Dunbar Castle - Dunbar

Dunbar Castle, located at Address: Dunbar EH42 1HX, United Kingdom, is a historical landmark with a rich history. Built in a prominent position overlooking the harbor, it was one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland. It served as a prominent fortification near the English-Scottish border, with several structures built successively on the site. The last structure was slighted in 1567, leaving it as a ruin today.

Boasting a scenic harbor with a variety of boats, the area is home to nesting kittiwakes and occasional visits from seals. Visitors can enjoy on-site services and a wheelchair-accessible car park, making it an ideal destination for families. The site has a 4.5/5 rating on Google My Business, with 660 reviews.

Specialties

The primary specialty of Dunbar Castle is its historical significance and the opportunity to explore its rich history.

Other Points of Interest

• On-site services
• Wheelchair-accessible car park
• Good for kids

Some additional features that make Dunbar Castle a compelling destination include its picturesque location overlooking the harbor, the opportunity to see nesting kittiwakes and seals, and the ease of access for visitors of all ages and abilities.

👍 Reviews of Dunbar Castle

John M.

5/5

Very scenic harbour with castle and battlements. Lots of boats in the sheltered harbour. Kittiwakes nesting in the walls and cliffs. Occasional seals in the harbour following the fishing boats. Try to visit when R.N.L I. Has a gala day procession through Dunbar to the harbour.
Dunbar Castle was one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland, situated in a prominent position overlooking the harbour of the town of Dunbar, in East Lothian. Several fortifications were built successively on the site, near the English-Scottish border. The last was slighted in 1567; it is a ruin today.

Lynn S.

5/5

I spent an amazing day with excellent weather in Dunbar on the last day of April 2025. Two busses from Glasgow and it's like another world. I walked from the top of Town where the most beautiful church is and made my way down to the little harbour and of course the castle ruin from way-gone years. After the visit to the castle and the harbour I made my long way to the golf course and meandered around the edge of the golf course to the lighthouse and everything else that could be seen in the area. Saw a few brilliant golf shots and also a few misses.

Allan M.

5/5

There is no access to Dunbar Castle it is ruinous. You can, however, get some great views. It is told that in 1071 the Earl of Dunbar laid the first stone. There are no known pictures of what the Castle originally looked like. There is no doubt it was altered and rebuilt a few times. It would have been very impressive in its location. Well worth spending a bit of time here.

ray H.

4/5

Not much of the castle that's easy to get too due to harbour and restricted entry, but an interesting place .

Elizabeth C. M.

5/5

Absolutely beautiful here, you can eat at 2 benders here with benches to sit on. Park up at the swimming pool car park. Stay overnight in camper van and really explore this beautiful place. 5 minutes walking into town where you can get anything and plenty of eating places and shops.

Nathalie G.

5/5

Dunbar is a very pretty place, not too busy, rather quiet. I love the little harbour, all the paths for wonderful walks, and everywhere. ..the sea Amazing place.

Dawn D.

5/5

It's a spectacular ruin. Mary Queen of Scots came here. If you park at the leisure centre carpark (free) there's a pathway that leads you to a plaque that tells you the history of the castle. You can follow the pathway down to the pretty harbour.

Carole H.

5/5

There was a music festival going on inside the castle. Also, a Dunbar family fun day with various stalls along the harbour. We also saw the RNLI in action. Grand day out. A free car park was only 5 mins away.