Best Things to do in Dunbar, Scotland

Last Updated on 11th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Nicknamed ‘Sunny Dunny’, Dunbar is the sunniest spot in all of Scotland! A coastal gem steeped in history, this charming fishing town is absolute must-visit when travelling around the enchanting country. Here’s your ultimate guide on the best things to do in Dunbar, as well as top tips and where to stay.

Where is Dunbar?

Situated along the North Sea coastline East Lothian, the charming fishing town of Dunbar is in the south-east of Scotland.

Thanks to its close proximity to the city, it also makes for the perfect day trip from Edinburgh as it’s only 30 miles east. It’s a mere 20 minutes by train, or 30 minute drive!

Is Dunbar worth visiting?

Absolutely! Personally, this is one of my favourite destinations in Scotland to visit as it has a bit of everything. Whether it’s exploring the magnificent landscape and delving into the rich historical past of the town, or simply wandering around the shops and enjoying a pint in one of the cosy pubs.

Also, this is Scotland’s sunniest destination! Enjoying the most hours of sunshine than any other town in the country, Dunbar also has the least amount of rainfall.

This vibrant yet snug destination is a Scottish gem, be sure to add it to your list of places to go to when visiting!

What is Dunbar famous for?

Once the site to the Battle of Dunbar, the first major battle of the 1650 invasion of Scotland, by the hands of the English. The battle (which was more of an attack) lasted just under an hour, a time in which 3,000 Scots died and over 10,000 were imprisoned…fewer than 100 Englishmen perished.

John Muir, the beloved naturalist and conservationist, also known as “Father of the National Parks”, was a Scottish-born American environmentalist and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. He was born in Dunbar, attending the local schools and living in this beautiful coastal town until the age of eleven.

Hailed as Scotland’s first ‘Zero Waste town’, Dunbar continues to channel the same spirit of John Muir and has already become something of a sustainable haven! Find out more about the various different projects that the town has introduced in order to strive towards sustainability on this interesting article here.

Best things to do in Dunbar

Check out Zero Waste

Filled to the brim with second hand and recycled treasures, Zero Waste is an absolute must-see when visiting Dunbar!

Part of Reuse Scotland (and actually the flagship store), this little gem of the town is a non-profit hub where perfectly fit for use items are saved from landfill and sold on for the benefit of the community.

What started off as a small project has since blossomed into an extremely successful mission, wherein approximately 30 tonnes of material are rescued before reaching landfill every month!

Honestly, it’s like walking into the Cave of Wonders as you’ll find nearly everything, from books, board games, crockery and furniture, to electronics, haberdashery equipment, paintings and glassware… the list of things is truly endless!

Much of the items for sale are on a ‘pay what you want’ basis which means that you are welcome to choose the price, as long as its fair and within reason of course.

Walk down the high street

Quaint and picturesque, Dunbar’s historic high street has a familiar feel to that of many high streets in other rural towns of Scotland.

Lined with boutique style shops, restaurants, pubs and cosy cafes. Walking along you’ll find yourself lost for choice at the endless row of small independent shops, all filled with treasures you’ll want to take home. It’s also where John Muir’s birthplace home is located.

Bellhaven Brewery

Scotland has strong ties to beer brewing, with a history going back over 5,000 years! So while in Dunbar, why not visit Belhaven Brewery and try one of the nation’s favourite session ales, Belhaven Best!

Home to the oldest working brewery in Scotland, Belhaven was established in 1719. While in the area, I recommend taking a guided tour and learning more about the heritage of brewing culture and sampling some of this tasty golden liquid.

How to visit: Located on Brewery Lane it’s either a 20 minute walk from the high street of a 5 minute drive to the brewery. Open to the public from Monday-Saturday. Find out more about how to book a tour to the brewery on their official website here.

John Muir’s Birthplace

Located on the high street is the birthplace and former home of the beloved naturalist and geologist, John Muir. The list of achievements for John Muir is endless, and this spot is just a small testament to it! A place where you can get a glimpse into Muir’s life and work, that has gone on to inspire so many people worldwide.

For a small fee, visitors are welcome to explore the small interactive museum set over three floors. Closed Monday & Tuesday, you can purchase a ticket upon arrival.

John Muir Country Park

After visiting John Muir’s birthplace, why not go to the treasure of nature that’s named after him! If you continue walking along the coastline to the west of the town, you’ll find John Muir’s Country Park.

Vast stretches of golden sands, with grassy sand dunes and surrounded by emerald green forests, this gorgeous country park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It’s a great destination for nature lovers and those who like long walks.

If you want to stay longer, you can even take advantage of Scotland’s laws surrounding wild camping, and pitch up a tent here! Just be sure to do so responsibly and take all your rubbish with you.

See the Bridge to Nowhere

Belhaven Bridge, known by most as the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ due to the bridge becoming completely isolated during high tide, appearing to lead to nowhere.

At high tide this bridge truly becomes an evocative spectacle, making it extremely popular amongst photographers. Check tide times on the official website here.

Take a dip!

If you’re feeling brave, why not take a dip in the North Sea! Yes, it’s absolutely freezing… but there are proven health benefits to taking a cold dip now and again, as well as it leaving you feeling refreshed.

Alternatively, there is Dunbar Leisure Pool which is a large family-friendly pool that has a wave machine and water slide inside too!

Fish & Chips

When visiting coastal areas in Britain, there’s nothing better than indulging in a comforting portion of fish & chips, a classic seaside meal! Either head to Adriano’s or Cafe Central for the best fish supper.

Personally, the best way to enjoy this is to grab it as a takeaway and head to the harbour area, enjoying the mesmerising stretch of views as you gorge on this delicious meal. Alternatively, if it’s colder when you visit, you can always sit inside and have your meal with a cup of tea!

Top tip: if you don’t feel that you can manage a full portion, when ordering ask for a ‘pensioners size’, this is the perfect

Also to note: Due to the high salt content in the northern North Sea, there is an abundance of haddock, so when it comes to fish & chips in Scotland, you’ll find that the majority of chippy’s serve this as their main fish.

Take a look at The Creel Loaders Statue

Before you reach the harbour area you’ll come across the intricately carved sandstone sculpture of ‘The Creel Loaders’. Created by artist Gardner Molloy, this modern looking sculpture stands as impressive 6ft high.

This artwork was sculpted with the intention to honour the fishing heritage of the town, as well as pay tribute to the unsung harbour women of Dunbar. Depicting two fishermen loading a creel on a woman’s back, it tells a tale of when women would carry these heavy loads of herring over 26 miles away to sell.

The sculpture also features two cat at the woman’s feet, with reference to the fact this spot was previously named Cat Row.

Stroll around the harbours

The heart and hive of activity has to be that of Dunbar’s harbours. Known as a town of three harbours! They were originally built in 1574 to accommodate for the herring fishing trade in the area.

Today you can stroll around Cromwell Harbour and Victoria Harbour which are just a stone’s throwaway from the high street, and the third (the earliest of the three) you can no longer see was at Belhaven Bay.

This is where the magic of Dunbar happens! A vibrant pocket bustling with activity thanks to the town’s still thriving fishing industry, the surrounding walls are stacked high with lobster cages and small fishing boats lie docked on the waters below.

If you’re lucky you may even spot seals! When visiting the harbour, we saw a seal bobbing around the boats. Personally, I enjoyed visiting in the evening as the sun sets. The sky goes a light shade of pink and wandering around you can enjoy the feel of activity having happened here earlier in the day while also enjoying the serene ambience of it deserted.

See Dunbar Castle ruins

What was once one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland, now remains as a ruin overlooking the harbour area and sea.

The fragments of brown basalt rock are rich with history, originally built as a means of defence in the 12th century by the Earl of Dunbar, this castle has had a significant role in a multitude of conflicts over the centuries. The Battle of Dunbar in 1296 was the first major conflict of the Wars of Scottish Independence.

In 1566 fact Mary Queen of Scots stayed for a week in the castle with her second husband, Lord Henry Darnley, just days after the murder of her secretary David Rizzio (which her husband was actually involved in…). After the queen’s surrender and abdication, the Scottish Parliament ordered for the castles destruction.

Today you can roam freely around the castle ruins while walking around the harbour area, taking in the depth of a place where so much has happened.

Watch sunset

There’s nothing better than seeing the sun melt into the horizon of the sea. Where shades of orange, pink and purple dance around the sky and form a watercolour painting of their own.

The best place to watch the sunset is either at the castle ruins or harbour area, offering views that stretch off into the distance for miles on end! It’s also a gorgeous spectacle as you watch the golden hue of sun soak the red rocks, creating a glow that is sure to leave you in awe.

Go to the pub

If you aren’t driving, there’s no better way to end the day than in one of Dunbar’s cosy pubs. Grab another pint of Belhaven Best and settle in with the locals as you enjoy a day well spent in this gorgeous little town!

Personally, my favourite pub was The Volunteer Arms which is located just next to the harbour area. Not only is the pub super cosy inside, with a fireplace burning on colder days, but the walls are filled with old photographs that document the town’s fishing history and people who contributed to it.

Where to stay

Although a perfect place to spend a day, Dunbar makes an even better spot to stay! Whether it’s spending a couple of days soaking up the surrounding beauty or using it as a base to explore wider Scotland. Plus, it’s super affordable! Here are a few top suggestions based on web results:

• The Dolphin Inn: A small boutique independent hostel, with the option to have ensuite. Offering a vibrant and retro vibe, this is a great place and a great price too. Check for prices and availability here.
• Royal Mackintosh Hotel: A 3-star bed & breakfast situated a 2 minute walk away from Dunbar railway station. A full Scottish breakfast included, this is an easy going and cosy spot to stay for the night! Check for prices and availability here.
• Camping on John Muir Country Park: Take advantage of Scotland’s laws surrounding camping where everyone has the right to access Scotland’s outdoor spaces! Just be sure to do so responsibly and make sure to take all your rubbish home.

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