The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

The McManus sits right in Dundee's city centre, and it's a proper impressive Victorian building that makes you stop in your tracks the moment you walk past. Inside, you get Scottish art spanning centuries - everything from medieval religious works to contemporary pieces that'll make you think. The natural history section is where most families spend their time, particularly the Egyptian mummies and the dinosaur fossils. It's not enormous, which means you won't be wandering aimlessly for hours, but what's there is genuinely good.

Admission is free, which is brilliant, and you can easily spend two to three hours here without feeling rushed. The staff are knowledgeable if you want detail, or you can just drift through at your own pace. It works best if you've got a decent attention span - very young kids might find it a bit static after the first hour. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Scottish social history galleries, which tell the story of Dundee's industrial past without being dull about it.

If you're staying at Tayport Links Caravan Park or Larick Campsite, both just over four miles away, The McManus makes an excellent rainy-day option or a half-day cultural break between outdoor activities. Dundee's riverside walk is right alongside, so you can combine a museum visit with fresh air easily enough. Don't expect something showy - it's understated and genuinely interested in what it displays.