Desperate Dan Statue

Desperate Dan Statue showing street scenes and outdoor art


Spot the bronze likeness of a much-loved comic character strutting through his home city of Dundee when you visit City Square.

Wander through Dundee’s spacious City Square and you’ll share the sidewalk with the Desperate Dan Statue, a large bronze sculpture of the well-known British comic character. Hailing from The Dandy comics published by D.C. Thomson, Desperate Dan is a burly outlaw who always has his faithful companion Dawg in tow. Visit Desperate Dan and Dawg and get a photograph with the two comical characters.

Desperate Dan has become a household name in the United Kingdom since his introduction in The Dandy in 1937. The character is a lovable outlaw with inhuman strength and a penchant for “cow pies,” that is, meat pies that are the size of a cow. Imagine Desperate Dan, able to lift a cow with one hand and shave his beard with a blowtorch. He has a kind spirit and regularly helps the underdog in The Dandy comic strips.

Find the 8-foot (2.5-metre) bronze statue and pose for a photograph with Dan and Dawg. Erected on the High Street section of the square in 2001, the statue is a prominent feature in the city centre and represents generations of comic-book humour in the United Kingdom. Look for another cartoon character, Minnie the Minx from The Beano comics, lurking elsewhere in the square.

The statue and City Square are available to visit at any time of the day with no entry fee. Reach the area by local bus or on foot. Dundee’s main train station is less than a 5-minute walk away.

Be sure to add a visit to the bronze sculpture to your walking tour of central Dundee. Check out the gorgeous concert halls, relaxing sidewalk cafés and local events in the square. The McManus Galleries, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral and St. Mary’s Church are all within easy walking distance. Relax in City Square next to the Desperate Dan Statue after a day shopping on High Street and Nethergate or visit him on the way back to the city centre from the waterfront and Discovery Point.

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Things to do near Desperate Dan Statue

When visiting the Desperate Dan Statue in Dundee, you can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including playing a round of golf, indulging in a relaxing spa day, or taking a refreshing swim. These options offer a delightful way to enhance your experience in this vibrant city, making it perfect for both leisure and recreation.

Shopping

Nearby the Desperate Dan Statue, you can enjoy shopping at the Wellgate Shopping Centre, located 1.2km away, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring more shops in Dundee's city centre for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

St. Andrews Links, a renowned golf course 6.2km from the Desperate Dan Statue, offers a stunning outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts. Nearby, Tannadice Park, just 621m away, buzzes with sports energy. For relaxation, Monikie Country Park, 5.0km distant, provides tranquil walks and scenic beauty.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Dundee Karting, located 1.9km from the Desperate Dan Statue. For scenic hikes, explore the Fife Coastal Path, 9.3km away, offering stunning views. Alternatively, enjoy a family camping adventure at Elie Holiday Park, located 11.8km from the statue.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Desperate Dan Statue offers a delightful mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Dundee Repertory Theatre, or explore the stars at Mills Observatory. For some family fun, The Fun Factory provides an exciting arcade experience just a short distance away.

Find the best attractions near Desperate Dan Statue

While visiting the Desperate Dan Statue in Dundee, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring nearby attractions such as urban parks and art museums. Families and outdoor enthusiasts alike can enjoy a stroll around the statue of Desperate Dan, a beloved symbol of the city. Don't miss the chance to discover the vibrant atmosphere and artistic flair that Dundee has to offer, making your trip memorable and enriching.

  • V&A Dundee: A stunning architectural marvel, V&A Dundee is Scotland's first design museum, showcasing a rich collection of art and design. Located a mere 124m from the Desperate Dan Statue, visitors can immerse themselves in exhibitions that celebrate creativity and innovation.
  • University of Dundee: Approximately 311m away, this historic university boasts beautiful campus grounds and notable museums, including the acclaimed D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum, making it a hub of culture and academic excellence.
  • City Square: Right next to the Desperate Dan Statue, City Square is a vibrant gathering spot, perfect for people-watching, cultural events, and enjoying the local atmosphere amidst stunning architecture.

Best time to go to Desperate Dan Statue

The best time to visit Desperate Dan Statue can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Desperate Dan Statue falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Desperate Dan Statue falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Desperate Dan Statue

To save money on your visit to the Desperate Dan Statue in Dundee, consider travelling during the cheaper months of December to February. Booking your hotel about a month in advance and staying on a Tuesday can yield the best rates. For spontaneous travellers, check Expedia's last-minute deals, and utilise their search tools to filter accommodation by budget, location, and eco-certification. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Exploring free local attractions can also enhance your experience without straining your wallet.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Desperate Dan Statue are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Desperate Dan Statue about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Desperate Dan Statue is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Desperate Dan Statue is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most economical prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel booking for the Desperate Dan Statue with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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