A-Z of Secret Dundee: Mills Observatory

By Gayle Anderson -

Mills Observatory, Balgay Park

Britain’s very first purpose-built observatory enjoys a wonderful woodland setting only 15 minutes from town, on the top of Balgay Hill.

You can watch stars and planets through its magnificent Victorian refracting telescope or through the fully computerised state-of-the-art one which can detect 30,000 objects in the sky. If you are curious about comets, mad for meteors and passionate about planets, then this is the spot for you.

Get starry-eyed over the magnificent tree top views across the silvery Tay

Even if deep space leaves you deeply unmoved, you can’t help but get starry-eyed over the magnificent tree top views across the silvery Tay.

During October to March the observatory has scheduled planetarium shows teaching you about the night sky as well as regular displays on the solar system and space exploration. From April to September it’s open on selected dates for family workshops, talks and solar viewing.

Mills Observatory, Balgay Park, Dundee DD2 2UB. Entrance is free.

Opening hours: October-March, Mon-Fri, 4pm-10pm, Sat & Sun, 12.30-4pm.

April to September: Open on selected dates for a varied programme of public events. Check website for details.