Dunbar: Coast, Golf and History

Dunbar brings together the coast, golf and historic places connected with John Muir, the harbour and the town’s history. When looking for a hotel in Dunbar, consider whether you want your stay to focus on the beach and water, walking and cycling trails, or museums and historic places.

Coast and surf lessons

Dunbar East Beach is just a few minutes from the town centre. Exploring rock pools and kayaking offer different ways to experience the coast. Beginner surf lessons are held at Belhaven Beach, at the Belhaven Surf Centre in Dunbar, which is home to the Coast to Coast Surf School. Participants in beginner lessons must be at least seven years old and able to swim 50 metres without assistance. Check that you meet both requirements before planning to take part.

John Muir and the trails

John Muir's Birthplace in Dunbar is a museum with three floors of family-friendly exhibitions. The restored exterior looks much as it did in 1838, when John Muir was born. The museum has step-free access throughout and a lift to the upper floors; check these visitor facilities again before your trip.

John Muir's Birthplace is the starting point of the John Muir Way. Dunbar marks the beginning or end of the 134-mile (215 km) route to Helensburgh, which is used for walking and cycling. The Dunbar Cliff Top Trail also starts at the museum. A coastal trail connects the John Muir Way in Dunbar with the Southern Upland Way and the Berwickshire Coastal Path at Cockburnspath in the Scottish Borders. For navigation, note the differences between the long route to Helensburgh, the trail starting at the museum, and the connection to other trails at Cockburnspath.

Harbour and town history

Dunbar Castle Park is a designated Scheduled Monument. It preserves remains of domestic and military use dating from the pre-Roman Iron Age to the 16th century AD. The ruins of Dunbar Castle stand at the entrance to Victoria Harbour.

Dunbar Battery is a historic site open to the public in the centre of Dunbar Harbour. It offers views, public art and performances. This adds a place where art and events are also part of the visitor experience to the town’s historic sites.

The Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery presents local history alongside changing exhibitions by local artists. Its displays include old photographs of Dunbar and archaeological collections. On guided tours, you can visit a prison cell and the Council Chamber. This brings local history, changing art and distinctive rooms together under one roof, with the rooms accessible as part of a guided tour.

Golf on the coast

Dunbar Golf Club was founded in 1856. Its true links course follows the natural contours of a narrow strip of links land between the old red sandstone wall of the deer park and the rocky coast. The description links the type of course to its specific terrain: the links land, wall and coast all shape its character. Golf is thus another distinct reason to choose a stay in Dunbar, alongside its museums, harbour sites and coastal activities.

Discover more destinations: Whitburn, Gullane, Pumpherston, Livingston, East Calder, Pencaitland, Uphall, Armadale

For the regional travel overview: Lothian.