Edinburgh and Us: Visit Dunbar

The pleasant coastal town of Dunbar is just 28 miles east of Edinburgh and its spectacular coastline makes it worth a visit.

Located on the North Sea coast of East Lothian; it is a popular destination for walks along the rugged coastline.

Lady Angela docked at the harbour.

One of which includes the John Muir Way – a 130-mile route which runs from Argyll to Dunbar. Its paths are accessible for both walkers and cyclists. The route is split into sections with the final stages of the walk crossing East Lothian towns and section ten leads from North Berwick to Dunbar. For details visit: http://johnmuirway.org/route/north-berwick-dunbar.

The town is steeped in history and was an important Scottish Fortress in the middle ages. Dunbar Castle is the remains of one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland from the 14^th century, with a prominent position overlooking the town’s twinned harbours.

Some John Muir's quotes at the Dunbar Battery.

It was once a major herring and whaling port with three harbours - Victoria Harbour, Broadhaven and Cromwell Harbour. They are surrounded by attractive former warehouses and granaries (http://www.dunbar.org.uk/dunbar-harbours/).

Clouds descend on Victoria Harbour.

The Dunbar Battery at the east end of the harbour is worth a nosey. It was built to protect the town from privateers in the 18th century and restored in 2017. An outdoor amphitheatre was inserted within the defensive walls and it also features ‘Sea Cubes’ - a new public artwork by Scottish artist Donald Urquhart (https://dunbarbattery.org.uk).

Sea Cubes - reflecting the sunlight.

For those walking around the town there are plenty of unique local shops, grand old stone buildings and cafes.

In the town centre there is a statue of John Muir – famous explorer and conservationist who was born in the town in 1838. The museum ‘John Muir’s Birthplace’ on the High Street shows some of his work (https://www.jmbt.org.uk/).

John Muir's Birthplace museum. Visit their website at https://www.jmbt.org.uk/.

On Castle Gate, along from the statue of John Muir, is The Creel Loaders sandstone monument which was unveiled in 2016 to honour Dunbar's fishing heritage. It tells the story of the town's connection to the herring trade, which at its peak, saw women carrying fish for sale from Dunbar to Lauder in wicker creels on their backs. At the time, it was common for two people to help load the creels into position.

The Creel Loaders monument on Castle Gate.

Things to do

Parks

Dunbar is home to John Muir Country Park – a nature reserve with woodland, grassland and coastline that supports a wide range of animals and plants.

Other family attractions include the East Links Family Park. A train safari runs through paddocks of farm animals there. Activities include go karts, trampolines and a tree-level multi activity fortress.

Lauderdalae Park at the end of Dunbar High Street also has a play park suitable for both toddlers and older children with swings, slides and a zip wire. The gardens are around the corner, complete with flower beds and grass areas, and there is a seasonal cafe for refreshments.

Eating

There are lots of cafes in Dunbar – including Graze Coffee and Chocolate House or Espresso Black on the High Street. The Tyninghame Smithy is highly reviewed and apparently worth a detour for their cake and soup selection.

Customers at Umberto's Restaurant.

Restaurants such as the Creel Restaurant and The Rocks offer seafood and British fare. The 1902 Bar & Grill is highly rated. We ate at Umberto’s – a friendly and busy Italian on the high street along from The Eagle Inn pub.

Customers play-fighting outside The Eagle Inn on the High Street.

Other activities…

Museum and Gallery. The Town House Museum offers local history about Dunbar with a variety of exhibitions and events and activities.

Swimming and Gym. The Dunbar Leisure Pool has a wave machine, beach area and flume. Their health suite also has a sauna, solarium and steam room. They also have a gym and fitness classes.

Dunbar Leisure Centre in the distance.

Fruit Farm. Belhaven Fruit Farm lets visitors pick their own fruit. They also host events at their store and Strawberry Barn. For details visit: http://www.belhavenfruitfarm.co.uk/home.aspx.

Adventure. Foxlake Adventures has a wakeboard cable tow which for beginners and experienced wakeboarders. They have other activities including a ropes challenge above water.

Golf. Dunbar Golf Club was laid out in 1857 and is situated on the estuary of the Firth of Forth.

Photography. Courses and workshops are available with MacLean Photographic, for photographers of all levels, who would like to learn some new techniques whilst exploring the South East of Scotland. For details visit: https://www.macleanphotographic.com/workshops/.

Drinking. Pubs include the Volunteer Arms, Pine Marten and Black Bull Inn. The Volunteer Arms overlooks the harbour and has an outdoor seating area.

The Volunteer Arms pub and restaurant.

Walks. Lochend Woods is an attractive place to visit with various paths to explore. Walk around Dunbar and the coastal views. Try the John Muir Way from East Linton to Dunbar or vice versa. For details visit: https://www.meetup.com/edinburgh-walking/events/14201527/ or http://johnmuirway.org/route/north-berwick-dunbar. Another option is the Dunbar Cliff Top Trail (3.5miles); for information https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lothian/dunbar-clifftop.shtml.

Scenic views from Dunbar's shore.

Watersports. Coast to Coast Surf School offer lots of water activities including surfing and boat tours (https://www.c2csurfschool.com/).

Beach. The Belhaven Beach is a stretch of sandy beach that expands for one mile in length from the mouth of the River Tyne in the north to the village of Belhaven on the outskirts of Dunbar (https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-scotland/lothian/belhaven-dunbar.htm)

Others: Belhaven Brewery, Glenkinchie Distillery, Tantallon Castle (North Berwick), Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot.

Pub-goers at the Black Bull Inn's open mic night after the 2018 European Stone-Stacking Championships held in Dunbar.

Festival

Dunbar Music Festival takes place annually over a weekend every September to showcase local talent and established, internationally known artists. There are also ceilidhs and open air performances. For information visit: http://www.dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk/about-the-festival-and-dunbar.php.

Where to stay

There are a selection of hotels, B&B’s, campsites and caravan areas to choose from. The Dunbar Camping and Caravanning Club Site is classed as a top spot for beaches - adjacent to Whitesands Bay which is a long stretch of sandy beach.

Guests having breakfast at Bayswell Park Hotel.

For a more luxurious option, choose the Bayswell Park Hotel which is perched on a clifftop close to the centre of Dunbar and next to the Dunbar Leisure Centre. They have sea view rooms available overlooking the Fifth of Forth and access to hot tubs for additional costs. It also has a boutique bar and their breakfasts are served in their conservatory style clifftop restaurant (http://www.bayswellparkhotel.com/).