Mary Shelley-inspired woodland idea emerges for Camperdown Park

Mary Shelley lived in Dundee where she cited the city as an inspiration for her writing.

A literary twist could soon become part of Camperdown Park’s future, as new proposals explore using Mary Shelley-inspired storytelling as a key theme in its redevelopment.

The idea is one of several concepts being considered as part of a wider £1.5 million investment into the park, set to be discussed by Dundee City Council’s City Governance Committee on 20 April.

The concept centres around woodland storytelling, drawing on the gothic imagination of Mary Shelley, best known for writing Frankenstein which was said to have been inspired by her time in the city when she lived with the Baxter family in the 1800s.

While still at an early stage, the proposal hints at creating a unique experience within Camperdown that blends nature, literature and Dundee’s wider cultural identity.

Camperdown Park, spanning 400 acres, already offers a mix of open green space, woodland and visitor attractions.

The Mary Shelley theme could build on this natural setting, potentially introducing immersive trails, creative play areas or interpretive features that encourage visitors to explore the park through story-led experiences.

The idea ties into a broader effort to give the park a stronger sense of identity. Alongside maritime and industrial Dundee themes, the literary angle offers something different - a chance to create a space that feels imaginative, atmospheric and rooted in storytelling.

For families, it could mean a more engaging park experience, where children interact with their surroundings in new ways. For visitors, it may offer a distinctive reason to explore Camperdown, adding another layer to one of Dundee’s most important outdoor spaces.

Council officials have made clear that these ideas are only initial concepts, with community consultation set to play a central role in deciding what moves forward.

Locals will have the opportunity to shape how, or if, the Mary Shelley theme is developed as part of the final plans.

If the concept gains support, it could mark a creative shift in how public parks are designed in Dundee. By blending literature with landscape and the historic connections Shelley has with Dundee, Camperdown Park could become not just a place to relax, but a destination that tells a story of its own.