Dunbar tourist information

Dunbar is a harbour town dominated by the beautiful ruin of Dunbar Castle at its heart. Too fragile now for visitors to be allowed to enter, this fortress can be appreciated from the quayside.

The stone-built castle probably dates from around 1070, but the town has been a key defensive stronghold since at least Roman times. Besieged in the middle ages, the castle and town have borne witness to many battles, such as those in 1296 and 1650 when Oliver Cromwell occupied the town.

The town itself has fine buildings and also a sandy beach, making it a popular place to visit. There is also a good museum dedicated to the life of John Muir. Born in Dunbar, Muir emigrated to America and became a naturalist and a pioneer environmentalist who was at the forefront of the establishment National Parks such as Yosemite.