Lothian

Exploring Historic Dunbar

A few hours by car, from Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery to Dunbar Castle.

Written by Beth Reid

Dunbar can often be missed by those in search of a historic day out, but this coastal town has been a place of historical significance for centuries. History is ever-present while wandering through Dunbar, from the ruins of a 13th century abbey in the grounds of a supermarket, to the crumbling ruins of its castle on the harbour. Dunbar has also been the scene of bloody battles, including the Battles of Dunbar in 1296 and 1650. Let’s explore it together.

How: A few hours by car
Distance: About a mile
Starts: Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery
Ends: Dunbar Castle
Good for: Castles, History, A rainy day

The day

Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery
An attraction
Starting in the town centre on the High Street, amongst the flourishing collection of independent businesses, you’ll find Dunbar’s local museum. Located in the Tolbooth, which was constructed in the late 16th century to replace an earlier municipal building, this was once Dunbar’s jailhouse. As well as two cells, this building held a council chamber which was used as a courthouse during the witch-hunting craze that occurred in Scotland from the 16th to 18th centuries. During this time, there is evidence that around 73 women were accused and tried for witchcraft in Dunbar’s council chamber, but the likelihood is that there were many more who went unrecorded. This dark period of Scottish history has left its mark in many towns and villages across Scotland, and Dunbar is no exception.
The rest of this day is for members.
3 more stops, what to do at each, and the drive between them. Members read every one of our days, and the magazine.
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John Muir Birthplace Museum
An attraction
Dunbar Battery
An attraction
Dunbar Castle
An attraction