14 Best Sights in Fife and Angus, Scotland

Dundee's urban-renewal program—the city is determined to celebrate its industrial past—was motivated in part by the arrival of the RRS (Royal Research Ship) Discovery, the vessel used by Captain Robert F. Scott (1868–1912) on his polar explorations. The steamer was originally built and launched in Dundee; now it's a permanent resident, sitting by the suitably clifflike V&A museum. At Discovery Point, under the handsome cupola, the story of the ship and its famous expedition unfold; you can even feel the Antarctic chill as if you were there. The ship, berthed outside, is the star: wander the deck, then explore the quarters to see the daily existence endured by the ship's crew and captain.

Facing Anstruther Harbor, the Scottish Fisheries Museum is inside a colorful cluster of buildings, the earliest of which dates from the 16th century. A charming trail around the various buildings and odd spaces illustrates the life of Scottish fisherfolk; you can spend a couple of hours examining the many documents, artifacts, model ships, paintings, and displays (complete with the reek of tarred rope and net). There are floating exhibits at the quayside and a window onto a working boatyard.

Immerse yourself in these verdant botanics, replete with 2,000 square feet of heated greenhouses, woodland, rock gardens, allotments, and an enchanting butterfly house. It's just 15 minutes out of town via the Lade Braes footpath. Bring a picnic or enjoy the on-site tearoom. There are picnic tables around the gardens plus a plant nursery and gift shop.

Ten miles north of St. Andrews, this wonderful 50-square-mile nature reserve contains a Scots and Corsican pine forest and the birdlife-rich Morton Lochs, fringing dynamic sand dunes and the long, sandy Kinshaldy Beach. Popular with families, beachcombers, and naturalists, the beach is 5 miles long and has enough space for everyone. If you don't bring a picnic, the Crepe Shack at the car park is a decent food-and-drink option.

With four intimate thematic galleries, this museum tells engaging stories about St. Andrews University, the world, and the universe through its wonderful collections. It also showcases groundbreaking research. You'll find ecumenical regalia, decorative arts, and early scientific instruments, including Humphrey Cole's astrolabe of 1575. It also has sweeping views over St. Andrews Bay.

Originally built to guard the Tay Estuary, Broughty Castle is now a museum focusing on fishing, ferries, and the history of the area's whaling industry. The cannons and ramparts make for fine photo opportunities, and inside (up a very narrow stairway) are four floors of displays, including some of the lovely art collection of the Victorian inventor and engineer Sir James Orchar. To the north of the castle lies beautiful Broughty Ferry Beach, which, even in midwinter, is enjoyed by the locals; there is regular bus service from Dundee's city center.

J. M. Barrie donated this Camera Obscura to the town; located within a cricket pavilion, it magically projects an image of the wonderful landscape views onto the opposite wall. It is one of only four in the country and run by lovely volunteers.

A former hunting lodge of the Stewart monarchs, Falkland Palace dominates the town and is one of the country's earliest and finest examples of the French Renaissance style. Overlooking the main street is the palace's most impressive feature, the walls and chambers on its south side, all rich with buttresses and stone medallions, built by French masons in the 1530s for King James V (1512–42). He died here, and the palace was a favorite resort of his daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87). The beautiful gardens behind Falkland Palace contain a rare survivor: a royal tennis court, built in 1539. In the gardens, overlooked by the palace turret windows, you may easily imagine yourself back at the solemn hour when James on his deathbed pronounced the doom of the house of Stewart: "It cam' wi' a lass and it'll gang wi a lass." 

At the top of a thickly forested hill, Mills Observatory is the only full-time public observatory in Britain. There are displays on astronomy, space exploration, scientific instruments, and a 12-inch refracting telescope for night viewing of the stars and planets. Dundonians flock here when there's a solar or lunar event. If one happens during your visit, don't miss this universally happy experience.

At the Scottish Deer Centre, many types of deer can be seen at close quarters or on ranger-guided tours. There are falconry displays every two hours, woodland walks, and a café. The zoolike center, west of Cupar, is one of the few places you can spot the red squirrel, as well as wolves, lynx, wildcat, and European brown bear.

Taymara, the nonprofit group that looks after the North Carr Lightship, runs exhilarating dolphin-watching trips on the vessel Missel Thrush. Hour-long excursions leave from Broughty Ferry Harbour (weekdays) and Tayport Harbour (weekends), and take you around the mouth of the delta, where dolphins jump and play. Booking in advance is essential.

It's easy to spot this 46-gun wood warship, as it's fronted by a figurehead of a white unicorn. This frigate has the distinction of being the oldest British-built warship afloat, having been launched in 1824 at Chatham, England. You can clamber right down into the hold, or see the models and displays about the Royal Navy's history. Live events like jazz concerts and theater performances are staged onboard.

This renowned botanical garden contains an extensive collection of native and exotic plants outdoors and in tropical and temperate greenhouses. There are some beautiful areas for picnicking, as well as a visitor center, an art gallery, and a coffee shop.

In a former jute mill, Verdant Works houses a multifaceted exhibit on the story of jute and the town's involvement in the jute trade. Restored machinery, audiovisual displays, and tableaux all bring to life the hard, noisy life of the jute worker. A light and airy café serves Dundee cakes.