If you’re looking to explore Dundee, Scotland, without the constraints of a traditional tour guide or crowded group, then the Made in Dundee audio tour might just be your perfect companion. For $7.99, you receive about an hour and ten minutes of engaging storytelling, guiding you through the city’s most notable landmarks and lesser-known treasures at your own pace. The tour is accessed via the VoiceMap app, making it a flexible option for travelers who prefer to set their own schedule.
What we really like about this experience is the ability to explore independently — pausing or re-listening whenever you want — and its focus on authentic local stories. The tour’s stops include everything from the playful statue of Desperate Dan to the Lemmings statues, blending Dundee’s famous comic history with modern pop culture. A second highlight is the free access to the McManus Museum, which perfectly complements the audio narrative.
However, a potential drawback, as some reviews point out, is the app’s reliability. Several users have experienced audio playing ahead of their actual location or disruptions when trying to take photos. This technical hiccup can be frustrating if you prefer a straightforward, smooth experience.
This tour suits independent travelers, history buffs, and curious explorers who enjoy self-guided adventures and discovering a city at their own pace. If you’re comfortable with using smartphones for navigation and don’t mind the occasional tech glitch, this could be a fun, affordable way to get beneath Dundee’s surface.
Key Points
- Flexible exploration allows you to pause, rewind, and explore at your own speed.
- Affordable price, making it a cost-effective way to deepen your understanding of Dundee.
- Access to both main attractions and hidden gems, providing a well-rounded experience.
- Audio storytelling adds context and local color, enriching your walk.
- Some app issues have been reported, so be prepared for possible technical glitches.
- Ideal for independent travelers who prefer to craft their own experience.
In-Depth Review: A Closer Look at Made in Dundee
Planning more time in Dundee? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Basics: What’s Included and How it Works
For $7.99, you gain lifetime access to the Made in Dundee tour through the VoiceMap app. This includes offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, so you’re not reliant on a data connection as long as you download everything beforehand. Given the tour’s duration of just over an hour, it’s a budget-friendly way to see a mix of Dundee’s famous statues, historic buildings, and cultural spots.
You’ll start at the Desperate Dan statue on High Street, a whimsical nod to Dundee’s comic fame, and end at the Lemmings statues on Perth Road—an unexpected nod to Dundee’s 1990s video game heritage. The tour is designed for self-paced exploration, meaning you can take as long as you’d like at each stop, making it beginner-friendly for families, solo travelers, or anyone wanting to avoid the rush.
The Stops: A Journey Through Dundee’s Stories
Desperate Dan Statue & D.C. Thomson HQ:
The tour kicks off with Dundee’s comic book legacy, featuring the famous Desperate Dan statue. You’ll learn about D.C. Thomson, the publisher behind thousands of magazines and comics, which shapes Dundee’s identity as a publishing hub. One reviewer mentions the statue as “a playful start,” adding a touch of humor to the walk.
The McManus Museum:
This free museum offers displays on Dundee’s history and art. While not part of the audio tour’s narration, it’s a worthwhile stops for anyone interested in local heritage. It’s an easy walk from the initial statue, making it a natural next step.
Fountains with Element Carvings:
You’ll visit fountains featuring carvings representing earth, fire, air, and water. Each element is paired with a quote from a local poet or author. The water carving includes an excerpt from Mary Brooksbank’s poem, which adds a poetic ambiance. This segment is especially appreciated by those who enjoy poetic or artistic details in public spaces.
Caird Hall & Philanthropy:
You’ll hear about James Caird and his sister’s philanthropic contributions, including funding Caird Hall. It’s a reminder of Dundee’s civic pride and the importance of community effort.
Slessor Gardens & Mary Slessor:
The tour highlights Mary Slessor, a pioneering female magistrate and the first woman on a Scottish banknote. Her story provides a strong female role model and adds depth to Dundee’s narrative.
Lemmings Statues:
The tour concludes with Dundee’s quirky connection to video game history, featuring statues of Lemmings. One reviewer notes this as “a surprising and fun way to end the walk,” emphasizing Dundee’s modern cultural contributions.
The Experience: What to Expect During Your Walk
As you follow the route, you’ll find the audio guide to be informative and engaging, providing historical context and local stories. However, some users report that the app occasionally plays ahead of your actual position or stops unexpectedly if you try to take photos, making it less seamless than a traditional guide. One reviewer says, “I didn’t know where to go next because the app was already ten steps ahead,” which might be frustrating if you prefer a more predictable experience.
The self-guided nature is ideal for travelers who love independent exploration. You can pause the narration when you pause to take photos or enjoy a view, giving you total control over pacing. The tour’s small group size limit of 10 also fosters a more personal experience, avoiding the overwhelming feel of large bus tours.
Practical Considerations
Since the tour relies on your smartphone, you’ll need to bring your device fully charged. Remember, smartphones are not included in the package. It’s also worth noting that transportation is not included—you’ll need to walk between stops, which is manageable given the relatively compact route. The tour covers central Dundee, so expect to spend your time on foot.
The duration of about 70 minutes makes it perfect for a leisurely afternoon or a focused exploration session. It’s a flexible way to get some background info while enjoying Dundee’s streets.
Authenticity and Value
The storytelling is the heart of this tour. It offers insights you might not gather just wandering around, especially about local figures and cultural landmarks. For $7.99, you’re essentially paying for a personalized guidebook in audio form—an affordable way to enrich your visit.
Some travelers mentioned enjoying the local quotes and snippets of poetry, which add a layer of local color. However, the technical issues noted in some reviews suggest you should be prepared for possible glitches, especially if you’re using continuous playback mode. It’s worth testing the app beforehand to ensure a smooth experience.
Who Should Try This Tour?
This tour is best suited for independent explorers who enjoy self-paced walks and prefer to craft their own experience. It’s ideal if you’re a history enthusiast or someone curious about Dundee’s cultural heritage and modern pop culture. It’s also a good choice for budget-conscious travelers, offering a rundown of the city for less than ten dollars.
If you’re someone who values smooth tech experiences and guided storytelling, be aware of potential app hiccups. Also, if you prefer a more traditional, guided walking tour with an expert leading the way, this might not be your best fit.
Final Thoughts: Who’s It For?
Made in Dundee offers a cost-effective, flexible way to explore a city that often gets overlooked. It’s a clever blend of history, local stories, and pop culture, perfect for those who enjoy DIY adventures. The self-guided format respects your pace and interests, making it an engaging way to discover Dundee’s hidden gems and well-known landmarks alike.
If you’re comfortable navigating with your smartphone and want to avoid large-group tours, this experience is an excellent way to make history and local flavor your own. Just be prepared for some minor technical quirks, and you’ll have a fun, insightful day exploring Scotland’s “City of Discovery.”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour is self-guided and relies on smartphone use, it can be suitable for children, especially those who enjoy walking and exploring. However, parents should monitor screen time and ensure the children are comfortable with walking between stops.
Do I need a data connection?
No, the tour includes offline access to audio, maps, and geodata once downloaded. Just make sure to download everything beforehand to avoid relying on mobile data.
How long does the tour take?
The core content lasts approximately an hour and ten minutes, but you can extend or shorten your visit by pausing and exploring each stop more thoroughly.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available anytime 24/7 from June 2019 to May 2026, fitting easily into your travel schedule.
What should I bring?
Your smartphone fully charged, headphones, and comfortable walking shoes. No transportation or food is included, so plan accordingly.
Are there any walking restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but be mindful of walking distances and any mobility limitations. Dundee’s city center is quite walkable.
Is there customer support if I encounter issues?
While specific support details aren’t provided, the app’s reliability can vary. It’s advisable to test your device and app setup before starting your walk to troubleshoot potential problems.
To sum it up, the Made in Dundee self-guided audio tour offers an affordable, flexible, and authentic way to discover Dundee’s character. It’s well-suited for independent, curious travelers who enjoy learning as they walk and don’t mind the occasional tech glitch. With its mix of famous landmarks, poetic quotes, and quirky statues, it’s a playful and meaningful way to spend a few hours in Scotland’s “City of Discovery.”