Description
HMS Unicorn, moored at Victoria Dock in Dundee, is one of the best things to do with kids in Dundee for families interested in maritime history and Victorian naval life. As one of the world's oldest ships still afloat and the oldest in Scotland, this wooden frigate offers a rare look at life aboard a Royal Navy warship from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the original decks, see where sailors lived and worked, and learn about the ship's storied past as a training vessel.
Price starts from £9.20 for Adults(18 years and over), £4.20 for Children(5-17 years & under 5s free) and £15.90 for Family(1 Adults and up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, HMS Unicorn provides a unique, historic experience that brings the age of sail to life. By combining authentic ship architecture with detailed historical displays, it offers an engaging educational day out that is ideal for young explorers and history lovers.
Detailed Inventory
- 19th-Century Cannons: Authentic armament stationed on the gun deck.
- Historic Navigation Equipment: Compasses and charts used by officers.
- Crew Hammocks: Preserved sleeping arrangements used by sailors.
- Officer’s Mess Tables: Original furniture used by the crew during meals.
- Ship’s Logbooks: Archival records documenting the vessel’s operations.
- Medical Chests: Historical supplies detailing naval healthcare in the 1800s.
- Carpenter’s Tools: Manual tools used for the maintenance of the wooden hull.
- Naval Uniforms: Rare examples of attire from the ship's service years.
- Sailor’s Personal Ephemera: Preserved letters and small keepsakes left by the crew.
- Photographic Collection: Images documenting the ship's long service as a training vessel.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Discovery Point: Located a short distance away, this museum houses the RRS Discovery and provides a deep dive into polar exploration.
- V&A Dundee: Visit Scotland’s design museum on the waterfront for innovative exhibitions and family-friendly creative workshops.
- The McManus Art Gallery & Museum: Explore the city's history through local collections in a stunning Victorian building in the city centre.
- Dundee Science Centre: Offers hands-on science exhibits that are highly interactive for younger children.
- Dundee City Centre: Explore the shops and historic sites just a 12-minute walk from the dock.
New for 2026: Operation Safe Haven
- The Unicorn Preservation Society is currently working on a major maritime project: Operation Safe Haven. This project aims to relocate the ship to a dry dock for further conservation work and the development of a new dockside visitor centre, which will feature a café, shop, and dedicated learning spaces.
- Long-Term Preservation: Moving the ship to a dry dock is a critical step in ensuring the structural integrity of the hull, allowing for essential repairs that cannot be completed while the vessel is afloat.
- Enhanced Visitor Experience: The planned dockside centre will create a modern, accessible hub for guests, offering improved facilities like a café and dedicated classrooms for schools and community workshops.
- A New Home for Heritage: This move provides a permanent, stable home for HMS Unicorn, securing its future as an iconic landmark and educational resource for generations to come.
Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.
0.70 miles
