HMS Unicorn Dundee
Explore HMS Unicorn, a restored 1824 Royal Navy warship in Dundee. Discover naval life across 4 decks, from WWII service to its present-day museum sta...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
HMS Unicorn Dundee
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore HMS Unicorn, a restored 1824 Royal Navy warship in Dundee. Discover naval life across 4 decks, from WWII service to its present-day museum status.
"Brilliant! Unusual museum within the ship itself. Interesting artefacts and fun to go down the decks."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple decks with varying floor surfaces. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant visit.
Engage with Volunteers
The ship's volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to enrich your understanding of naval history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore Four Decks of History
Throughout the ship
Wander through four decks, each revealing different aspects of naval life and the ship's extensive history. A truly immersive experience.
The Anniversary Garden
Onboard
A peaceful spot to relax and enjoy views of HMS Unicorn. Perfect for a quiet moment or catching up with friends.
Interactive Quizzes for Kids
Throughout the ship
Engage younger visitors with fun treasure and picture hunts, making history exciting and memorable for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple decks with varying floor surfaces. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant visit.
Engage with Volunteers
The ship's volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to enrich your understanding of naval history.
Check Opening Hours
The ship is generally open Tuesday-Sunday, but always verify hours before your visit. :clock1:
Great for History Buffs
If you love maritime history, this is a must-visit. The displays and exhibitions are outstanding. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring multiple decks with varying floor surfaces. :athletic_shoe: Comfortable footwear is a must for a pleasant visit.
Engage with Volunteers
The ship's volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions to enrich your understanding of naval history.
Check Opening Hours
The ship is generally open Tuesday-Sunday, but always verify hours before your visit. :clock1:
Great for History Buffs
If you love maritime history, this is a must-visit. The displays and exhibitions are outstanding. :books:
Lost Item? Reach Out!
One visitor lost a purse and asked for help via TikTok. Contact the ship directly if you've lost anything. :lost_phone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise HMS Unicorn as a brilliant and unusual museum, highlighting the friendly and knowledgeable staff and the immersive experience of exploring the ship's four decks. Many appreciate the historical artifacts and engaging quizzes for children. However, the ship's layout with narrow passages and low ceilings means it's not suitable for those with limited mobility.
"Brilliant! Unusual museum within the ship itself. Interesting artefacts and fun to go down the decks where each ceiling gets progressively lower. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Sadly not suitable for those with limited mobility. Otherwise, a great find. Recommend"
Zee N
"Anyone who enjoys seeing ships up close will love this place. You can walk through the entire ship. There’s a fun quiz for children, where they search for answers along the way. It was a great experience — I definitely recommend it."
Zdeněk F.
"Wow what an amazing day x storm Amy didn't stop me x HMS unicorn what a place , the volunteers so friendly and helpful, history in abundance gosh so much to explore 4 floors and to get so close to everything and learn so much ,the display boards and exhibitions and films outstanding, quite moving to be inside such a magnificent ship well done to everyone who are preserving and taking care of her x cheers nicki t"
Nicola Tranter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
HMS Unicorn is located at Victoria Dock in Dundee. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or via public transport. Many visitors arrive by train to Dundee station and then take a short bus or taxi ride to the waterfront. 
Yes, there is parking available near HMS Unicorn at the docks. Some visitors have mentioned helpful staff assisting with car parking.
Absolutely! HMS Unicorn is a key attraction on Dundee's waterfront and can easily be incorporated into a day trip, often alongside visits to other sites like Dudhope Castle or the V&A Dundee.
Dundee is accessible by train from major UK cities like London and Edinburgh. For international travelers, flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow and then taking a train or bus to Dundee is common.
Yes, HMS Unicorn is prominently situated at Victoria Dock and is a well-known landmark on Dundee's waterfront, often mentioned alongside HMS Discovery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally an affordable attraction. It's best to check the official HMS Unicorn website for the most current admission fees and any potential discounts.
While not always strictly required, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
HMS Unicorn is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Anniversary Garden is open 24/7. Always confirm hours on their official site before visiting.
Yes, HMS Unicorn offers a fun treasure and picture hunt for children, making it an engaging experience for families.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets online or contact HMS Unicorn directly for specific inquiries about refunds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore four decks of the ship, discover historical artifacts, learn about naval life through exhibitions and films, and enjoy the Anniversary Garden.
Unfortunately, due to its historic nature, HMS Unicorn has narrow passageways and low ceilings, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the ship, depending on their interest level and engagement with the exhibits and quizzes.
While not explicitly stated as formal guided tours, the ship is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to share information and answer questions, providing an informal guided experience.
HMS Unicorn is one of the oldest ships still afloat and served as a light aircraft carrier and aircraft repair ship for the Royal Navy during WWII, participating in key operations. +2
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed on HMS Unicorn for personal use. It's a great opportunity to capture the historic ship's interior and exterior.
The ship's decks, the engine room (if accessible), and the exterior views from the dockside offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Anniversary Garden also provides a scenic backdrop.
Drone usage is typically restricted in many public areas and historical sites. It's best to check with HMS Unicorn directly or local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
For commercial photography or filming, you will likely need to seek permission from HMS Unicorn management in advance.
A camera with good low-light performance or a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the often confined spaces and historical details inside the ship.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ship is a marvel, be mindful of the narrow passages and low ceilings, especially with very young children or strollers. The volunteers are generally welcoming and can offer insights that might appeal to different age groups. It's a unique way to introduce kids to maritime history in a hands-on environment.
⚓ History Enthusiasts
The detailed exhibitions, artifacts, and the ship's own story as a WWII light aircraft carrier and repair vessel provide deep insights into naval operations and life at sea. The volunteers are a treasure trove of knowledge, often sharing personal anecdotes and historical context that bring the ship to life.
📸 Photographers
+1 Inside, the ship's aged wooden interiors, intricate machinery (where visible), and the confined spaces of the decks provide a moody and atmospheric setting for photography. +1Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities or a wide-angle lens to capture the details effectively. The Anniversary Garden also offers a pleasant backdrop for shots of the ship.
Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the historical integrity of the ship while capturing your images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of HMS Unicorn
After the war, HMS Unicorn served in various capacities, including a period in the East Indies Fleet. While she was initially planned for modernization, these plans were eventually altered.
Her survival is a testament to the efforts of those dedicated to preserving maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the ship's four decks, which have been meticulously restored to offer a glimpse into naval life during her operational years. The displays and exhibitions onboard provide detailed insights into her service history, the technology of the era, and the daily routines of the crew.
Visiting HMS Unicorn: What to Expect
For families, the ship offers an engaging treasure and picture hunt, making the historical exploration interactive and fun for younger visitors.
Beyond the ship itself, the Anniversary Garden provides a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the waterfront views.
This blend of historical exploration, interactive elements, and a peaceful setting makes HMS Unicorn a compelling attraction in Dundee. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit