International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition 17

A curated selection of beautiful flora, wonderful landscapes and more, in one of Dundee’s most atmospheric historic spaces. Accompanied by awarded images from “Dundee’s Heritage and Nature” Special Award competition.

Discovery Repairs: Explore the Build

Experience conservation work undertaken by Scottish engineers using traditional methods, to restore Discovery’s ageing timbers as she approaches her 100th anniversary as a Royal Research Ship, in 2025!

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Support us to care for our nationally significant Polar and Jute Collections.

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Discover the difference your business could make to our work in Dundee.

Our Sustainability Strategy

At Dundee Heritage Trust, we are committed to protecting and sharing our local and global heritage for current and future generations.

Latest News
ABOUT US

Keep up to date with news and stories from Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum.

Polar Publications

Celebrate two iconic publications from within our Polar Collections; the famous South Polar Times compiled on Discovery in 1902, and Shackleton’s rare Aurora Australis.

The Boss
COLLECTIONS

As 2024 marks #Shackleton150, we look at just some of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Discovery story, and how his first trip to Antarctica paved the way for an incredible career in Polar exploration.

Discovery Point Dundee

An Antarctic Adventure
Welcome aboard! We are open as usual.
DISCOVERY POINT

Climb aboard the Royal Research Ship Discovery

Embark on an intrepid voyage through time at Discovery Point, the perfect destination for adventurers of all ages. Explore the pioneering Royal Research Ship Discovery and uncover the stories of her illustrious past, from her beginnings in the shipyards of Dundee and her legendary Antarctic expedition of 1901 under Captain Scott, to her many adventures beyond. Step aboard and immerse yourself in the journey of Discovery!

royal research ship discovery

Explore the build

SHIP REPAIRS

An exciting opportunity to see traditional repairs and preservation to the Royal Research Ship Discovery – and you’re invited!

This summer, visitors to Discovery Point will witness major preservation works being carried out on the Royal Research Ship Discovery, as she turns 123 years old. The ship will still be fully accessible throughout the works, and visitors will have a rare and precious opportunity to see traditional heritage shipbuilding skills in action.

Find out more about Discovery’s repairs

Plan Your Visit To Discovery Point

Admission Fees
Opening Times
Find Us
  • Adult: £17.00
  • Child (5-16 years): £9.50
  • Concession: £13.00
  • Family: £46.50

Save when you visit Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum in the same year with our joint pass!

  • Adult: £24.50
  • Child (5-16 years): £9.50
  • Under 5’s: Free
  • Concession: £20.50
  • Family: £58.00
Summer: 1st April – 31st October
  • Mon – Sat: 10am – 5pm
  • Sun: 11am – 5pm
Last entry 1 hour before closure
Winter: 1st November – 31st March
  • Mon – Sat: 10am – 4pm
  • Sun: 11am – 4pm
Last entry 1 hour before closure
Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, Dundee, DD1 4XA

FAQs

How long should I allow for a visit to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery?

We recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours for a visit. Admission comes as an annual pass, allowing unlimited repeat visits for 12 months – so visit as many times as you like!

Who is eligible for a concession rate?

Concession rate is available for students, visitors aged 65+, and disabled badge holders.

Do I need to book in advance to visit Discovery Point?

You can either book in advance, or pay on arrival; whichever you prefer. During busy months, we recommend pre-booking your Discovery Dome timeslot in advance.

Can I access the Discovery Dome at any time?

Our Discovery Dome experience runs twice each hour. You can either book your timeslot in advance, or if you are paying on arrival at Discovery Point, our friendly visitor services team will assist you.

Does Discovery Point have a cafe?

We do not have a cafe, though there are lots of wonderful cafes close-by, including at our sister venue, Verdant Works Museum.

Is Discovery Point accessible?

Most of the museum is accessible. The Royal Research Ship Discovery is not fully accessible due to its historic build; however, we have an alternative viewing booth option for visitors who cannot access the ship. View our full accessibility guide. 

Are dogs allowed?

Only Guide Dogs or Assistance Dogs are permitted at Discovery Point. View our accessibility guide.

ROYAL RESEARCH SHIP DISCOVERY

The Story of RRS Discovery

The Royal Research Ship Discovery’s legacy spans over 120 years. Having travelled all over the globe, the ship returned to its home of Dundee in 1986 and has since been cared for by Dundee Heritage Trust. Get a glimpse into her remarkable ongoing story.

1901-1904

British National Antarctic Expedition

Discover how this ground breaking expedition to Antarctica on the first British commissioned scientific research ship came about. Learn about the crew and the remarkable findings.
Read More
1905-1923

The Forgotten Years

Costs of the 1901 Expedition meant SY Discovery was sold to a private company. Find out how she was then sent into war service during the First World War.
Read More
1925-1927

Oceanographic Expeditions

How did a ship based on the famous Dundee Whalers become the center of a project to conserve the struggling whale stocks of Antarctica?
Read More

Made in Dundee. Designed for adventure.

Reviews

What people say

Great museum with so much information about the building of the Discovery and its journeys into the Antarctic. Follow the route round, learning everything about the ship and its crew. After that, you can board Discovery and experience some of it yourself. A wonderful day out that is good value!

Discovery Point – Lyn B

Took my 5 year old and he loved it – we all did! The ship and museum were amazing and we learned so much, the gentleman explaining all about the bell was fantastic.

Discovery Point – Carrie D

An immersive, interactive, inspiring, & visually stunning museum. Visual displays, videos on wall screens, activities for kids, displays indoors, and you can go on to the deck of the ship & below.

Discovery Point – Helen R

This is an excellent museum all about RRS Discovery – the history and expedition – with plenty of items to look at. And of course, the actual ship to board and explore!

Discovery Point – James K

A lovely little place dedicated to the preservation of a masterful ship… The fact that this ship is still in impeccable and shining condition is impressive!

Discovery Point – Joshua F

This was an awesome experience! You get to freely explore the 3 different levels of the Discovery ship. The museum before the ship is full of cool movies and learning experiences. Highly recommend this!

Discovery Point – Riane M

What a very interesting place to visit so much history. The tour around the ship was great, with such a feeling of what it might have been like to sail on such an amazing ship from our history. Shop was full of interesting souvenirs!

Discovery Point – Steve A

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