Living in Dunbar

Loved by the locals for its generous share of sunshine, stunning shoreline and charming countryside, Dunbar occupies a serenely stunning stretch of East Lothian coastline. The town offers a marvellous marriage of coastal and countryside lifestyles, attracting people who appreciate nature, outdoor activities, and a slower pace of life. From families and retirees to young professionals commuting to the capital, the town has a nice blend of residents who contribute to the strong sense of community in Dunbar.

Is Dunbar a good place to live?

Dunbar is appealing to those who appreciate a laidback lifestyle and has a small-town atmosphere with a population of around 10,000. It is a wonderful place to live for families, who will find excellent schooling options along with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

The close-knit community is proud of its town, where neighbours tend to know one another, enjoy visiting the High Street’s independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, and help to maintain the historical charm and traditional buildings of Dunbar.

Located only 25 minutes from the city centre of Edinburgh, Dunbar attracts commuters who prefer living by coast and countryside as opposed to the buzz of the capital.

With an array of property options, from coastal cottages and spacious family homes to rural residences and town centre flats, Dunbar is a great place to live for all types of lifestyles.

What is the transport in Dunbar like?

Despite its somewhat remote destination, Dunbar is very well-served in terms of transport options. Travelling by road, rail or bus, you can quickly and easily make your way to Edinburgh, other towns in East Lothian and destinations to the south such as Berwick-upon-Tweed and Newcastle.

Dunbar by bus

Utilising the conveniently located A1 road to the south of the town, East Coast Buses runs reliable services from Dunbar to Edinburgh city centre. The X7 and 106 services provide links to Edinburgh, as well as other notable destinations in East Lothian including East Linton, Haddington, Tranent and Wallyford.

Along with linking Dunbar with Edinburgh via Haddington, the 253-service operated by Borders Buses takes passengers to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The service also makes stops at Eyemouth, Cockburnspath, Reston and Ayton.

For travel northward from Dunbar by bus, you can jump on the 120-service run by Eve Coaches, which terminates at North Berwick via East Linton, Tyninghame and Whitekirk. From North Berwick, you can find onward travel to the coastal towns of East Lothian such as Gullane, Aberlady, Longniddry and Prestonpans.

Dunbar by rail

Dunbar has its own train station on the East Coast Main Line and has regular train services connecting the town to Edinburgh (about 25 minutes away), Berwick-upon-Tweed, and further south to Newcastle and London. ScotRail, CrossCountry, and LNER operate services from Dunbar, making it an ideal place to stay for commuting to the capital or travelling to the Scottish Borders and beyond.

Dunbar by car

The town is conveniently located near the A1, a major road that connects Dunbar to Edinburgh and the south of Scotland. This makes it easy for residents to travel by car, whether commuting or exploring the surrounding areas.

What are the schools in Dunbar like?

Offering educational opportunities from primary to secondary levels, the schools in Dunbar are well-regarded by local residents. The town also has a number of pre-schooling establishments, notably the Stepping Stones Nursery, Cherrytrees Nursery and Pumpkin Patch Nursery.

Set across two campuses, Dunbar Primary School is one of the largest primary schools in Scotland. Primary classes 1-3 are schooled in the John Muir Campus while pupils in P4-7 enjoy being taught at the Lochend Campus. Located in the western fringes of the town, West Barns Primary School is another good option.

Serving Dunbar and the surrounding villages, Dunbar Grammar School is the town’s secondary schooling option. As one of only 6 high schools in East Lothian, Dunbar Grammar is known for strong academic performance and a supportive environment, and benefits from local partnerships to enhance learning opportunities.

Dunbar is also home to Belhaven Hill School, a leading boarding and day prep school with core values of courage, creativity and courtesy.

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What are the best things to do in Dunbar

A great place to start is the Dunbar Castle Ruins, which sit dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea, providing a glimpse into the town’s medieval past. Nearby, the John Muir Birthplace Museum celebrates the life and legacy of the famous conservationist, making it a must-visit for those interested in the origins of environmentalism.

For nature lovers, the John Muir Way, a long-distance trail that runs through Dunbar, offers stunning coastal views, ideal for walking or cycling. Dunbar’s Harbour is a charming spot to watch local fishermen and enjoy the peaceful waterfront, while Belhaven Beach offers a more immersive experience with its expansive sands, perfect for walks, surfing, or simply enjoying the sea air.

Families will find plenty to do with attractions like East Links Family Park, which combines a petting zoo with outdoor activities, and Dunbar Leisure Pool, a fun indoor option featuring a wave pool and flumes. Foxlake Adventures, just outside Dunbar, offers wakeboarding, zip-lining, and other adrenaline-pumping activities for those seeking a bit of adventure. "Wave" goodbye to boredom with a day out at Belhaven Surf Centre, a community hub for lovers of surf and adventure activities. Along with hosting the Coast to Coast Surf School, the Belhaven Surf Centre is also home to Kosa Yoga, Wilder Outdoor Education, the Wave Project and Belhaven Surf Club.

Just a short drive away, Tantallon Castle, perched on the cliffs of the Firth of Forth, provides stunning views and a deep dive into Scotland’s medieval history. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at Dunbar Golf Club, which offers a challenging game with breathtaking sea views. For wildlife lovers, a boat trip to Bass Rock, renowned for its gannet colonies, is an unforgettable experience.

In addition to its historical and outdoor offerings, Dunbar also has a vibrant local food and drink scene, with seafood restaurants and the Belhaven Brewery providing traditional Scottish ales.

Types of property in Dunbar

From traditional stone cottages to modern family homes, Dunbar has a wealth of property options. Whether you want a seafront home, a town centre apartment or a rustic rural property, Dunbar has it all. The array of property types in the town reflects Dunbar’s blend of historic charm, modern living, and scenic coastal appeal.

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Planning on moving to Dunbar?

Whether you’re drawn to the coastline, the rich history, or the opportunities for outdoor activities, Dunbar provides a peaceful, yet connected way of life. An ideal place to live for first-time buyers, retirees and upsizing families, Dunbar is perfect for those who value a quieter, scenic environment, want to be close to nature, and appreciate a warm, welcoming community.

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