7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Dundee

Dundee, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a contemporary cultural scene, making it an attractive base for digital nomads. While the city itself offers plenty to explore, the surrounding areas are replete with destinations perfect for weekend getaways. From the popular to the peculiar, here are seven spots within easy reach of Dundee that promise to enrich your Scottish experience with adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

St. Andrews

Just a short journey from Dundee lies the historic town of St. Andrews, known worldwide as the 'Home of Golf'. This picturesque town is not only a pilgrimage site for golf enthusiasts but also offers stunning beaches, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle and Cathedral, and the oldest university in Scotland. Wander through the quaint streets, explore the botanical gardens, or enjoy a coastal walk with breathtaking views.

How to Get There: St. Andrews is about a 30-minute drive from Dundee. Alternatively, you can take a bus directly from Dundee Bus Station, which takes around 40 minutes.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to walk the Old Course, even if you're not a golfer. It's open to the public on Sundays and offers a unique stroll through golfing history.

Where to Stay: The Old Course Hotel offers luxury accommodations with views of the famous golf course. For a more intimate experience, try the quaint B&Bs like the Fairways of St. Andrews.

Where to Eat: For a taste of local cuisine, visit the Seafood Ristorante, which offers fresh catches with a view of the North Sea. The Jigger Inn, known as the town's 'oldest pub', is perfect for a hearty meal in a historic setting.

Pitlochry

Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Pitlochry is a charming Victorian town that serves as a gateway to the Scottish Highlands. With its enchanting scenery, it's a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Visit the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, explore the local whisky distilleries, or catch a performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Pitlochry is by train from Dundee, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit during the autumn to witness the stunning display of fall colors in the surrounding forests and hills.

Where to Stay: The Fonab Castle Hotel offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the Highlands. For a cozy atmosphere, try the Pitlochry Backpackers Hotel.

Where to Eat: Hettie's Tearoom is perfect for a traditional Scottish afternoon tea, while the Moulin Inn provides a rustic pub experience with its own microbrewery.

The Isle of May

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a trip to the Isle of May, an important bird sanctuary located in the Firth of Forth. This small island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with puffins, seals, and a variety of seabirds. The Isle of May also has a rich history, with a 12th-century monastery and a lighthouse designed by Robert Stevenson.

How to Get There: You can reach the Isle of May by taking a boat trip from Anstruther, which is about a 1-hour drive from Dundee.

Travel Tip: Visit between April and July to see the puffins nesting – it's one of the best places in the UK to witness these charming birds.

Where to Stay: While there's no accommodation on the Isle of May, you can stay in Anstruther at The Spindrift Guest House for a comfortable and welcoming experience.

Where to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at the Anstruther Fish Bar, known for serving some of the best fish and chips in Scotland.

Loch Tay

Loch Tay is a magnificent freshwater loch in the central highlands of Scotland, offering a serene escape into nature. Surrounded by mountains and rich in history, it's a great spot for water sports, hiking, and exploring ancient sites like the Scottish Crannog Centre, which showcases Iron Age life.

How to Get There: The drive to Loch Tay from Dundee takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes.

Travel Tip: Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the loch and its hidden coves – it's a peaceful way to take in the stunning surroundings.

Where to Stay: The Loch Tay Highland Lodges offer a unique stay with breathtaking views of the loch and surrounding hills.

Where to Eat: The Waterfront Restaurant at the Kenmore Hotel provides delicious meals with a view, and it's the perfect spot to sample local Scottish fare.

North Berwick

The coastal town of North Berwick is a delightful seaside escape with sandy beaches, a vibrant high street, and the Scottish Seabird Centre. Take a boat tour to the Bass Rock, home to the world's largest colony of Northern gannets, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the town's renowned courses.

How to Get There: North Berwick is accessible by train from Dundee, with a journey time of around 2 hours, including a change in Edinburgh.

Travel Tip: Climb to the top of North Berwick Law, a volcanic hill, for panoramic views of the town and the Firth of Forth.

Where to Stay: The Nether Abbey Hotel offers comfortable rooms and is conveniently located for exploring the town and its attractions.

Where to Eat: The Lobster Shack provides a casual outdoor dining experience with fresh, locally sourced seafood right by the harbor.

The Cateran Trail

For those seeking a more active getaway, the Cateran Trail is a 64-mile circular walking route through the scenic landscapes of Perthshire and the Angus Glens. The trail takes you through farmland, forests, and moorland, with the opportunity to spot local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the Scottish countryside.

How to Get There: The trail is accessible from various points; the closest to Dundee is Blairgowrie, which is about a 30-minute drive away.

Travel Tip: You don't have to walk the entire trail; choose a section that interests you and enjoy a day hike.

Where to Stay: The Bridge of Cally Hotel is a great base for those looking to tackle parts of the Cateran Trail, offering comfort and good food.

Where to Eat: The Strathardle Inn in Kirkmichael is a cozy spot to refuel with hearty meals after a day of walking.

Kinloch Rannoch

Kinloch Rannoch is a remote village in Perth and Kinross, situated at the eastern end of Loch Rannoch. It's a perfect spot for digital nomads looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in Scotland's natural beauty. Enjoy the quiet, take scenic drives, or hike up to the breathtaking viewpoints around the loch.

How to Get There: The journey to Kinloch Rannoch from Dundee involves a scenic drive of approximately 2 hours through the heart of Scotland.

Travel Tip: Visit the nearby Rannoch Moor, one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, for an unforgettable experience of Scotland's wild side.

Where to Stay: The Dunalastair Hotel Suites offer luxury accommodation in a historic setting, perfect for a relaxing retreat.

Where to Eat: The Riverbank Café is a charming spot for a light lunch or a cup of coffee with views of the surrounding countryside.