This iconic bandstand was built by Walter McFarlane & Co. of Glasgow at the Saracen  Foundry in 1890, and was restored in 1991. It’s immortalised in the paintings of local artist James McIntosh Patrick, and sometimes hosts Sunday afternoon concerts.
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Magdalen Green Dundee

4.6
·897 reviews·, United Kingdom

Dundee's oldest park, offering vast green spaces, iconic bandstand, and stunning River Tay views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Concerts and sunshine

CrowdMedium
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This iconic bandstand was built by Walter McFarlane & Co. of Glasgow at the Saracen  Foundry in 1890, and was restored in 1991. It’s immortalised in the paintings of local artist James McIntosh Patrick, and sometimes hosts Sunday afternoon concerts.

Magdalen Green Dundee

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Concerts and sunshine

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dundee's oldest park, offering vast green spaces, iconic bandstand, and stunning River Tay views.

4.6
(897 reviews)

"A lovely open green space with beautiful views, very grateful to have this on my doorstep."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pack for Wind!

It gets very windy here! Bring extra layers, even on sunny days. :wind_face:

🎶 Summer Concerts

Enjoy live music at the iconic bandstand on Sunday afternoons during summer. :musical_note:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Bandstand

Historic Bandstand

Center of the park

Dundee's iconic 1890 bandstand, a beautiful Victorian structure perfect for photos and summer concerts.

River Tay Views

River Tay Views

Southern edge of the park

Stunning panoramic views across the River Tay, especially picturesque on sunny days or during cherry blossom season.

Children's Play Area

Children's Play Area

Near the park entrance

A well-appointed play park that's a hit with families, offering a fun space for kids to explore.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Open Space

Magdalen Green is Dundee's oldest park, offering vast open areas perfect for picnics and strolls. While beautiful, it can get very windy, so pack layers! It's a popular spot for students and families, especially during warmer months.

Iconic Bandstand & Events

The historic bandstand is a central feature, hosting summer concerts. Keep an eye out for events like WestFest's Big Sunday, which fills the green with music, art, and food, drawing large crowds.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Concerts and sunshine
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Cherry blossoms bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends during events
Why
Festivals and lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our enemies travel by private jet, not by dinghies across the Channel #Dundee #ScottishGreenParty #ScottishGreens #Scotland #Scottish
@rossgreermsp
4.5K likes • 27.9K views

🎯 Pack for Wind!

It gets very windy here! Bring extra layers, even on sunny days. :wind_face: Reddit

🎶 Summer Concerts

Enjoy live music at the iconic bandstand on Sunday afternoons during summer. :musical_note: Instagram

Goodnight Moon: A Fiber Tale 📅 September 26-27 at the Dairy Arts Center The installation is up, the room is ready, and it’s amazing! Artists Dundee and Lee have recreated The Great Green Room in handcrafted detail with over 150 miles of yarn and nearly six million stitches. Experience this world of nostalgia and wonder, then watch it come alive through imaginative, interactive performance from B...
@dairy.arts.center
3.6K likes • 18.3K views
Where’s your fave green space in Dundee? Our students might be a bit biased, as Magdalen Green is only a five-min walk from campus! 🌿🌷
dundeeuni
242 likes • 14.3K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Great for picnics and has a fantastic playpark, a hidden gem for families. :child: Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Student Hangout

Popular with students, especially in warmer months for socializing. :people_hugging: Reddit

🏊🏼🛝🚂 Olympia & Magdalen Green Playpark. Usually everyone heads to Camperdown but this is our favourite park, a hidden gem. For little train lovers this park is great as you see every train heading South. Dundee schools were back this week too so we had the park to ourselves! *Brodys music choice*
passell.brothers.and.me
0 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pack for Wind!

It gets very windy here! Bring extra layers, even on sunny days. :wind_face: Reddit

🎶 Summer Concerts

Enjoy live music at the iconic bandstand on Sunday afternoons during summer. :musical_note: Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

Great for picnics and has a fantastic playpark, a hidden gem for families. :child: Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Student Hangout

Popular with students, especially in warmer months for socializing. :people_hugging: Reddit

🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot

A beautiful place to see cherry blossoms in bloom during spring. :cherry_blossom: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(897 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Magdalen Green is cherished for its beautiful open space, stunning River Tay views, and the iconic bandstand. Visitors appreciate it as a peaceful spot for picnics and walks, especially during sunny days or when cherry blossoms are in bloom. Some feel the vastness could be better utilized with more varied landscaping to shield from the wind.

"It’s a lovely open green space with beautiful views, very grateful to have this on my door step, but also wish they did something more with the space to make it more cosy. It is so huge it feels a tad unimaginative and gets very very windy and cold. With different trees and flowers and rose bushes, secluded and shielded from the wind spots it would have been so much better. I still love the open space just wish they did a bit more with it in parts."

Sofia

"This relatively small park has stunning views across the river Tay with a well appointed children's play area nearby and is within easy walking distance of the city centre. It is also home to the iconic bandstand."

James Burns

"It’s a peaceful calm and worth visiting places, especially on Sunny days.
The evening walks, or small picnic with friends and family."

Sana Afraz

What People Like

Beautiful open green space
Stunning river views
Iconic bandstand

What People Dislike

Can be very windy
Could use more varied landscaping

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Magdalen Green is easily accessible. It's a short, five-minute walk from the University of Dundee campus Instagram and within easy walking distance of the city centre.Reddit You can also reach it by bus or car, with parking available nearby.

Yes, Magdalen Green is well-served by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop near Perth Road, which is adjacent to the park, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Dundee.

Absolutely! Dundee has good cycling infrastructure, and Magdalen Green is a pleasant destination to cycle to. There are usually places to secure your bike near the park entrances.

A pleasant walk from the city centre takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also take a short bus ride along Perth Road. Many visitors enjoy the scenic route along the River Tay.

Yes, there is street parking available on roads surrounding Magdalen Green, particularly along Perth Road. However, it can get busy, especially during events or peak times.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Magdalen Green is a public park and entry is completely free. You can enjoy its open spaces, bandstand, and views without any admission cost. Reddit

Magdalen Green is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There are no set closing times, allowing for early morning strolls or evening relaxation.

For general park access, no tickets are needed. However, for specific ticketed events like WestFest's Big Sunday, you would need to purchase tickets through the event organizers. Instagram

As a public park, general rules apply regarding littering and noise. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control. Specific event days might have additional temporary restrictions.

While the park is not officially closed at night, it is not illuminated and can be quite dark. It's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Magdalen Green is perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, jogging, and enjoying the views of the River Tay. It features an iconic bandstand, a children's play area, and hosts various community events. Instagram+1

Yes, it's a fantastic spot for photography! Capture the historic bandstand, the scenic river views, and the vibrant atmosphere during events. The changing seasons also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram

Public restrooms are typically available near the main entrances or play areas, though their availability can vary. It's advisable to check locally or be prepared if you have specific needs.

The main paths through Magdalen Green are generally flat and paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Some grassy areas might be uneven.

Events range from summer concerts at the bandstand to larger festivals like WestFest's Big Sunday, featuring music, art, and food. It also hosts marches like the Reclaim the Night March. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no permanent cafes or restaurants directly within Magdalen Green itself. However, the surrounding Perth Road area is lined with numerous cafes, pubs, and eateries offering a wide range of dining options. Instagram

Absolutely! Magdalen Green is an ideal spot for picnics. Bring your own food and enjoy the open green space and river views. It's a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Reddit

Perth Road, which borders Magdalen Green, has many shops, bakeries, and supermarkets where you can purchase picnic supplies or grab a quick bite. Instagram

During larger events like WestFest's Big Sunday, food trucks and stalls are often present, offering a variety of food and drink options. Instagram

While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally advisable to consume alcohol responsibly in public spaces. Check local bylaws if you have concerns, but casual picnics with moderate consumption are common.

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic bandstand is a must-capture, especially with the River Tay as a backdrop. The southern edge offers stunning river vistas, and the park's mature trees and open lawns provide diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Sunny days are great for vibrant shots, while overcast days can provide a more dramatic, moody atmosphere.

Drone usage in public parks can be subject to strict regulations and may require permission. It's best to check with Dundee City Council or local authorities before flying a drone over Magdalen Green.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is useful for the expansive views, and a prime lens can be good for portraits with the bandstand or river in the background.

When photographing individuals or groups, especially for commercial purposes, it's good practice to seek their consent. For casual personal photography, it's generally acceptable, but be mindful of privacy.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Magdalen Green is a fantastic destination for families. The park boasts a well-equipped children's play area that's a real hit with younger visitors.Instagram Its vast open spaces are perfect for running around, playing games, or having a picnic. The proximity to the River Tay also offers scenic views that can be enjoyed by all ages. Remember to bring layers, as it can get breezy, but the joy of seeing kids explore and play makes it worthwhile.

🎓 Students and Young Adults

Being a short walk from the University of Dundee, Magdalen Green is a popular hangout for students. It's an ideal spot for a study break, a casual picnic with friends, or just to unwind outdoors.Instagram The open space and river views provide a refreshing change of scenery from campus life. In warmer months, it's a lively place to socialize and meet new people.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Magdalen Green is a dream for budget travelers as it's completely free to enter and enjoy. Pack your own snacks and drinks for a picnic to save money, and soak in the beautiful scenery and historic bandstand without spending a penny.Reddit It's a perfect way to experience Dundee's charm without a hefty price tag.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Bandstand

The bandstand at Magdalen Green is more than just a structure; it's a Dundee icon. Built in 1890 by Walter Macfarlane & Co. at the Saracen Foundry, it's a beautiful example of Victorian ironwork and design. Instagram It has long been a focal point for community gatherings and musical performances. During the summer months, the bandstand comes alive with concerts on Sunday afternoons, offering a delightful experience for visitors and locals alike. Instagram Its presence adds a touch of historical charm and provides a picturesque backdrop for photographs and leisurely afternoons in the park.

Magdalen Green: A Hub for Community and Events

Magdalen Green is not just a passive green space; it's an active hub for Dundee's community. It's a popular spot for students from the nearby university to relax and socialize,Instagram and families frequent the well-appointed play area.Instagram The park also serves as a venue for significant community events. WestFest's Big Sunday, for instance, transforms the green into a vibrant festival with music, art, and food, drawing thousands of attendees. Instagram It has also been a site for important marches, such as the Reclaim the Night March, highlighting its role in public discourse and activism. Instagram

Experiencing the Elements: Wind and Views

Visitors often note the expansive nature of Magdalen Green, which offers beautiful, unobstructed views across the River Tay.Reddit This open expanse, however, also means the park can be quite windy. Travelers are advised to pack extra layers, even on seemingly pleasant days, to comfortably enjoy their visit. Reddit The wind, while sometimes a challenge, also contributes to the fresh, invigorating atmosphere of the park, making it a refreshing escape by the riverside.

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