. Also, there is a high ropes course which is available from April to October.
Moreover, there are self-led trails, a marquee and BBQ hire and an adventure play park for kids.
Defined Bird Sanctuary, with its bird hides, is an ideal place to view a wide variety of wetlands birds throughout the year.
Also, during the summer months, Byzantium Cafe Restaurant is open. Monikie Country Park is a twenty-five minute drive from the centre of Dundee.
Crombie Country Park, Angus
Crombie Country Park consists of 200 acres of woodland around the striking Crombie Loch. There are over seven kilometres of woodland trails in the country park.
One of the trails I recommend is the Discovery Trail, where you can learn about the Crombie’s fascinating social and natural history.
The trails are a great opportunity for spotting wildlife, visitors can look out for red squirrels, woodpeckers, roe deer and waterfowl as they explore the woodland and loch.
There are toilet facilities, parking, tree trail, ranger centre, and picnic areas. Crombie Country Park is located near Arbroath in Angus.
From Dundee City Centre, the drive to Crombie Country Park is half an hour long. Crombie Country Park is approximately 13 miles from Dundee.
Craigtoun Country Park, Fife
Craigtoun Country Park is a 47 acre country park which is located just two miles outside St Andrews, Fife. From Dundee, the country park is a half an hour drive.
Craigtoun Country Park is fifteen miles away from Dundee City Centre. The park is open all the time and it is a great fun-filled day out.
The park is wonderfully maintained and beautifully arranged. Two tranquil lochs are located at the heart of the park, which includes a picturesque Dutch Village, and a series of ornate buildings that were added to the site in the 1920s.
During the spring and summer seasons, visitors can enjoy rides on the Rio Grande miniature railway and the Puffin’ Billy road train. Also, visitors can enjoy boating, putting and crazy golf.
As well as the attractions mentioned above, there are bouncy castles, pedal cars and go-karts. Annual Passes are available where you can get unlimited use of paid attractions every time you visit.
Also, Annual Pass Holders hold a 10% discount in the Craigtoun Cafe when a photo ID is shown. Craigtoun Cafe serves a delicious selection of hot and cold food and hot beverages.
Lochore Meadows Country Park, Fife
Located in the heart of Fife, there are over 1,200 acres to explore. Loch Ore is located in the heart of the country park.
Visitors can spend so much time walking, bird-watching, cycling, hissing, paddling, mountain biking or enjoying a picnic or BBQ.
You can explore the wildflower meadows, parkland or ancient woodlands. The facilities are free of charge. Lochore Meadows is a country park which is located two miles north of Lochgelly in Fife.
From Dundee, Lochore Meadows is a fifty-five-minute drive. Lochore Meadows Country Park is approximately 40 miles from Dundee City Centre.
Slessor Gardens, Dundee
Slessor Gardens is the newest green space in Dundee. It is located on the newly developed waterfront just behind Caird Hall.
The Slessor Gardens is a popular events space, keep an eye out for who is performing at Dundee’s waterfront.
Magdalen Green, Dundee
Interestingly, Magdalen Green is one of the oldest city parks in Dundee and has been used for over 400 years. In 1890, the famous bandstand was built and became an icon in Dundee.
Walter Macfarlane & Co of Glasgow built the bandstand at the Saracen Foundry and it was restored in 1991 and 2009. Magdalen Green is only less than two miles from the centre of Dundee.
Visitors can get amazing views of the River Tay from the green. It is a small park, which is perfect for relaxation and watching the trains go by.
University of Dundee Botanic Garden, Dundee
The Botanic Gardens covers 9.5 hectares and looks over the banks of the River Tay. The plant collection consists of a wide range of plant life from Britain and across the world.
You can find collections of trees, shrubs, tropical and temperate glasshouses, and water and herb gardens. University of Dundee Botanic Gardens has a popular coffee shop, gift shop and a plant nursery.
Also, there is a visitor centre which regularly hosts art exhibitions. Located in the West End of Dundee, just over two miles from Dundee City Centre.
Balgay, Victoria and Lochee Park
Balgay Hill is the home of the city’s Mills Observatory. Victoria Park offers a mixture of rose gardens and bedding plant displays.
Lochee Park is donated to the city by the Cox Brothers who were jute mill owners in 1890. Nowadays, Lochee Park is popular for sports.
Balgay, Victoria & Lochee Park are just under two miles from the centre of Dundee. The easiest way to get there is to follow Blackness Road.
Baxter Park
The pavilion and park were gifted to the people of Dundee by prominent flax mill owners, the Baxter family in 1863.
The park has 38 acres of mature parkland, grand entrance gates and sweeping lawns. Located one mile east of the city centre of Dundee is Baxter Park.
Stobmuir Park
Stobmuir Park is also known as the Swannie Ponds. It is located between Clepington and Pitkerro Road.
The ponds are popular for boating, and fishing and it is the home of the Dundee Model Boat Club. The park is one and a half miles away from Dundee city centre.
Finlathen Park
There is a viaduct which goes over the Dighty Burn. The Dighty Burn was known as Scotland’s hardest working stream, over 30 mills used the water during Dundee’s Jute Mill days.
In the park, there is a play park, football pitches, a small fitness area and a skate park. Finlathen Park is just over two miles away from the centre of Dundee, between Fintry and Linlathen.
Trottick Ponds
Trottick Ponds is one of the two local nature reserves in Dundee. The Trottick Ponds were built over 200 years ago to provide water for the Claverhouse Bleach Works – a finishing mill for linen production.
Since then, the site is now a habitat for a variety of wildlife in the river, ponds, meadows and woodland. Trottick Ponds is just under three miles away from the centre of Dundee.
Dawson Park
The park opened in the 1950s, a popular destination for locals that live on the east side of the city. There is a number of pitches, tennis courts, basketball courts and a bowling club.
Make sure to head here during spring to see the lovely pink blossom trees in full bloom. Dawson Park is located in Broughty Ferry, three miles from the centre of Dundee.
Barnhill Rock Garden
A lovely rock garden, a pleasure to walk round. There are beautiful plants with some unusual specimens.
The garden was started in 1955, after the volcanic rock in the area was cleared. Interestingly, the garden was once the old shoreline.
The public park is more than two hectares big, cared for by Dundee City Council and the Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden. In the 1980s, two new water features were added, creating a tranquil environment and haven for wildlife. Barnhill Rock Gardens is the first recipient of the Green Flag Award in Dundee in 2007.
Barnhill Rock Garden is six miles west of Dundee in Barnhill. Approximately, this is a twenty minute drive from Dundee City Centre. Broughty Ferry Local Nature Reserve is one of the two local nature reserves in Dundee.
The nature reserve starts just past the Glass Pavilion Restaurant on the Esplanade and ends where the Barnhill Rock Gardens begins. It is a pleasant nature walk with some information boards.
Forfar Loch, Angus
This is a great place to for a walk. The journey around the 2.5-mile loch usually takes about an hour.
There is varied wildlife to see including kingfisher, otter, fox and roe deer. Forfar Loch is a fifteen-mile drive from the centre of Dundee which is approximately a half an hour’s drive.
St Andrews Botanic Gardens, Fife
This is a nice and quiet destination with plenty of plants and trees everywhere. Everything is well maintained and the landscaping is the perfect balance between nature and rustic architecture.
Visitors can explore the 18-acre garden and view the most dynamic habitats and plants from all around the world, including a rock garden, rhododendron glade, pond, pinetum and much more.
The entry fee is £6 per person. Located in St Andrews, a twenty-mile mile drive from Dundee City Centre which is a thirty-five-minute car journey.
Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, Fife
Watch the seals frolicking on the beach by the shore. Inland, you can discover the hidden gem of Morton Loch, a mosaic of wetland and woodland.
There are plenty of trails to follow through the woodland where you can find old shelters from World War II hidden in the trees.
Parking is £2 per car for the day. There is a shack where you can buy sweet treats.
Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve is located near Tayport and it is a twenty-minute drive from the centre of Dundee.
Final Note
This post lists the amazing gardens and country parks near Dundee. Also, other parks in Angus and Fife are listed. There are some great walking trails which showcase the best cliffs, lakes and rivers in Angus.