Dunbar
Dunbar is a town in East Lothian, on the south-east coast of Scotland. It is known as Sunny Dunny because it enjoys the most hours of sunshine of any town in the UK. Dunbar was the birthplace of the conservationist John Muir, who was instrumental in the setting up of the National Parks in the USA.
Get in
By Road
Dunbar is located on the main A1 London to Edinburgh road, about 30 miles south-east of Edinburgh and 28 miles north of the English border at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
By Rail
The East Coast Mainline from London to Edinburgh passes through the town, so there are plenty of direct services from all major stations on the east coast of the UK.
Get around
See
- Dunbar Town House Museum, High St. Opeen 1030-1630 every day from Apr-Sep and 1400-1630 at weekends from Oct-Mar. Photographic displays showing the history of the burgh. Local historic documents can be researched here - there is usually a member of the local history society on hand to offer assistance. Free Entry.
- John Muir Birthplace Trust, 126 High St, info@jmbt.org.uk. Apr to Oct: 10-5 Mon - Sat, 1-5 Sun; Nov to Mar: 10-5 Wed - Sat, 1-5 Sun. Sited in the house where John Muir was born, this museum highlights the life, work, and achievements of the renowned environmentalist. Free Entry.
Do
- Dunbar Leisure Pool (Just off the High Street, overlooking the harbour). Council run swimming pool with flumes and wave pool. Also has a sauna, steam room and gym.
- Dunbar Golf Club, East Links, ☏ +44 1368 862317 (clubhouse), fax: +44 1368 865202, secretary@dunbargolfclub.com. Offers year round play due to the area's renowned temperate climate. Dunbar Golf Club celebrated it's 150th anniversary in 2006, though the current course was designed by the famous golfer Old Tom Morris in 1894. The course is used as a qualifying venue every time the Open Championship is held at nearby Muirfield and all of the major Scottish Championships have been played here.
- Winterfield Golf Club, St Margarets, North Rd (West side of town off A1087 road), ☏ +44 1368 862280 (clubhouse), fax: +44 1368 863562. Offers stunning sea views across the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock
- Walk the John Muir Way. This long-distance path is being developed by East Lothian Council to follow the coast from Edinburgh to the Borders. The sections of the path either side of the town offer straightforward walking with stunning coastal views. An enjoyable short walk starts at the harbour, heads west past the ruined castle, and then along the top of the cliffs past Winterfield Park and golf course to Belhaven Bay and the John Muir Country Park
- In late September there is a Folk Music Festival held in Dunbar.
- 1 Belhaven Brewery, Brewery Lane, EH42 1PE, ☏ +44 1368 869200. Tours on tue-Fri at 13:30, pre-booking essential. A largish brewery dating from 1719 which brews a range of cask, draught and bottled Scottish Ales. £8.00.
Buy
Eat
- Saddlers @ William Main, 19 West. A very comfortable place to get coffee and a scone. The wifi is free, and you can pick up a golf trophy while you sip your espresso.
Drink
Dunbar is home to Belhaven brewery which brews cask Scottish ales. Thistly Cross cider is made near Dunbar from Scottish apples. This premium cider is available is various alcohol strengths from 0.5% to a strong 7.2%.
- The Volunteer Arms, 17 Victoria St, ☏ +44 1368 862278. food served 12-9. Lovely traditional bar overlooking the harbour, with an upstairs restaurant and an outside seating area for the sunny days Dunbar is known for.
Sleep
There are 2 campgrounds near Dunbar. One is just west of the town a Belhaven Bay and the other, a Camping a Caravan Club site, is just south of town.
Connect
The is a very nice Tourist information shop in the town.
Go next
- North Berwick — 10 miles to the north, is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre and Tantallon Castle.
- Berwick-upon-Tweed — The historic border town is the next stop to the south on the railway line.
- Edinburgh — Scotland's famous capital city, is only 30 miles to the north-west.