DISCOVERY POINT

100 Years of RRS Discovery

12-16 September 2025

Explore the world of ocean science and engineering

The ship in the dock at Discovery Point Dundee was rebuilt to be the UK’s very first Royal Research Ship. In 1925, it launched on a two-year voyage – with Scottish Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Russell Stenhouse – which set in motion a series of scientific expeditions gathering information about the whales, ecosystems and environment of the Southern Ocean.

The current RRS Discovery, owned by the Natural Environment Research Council (UKRI/NERC) and operated by the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) on behalf of the UK’s marine science community, will be berthed in Dundee 12-16 September.

To celebrate 100 years of RRS Discovery, entry to Discovery Point is free from Friday 12 September until Tuesday 16 September! You can explore how ocean science, engineering and technology continues to evolve, learn about how the ocean benefits us all, and discover what life on board a Royal Research Ship is really like.

There will be a series of fun activities for ocean explorers of all ages, including:

A special 100 Years of RRS Discovery exhibition exploring the history of the four RRS Discovery ships and those that have enabled ocean science (Friday to Tuesday, no pre-booking required)
Interactive science engagement stands with oceanographers showcasing their research for curious audiences of all ages (Friday, Saturday and Sunday – no pre-booking required)
Join the Learning and Engagement Team from Dynamic Earth to discover the depths of Scotland’s Ocean (Saturday and Sunday – no pre-booking required)
Inspiring talks with oceanographers and ocean professionals from across Scotland (Saturday and Sunday – no pre-booking required)
Public tours of the current RRS Discovery (2012), the fourth ship of this name! (Saturday and Sunday, pre-booking required – now fully booked, please join the waitlist). Click here for waitlist

Find out more about what's on

100 Years of RRS Discovery Activities

Explore ocean science and engineering through interactive hands–on activities and engagement with ocean experts from a variety of fields. Fun for all ages!

UPDATE: RRS Discovery (2012) Tours are now fully booked, but you can add your name to our waitlist.

SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

RRS Discovery (2012) Tours

Come on board and discover what life is like on board a modern-day Royal Research Ship!

SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

Discover the Depths of Scotland’s Ocean!

Join Dynamic Earth’s Learning and Engagement team to learn about Scotland’s ocean from the beaches and coasts to the seabed below.

FRI 12, SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

Power Plankton

Explore the world of algae: turn them into bioplastic, paint with their colours, learn where they live, and marvel at their beauty.

FRI 12, SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

The Science of Today on the Ship of Yesterday

Lean how cutting-edge science prepares us for the future challenges of a warming ocean. Includes games and illustrations!

FRI 12, SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

What do Whales Eat? Discovery Ocean Biology

Meet with Curators from the Discovery Collections and the National Oceanographic Library who will show you scientific samples and documents from 100 years ago.

FRI 12, SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

What the Ocean Has to Say

Tell apart a snapping shrimp from a f**ting fish: explore underwater sounds and the technology used to listen to the sea.

SAT 13 & SUN 14 SEPTEMBER

The Pathway to Net Zero Research Ships

What might the future hold in terms of new technologies to enable greener ships?

FRI 12 – TUES 16 SEPTEMBER

Exhibition: 100 Years of RRS Discovery

Discover the history of the Discovery Investigations, the wide range of roles involved in making ocean exploration possible, and what life is really like aboard a scientific expedition.

FRI 12 – TUES 16 SEPTEMBER

Oceanography at Sea

Sit back and relax in the Film Theatre where every half-hour you can enjoy a video featuring exciting clips from ocean professionals in a variety of roles with different kinds of equipment working together to make marine science happen.

100 Years of RRS Discovery Talks

Talks about ocean science, engineering and exploration delivered by oceanographers and marine experts from across Scotland. Talks will run from 30-45 minutes, with time for questions and engagement afterwards. All talks will take place in the Falcon Scott Room on the First Floor.