Best Things To Do In Dunbar: Perfect Edinburgh Daytrip
If you’re looking for the perfect daytrip from Edinburgh, then you don’t need to go any further than Dunbar! This wee, historic East Lothian town packs a big punch but doesn’t get nearly the number of visitors as it deserves. Just a short journey away from the capital, there are plenty of things to do in Dunbar to keep you entertained.
While it’s nickname is Sunny Dunny due to surprisingly low rainfall and high hours of sunshine – remember that this is still Scotland! Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover or just like shopping and eating, these are the best things to do in Dunbar!
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How To Get To Dunbar
You’ll find Dunbar on the corner of the East Lothian coastline, looking out to the North Sea. It’s 30 miles east of Edinburgh which takes around 45 minutes to drive. It’s really easy to get to Dunbar, just head for the A1 road and it’s a straight drive. Parking isn’t difficult with free on street parking or small car parks everywhere other than the town centre.
I’d argue that you don’t need to bring your car to visit Dunbar though! On my last visit, I took a direct train from Edinburgh and arrived less than 30 minutes later. It’s a short walk into town and with most of the things to do in Dunbar around the centre, it’s a really easy option!
Visit John Muir’s Birthplace
Once you reach Dunbar’s town centre, you might spot the seemingly strange USA flag hanging off a building. Well that’s John Muir’s Birthplace, the man who’s better known as the father of US National Parks! Now it’s a museum dedicated to his life and works, firmly established as one of the top things to do in Dunbar.
John Muir was born in Sunny Dunny in 1838, emigrating to America at the age of 11. While he would spend most of his life away from his birthplace, he was incredible proud of where he came from. Muir never lost his Scottish accent and would frequently talk about his childhood exploring Dunbar and the surrounding area.
I wasn’t sure what to expect in the museum but it was fascinating! It tells John Muir’s story from his Dunbar childhood, through farming in America to his campaigning for environmental issues and the founding of Yosemite National Park. In it you’ll find stories that sum up his eccentric character including dancing the Highland Fling atop a mountain to stay warm in a storm!
The museum is free and open all year round but check their website for timings and closures.
Dream Of Dramatic History At Dunbar Castle
If there’s one story worth knowing about Dunbar then it’s the siege of 1338. The town was home to one of Scotland’s strongest fortresses and an English army put that to the test. Patrick Dunbar was already away fighting, but Dunbar Castle was left in the capable hands of his wife Agnes Randolph.
Nicknamed Black Agnes for her dark hair, the English army under the Earl of Salisbury would soon find out she was no pushover. Salisbury catapulted huge rocks at the walls, but they held strong. Agnes and her maids ended each day mocking their attackers by dusting off the ramparts with their handkerchiefs.
The English turned to bribery next, paying a Scot to keep the gate open while they stormed the castle. That guard happily took the money but reported the plan to Agnes. When the time came, Salisbury was lucky to avoid capture when the portcullis slammed shut.
Running out of options, Agnes’ brother was dragged out and threatened with death. Calmly, she shouted back that if her brother died then she inherited the Earldom of Moray so that suited her fine! Thankfully they didn’t call her bluff.
After five months, Salisbury must have been hoping to starve the garrison into submission. However, a Scottish force managed to sneak into the castle by boat with fresh supplies. The next day, Agnes sent freshly baked bread and wine out to the English commander. Just in case he was hungry.
That was the final straw and the English army was hauled back south. It was a famous victory for Agnes Randolph, holding out against incredible odds. While you can’t exactly visit Dunbar Castle, you can easily see its remains looming over the harbour and remember the story.
If these things to do in Dunbar have caught your interest, how about visiting them on a Scotland’s Stories Tour?
Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!
Admire The Dunbar Battery
You’ll find our next thing to do in Dunbar right on the other side of the harbour. Once the medieval castle was considered obsolete, this important corner of the East Lothian coastline still required defending. That’s why the slightly more modern Dunbar Battery was constructed in 1781.
After it was decided the battery was no longer needed, a small hospital was built inside the walls. From there it was turned into emergency accommodation and you can find all of that history on boards if you visit Dunbar battery.
Today it has been transformed into an open air ampitheatre for the performing arts. You’re free to wander at any time and the views are spectacular, out over the North Sea to the Bass Rock. Find out more and check for upcoming events here!
Respect The Creel Loaders Statue
As you stroll down Victoria Street, you’re unlikely to miss the statue of the Creel Loaders by Gardner Molloy. It was designed to remind those visiting Dunbar of its fishing heritage and the industry’s unsung heroes.
The men might have sailed off to catch the fish, usually herring, but the women played a vital role, starting by catching bait and adding it to the lines. They’d also be the ones cleaning, gutting and salting fish after it comes in.
In many situations, there was no handy dock to just hop into the boat from, so women had to wade out carrying their husband of their back. You wouldn’t want to spend a day fishing with soggy feet after all.
That was nothing compared to what The Creel Loaders statue depicts though. It took two men to load these creels (baskets) full of fish onto their back, held in place by a strap around her head.
Those creels could often weigh up to 50kg and to make it worse, they weren’t just carrying them home. They faced huge treks to sell their catch inland, with a path called the Old Herring Road across the hills reaching Lauder 30 miles away!
Fishwives were known to wear bright clothing so they would stand out. The ladies from some areas started wearing similar colours so you could almost tell where your fish had come from before you bought it.
It was a hard existence and these were tough folk, but it really wasn’t so long ago. It’s an important part of local history, not just in Dunbar but right along the coast all around Scotland. Thankfully, with artwork like this, we won’t forget their story any time soon.
Sample Some Shopping In Dunbar
Even if you’re not so interested by history, there are still plenty of things to do in Dunbar! Foremost amongst them is a spot of retail therapy. You’ll find the High Street is full of independent shops, from your basic needs like a butcher, baker and fishmonger to crafts and clothes.
If you’re looking for a souvenir then there are a number of wee gift shops, making a trip to Dunbar perfect in the runup to Christmas! For somewhere a little different, The Found Gallery has some really interesting artwork and other items for sale. If you’d rather just look at art without buying, head to the Dunbar Town House for a museum and gallery.
Walk The Clifftop Trail
If you want to get the most out of your daytrip to Dunbar then you’ll need to pack your walking boots. There aren’t any strenuous hikes in the area, but a walk around the Clifftop Trail is a good way to stretch the legs.
Don’t worry, these are soaring cliffs like you find in Aberdeenshire or Shetland so the paths are accessible for most. The coastal section of the walk is actually part of the John Muir Way – a 134 mile hike between Helensburgh and Dunbar.
After you skirt the edge of the golf course, note the Belhaven Bridge, seemingly floating if the tide is in. That’s where its nickname “The Bridge To Nowhere” comes from, although it crosses a small stream to reach a beautiful beach at low tide!
Catch A Wave While Surfing!
Not many people realise that we have surfing in Scotland, but this is easily one of the most exhilarating things to do in Dunbar. Your coastal walk ends around the Belhaven Surf Centre and this stretch is one of the best in the country for waves. If you want to get out on the water, you’ll need to get in touch with the Coast 2 Coast Surf School.
They have something for all abilities, whether you’re a beginner looking for lessons or a pro who just needs to hire a board. If surfing isn’t your thing then how about paddleboarding instead? There’s even the option for coasteering, exploring cliffs and caves with an experienced instructor. It’s a great way to see Dunbar from a whole different viewpoint!
Have An Adventure At Foxlake!
Located just outside of the town, if you’re a thrillseeker then you need to head to Foxlake! It might be one of the newer things to do in Dunbar, but it’s quickly gained an award winning reputation. Foxlake is an adventure hub and you could easily spend a whole day just here trying all the different options.
Try out Aqualand the floating playground or the high ropes course. For something a little faster there’s Wakeboarding or your group can be hauled around at high speed on a rubber ring! If fast, furious and soggy isn’t your idea of fun then don’t worry, just hop on a segway!
Raise A Glass At Belhaven Brewery
All that walking, surfing and shopping is going to work up a thirst. That’s why any visit to Dunbar should include a trip to Belhaven Brewery! Established in 1719, Belhaven is Scotland’s oldest working brewery and is still going strong. Just imagine, when the Jacobites won the nearby Battle of Prestonpans in 1745, maybe the celebrated with a pint of Belhaven Best!
You can book a tour to learn more about 300 years of brewing, available Monday to Saturday all year round. Don’t worry if you’re the driver, they supply packs that you can enjoy once you get home. If the tours are all booked up, then it’s still worth visiting while in Dunbar and exploring the wee on site shop.
Where To Eat In Dunbar
There are some fantastic places to eat in Dunbar for all tastes and budgets! Here are some of my tried and tested favourites:
Dunbar Community Bakery – If you’re looking for cakes, pies, breads or treats on the go then pop into the Dunbar Community Bakery!
Graze Coffee House – For coffee and brunch, get yourself to Graze Coffee House. It’s bigger than it looks from the outside but still fills up fast.
The Creel – For sublime seafood then head to The Creel, probably the best place to eat in Dunbar! I went for a posh scotch egg followed by scallops and highly recommend both!
Hector’s Artisan Pizzas – If you’re looking for a laidback meal then head to Hector’s for pizza, either sit in or takeaway!
Black Agnes Pub – For good old fashioned pub grub, the Black Agnes (remember her?) is a great spot in Dunbar.
Where To Stay In Dunbar
Why not turn your daytrip to Dunbar into a weekend in Dunbar by staying a night or two?
The Dunmuir Hotel – This is the top place to stay in Dunbar for a good reason. It was a brilliant, comfortable hotel with friendly service, a well stocked bar and a great breakfast!
Dreamhaven – For those who prefer a Bed & Breakfast over a hotel, spend the night at the highly rated Dreamhaven!
The Dolphin Inn Hostel – If you’re travelling on a budget like I often am, then Dunbar still has you covered. Just book a bed or private room at The Dolphin Inn Hostel!
If these things to do in Dunbar have caught your interest, how about visiting them on a Scotland’s Stories Tour?
Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!
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