Dunbar Castle
Dramatic coastal ruins of a historic Scottish fortress overlooking a vibrant working harbour, now a haven for seabirds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See nesting kittiwakes
Dunbar Castle
Best Time
See nesting kittiwakes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal ruins of a historic Scottish fortress overlooking a vibrant working harbour, now a haven for seabirds.
"Very scenic harbour with castle and battlements. Lots of boats in the sheltered harbour."
Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy scenic walks along the Esplanade for fantastic castle and sea vistas. :walking:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for kittiwakes nesting on the castle walls and seals in the harbour. :seabird: :seal:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dunbar Castle Ruins
Overlooking Dunbar Harbour
Dramatic coastal ruins of a once-mighty fortress, offering stunning sea views.
Dunbar Harbour
Below the castle
A picturesque working harbour filled with fishing boats, a hub of local activity.
Kittiwake Colony
Castle walls and cliffs
A haven for nesting kittiwakes in spring and summer, a treat for birdwatchers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Dunbar Castle
Exploring the Castle and Harbour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy scenic walks along the Esplanade for fantastic castle and sea vistas. :walking:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for kittiwakes nesting on the castle walls and seals in the harbour. :seabird: :seal:
Harbour Atmosphere
Experience the lively atmosphere of the working harbour with its fishing boats. :fishing_boat:
Historical Significance
Imagine the castle's past as a key fortress near the English border. :castle:
Tips
from all over the internet
Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy scenic walks along the Esplanade for fantastic castle and sea vistas. :walking:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for kittiwakes nesting on the castle walls and seals in the harbour. :seabird: :seal:
Harbour Atmosphere
Experience the lively atmosphere of the working harbour with its fishing boats. :fishing_boat:
Historical Significance
Imagine the castle's past as a key fortress near the English border. :castle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dunbar Castle's scenic location overlooking a bustling harbour, with many enjoying the wildlife, particularly the nesting kittiwakes. While the castle is a ruin with no interior access, its historical significance and dramatic coastal setting are widely appreciated. Some find it to be 'just a few stones,' but most agree the harbour and surrounding walks are well worth a visit.
"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."
John McGinniss
"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."
Lynn Smith
"It's a nothing. Just a few stones above the harbour at Dunbar Harbour. A kittiwake nesting spot. The harbour itself is worth a visit. From there you can walk the cliffside3walk...the Esplanade."
Duncan Parsons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dunbar Castle is easily accessible from Edinburgh by train, taking approximately 30-40 minutes. Buses are also an option, though they may take longer. Once in Dunbar, the castle ruins are situated above the harbour, a short walk from the town centre.
Yes, there is parking available in Dunbar, particularly around the harbour area. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times. Consider public transport if possible.
Absolutely! Dunbar Castle is well-connected by public transport, making it a great day trip from Edinburgh without a car. Trains and buses are frequent.
Many visitors enjoy walking from the top of the town down to the harbour and castle ruins. Exploring the Esplanade offers excellent coastal views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dunbar Castle is a ruin and is freely accessible from the outside. There are no tickets required to view the exterior and surrounding areas.
As the castle is a ruin, there are no official opening hours. It can be viewed at any time during daylight hours.
No, Dunbar Castle is a ruin and there is no access to the interior. You can explore the grounds around it and admire it from the outside.
There is no admission fee to visit the exterior of Dunbar Castle and its surrounding viewpoints.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the harbour area looking up at the ruins, and from the Esplanade walk for panoramic coastal shots. Drone footage also captures stunning perspectives. 
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for dramatic photos of the castle ruins and the harbour. Daylight hours provide clear views of the landscape.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial views of the castle and coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the ruins against the sea, close-ups of nesting birds, and atmospheric images of the working harbour.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While you can't enter the castle, you can explore the ruins from the outside, enjoy the scenic harbour, walk along the Esplanade, and observe the nesting seabirds.
Yes, the area around Dunbar Castle and the harbour is great for walking. The Esplanade offers a pleasant coastal path.
There are no specific facilities within the castle ruins themselves. However, Dunbar town and harbour offer amenities like cafes and restrooms.
During spring and summer, Dunbar Castle is a popular nesting site for kittiwakes. Seals are also occasionally spotted in the harbour.
You can see the castle ruins and enjoy the harbour views in about 1-2 hours. If you plan to walk further along the coast or explore the town, allocate more time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The harbour itself is a source of fascination, with plenty of boats to spot. Keep an eye out for kittiwakes nesting on the walls during warmer months – a real treat for young nature lovers. 🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
You can extend your walk along the coastline, enjoying the fresh sea air and the rugged landscape. The area is also a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during the spring and summer when the kittiwakes are nesting. Keep an eye out for seals in the harbour too. 📸 Photographers
For unique perspectives, consider drone photography to capture the scale of the castle and its coastal setting. +1 The working harbour, with its fishing boats and reflections, offers excellent opportunities for capturing local life. Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) is particularly magical, casting a warm glow over the scene and enhancing the textures of the ancient stones. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Dunbar Castle
+1 Despite its strength, the castle was eventually slighted, meaning deliberately damaged to prevent its use, as an act of Parliament in 1567. Today, only the ruins remain, a testament to its former glory. While you cannot enter the castle itself, its imposing silhouette against the North Sea and its historical significance continue to captivate visitors. The stones of the original castle were even repurposed in 1842 to help construct the 'new' Victoria Harbour, linking the past to the present maritime life of Dunbar.
Exploring the grounds around the castle allows you to imagine its past grandeur and understand its pivotal role in Scottish history. The dramatic setting offers a powerful visual of its strategic importance.
Wildlife Haven: Kittiwakes and Seals
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find this a particularly rewarding aspect of exploring the area.Visitors to Dunbar Harbour may also be fortunate enough to spot seals in the water. These marine mammals are often seen following the fishing boats, adding another layer of natural wonder to the coastal experience.
Dunbar Harbour: A Working Port
The sheltered waters offer a safe haven for these vessels, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the area. The harbour itself has a historical connection to the castle, with some of its stones being used in the construction of the 'new' Victoria Harbour in 1842.
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