The Dolphin Inn, located in Dunbar in East Lothian, is just 20 minutes train ride from Edinburgh and a great base for an active seaside holiday.

East Lothian is one the best places to visit in Scotland, close to the border with England and a short distance from Edinburgh city centre it is an area of stunning coastline, woodland walks and hills to the south. The Dolphin Inn hostel opened in Dunbar in the Summer of 2021 and offers a great base for adventure and exploration in this beautiful part of Scotland.

There is so much to do in the area that we put together a website, www.60thingsdunbar.scot to showcase everything in one place. If you are planning a trip to Scotland this year, Dunbar is a great location for a holiday or as a short stay over on the way further north. But why chose Dunbar over other places in the south of Scotland?

Well, for a start it is very accessibly positioned on the east coast main trainline just over the Scottish border, midway between Edinburgh and Berwick Upon Tweed so there is no need to drive. The town is also well served by bus routes and sits alongside the A1 so if you do bring your car it is 10 mins from this main road to the town centre and coast.

Then there’s the weather, with Dunbar (fondly known as Sunny Dunny), being the sunniest place in Scotland which means the weather tends to be much more predictable than other parts of Scotland.

Dunbar is a historic town with lots of charm within its conservation area and its three active harbours and castle ruins. It was the birthplace of John Muir, the famous American naturalist and there is a museum honouring his life and contribution to environmentalism. It is also at the end of the John Muir Way, a great coast to coast walk or cycle from Helensburgh. (Dunbar is also on the Coasts & Castles cycle route from Newcastle).

There are two beaches and three harbours within walking distance of the town centre and the sea offers great opportunities for water sports (surfing, coasteering, SUP and swim as well as local sailing, diving and rowing clubs). Boat tours depart the main harbour for the bird watching hotspots of the Bass Rock and Isle of May.

If you don’t fancy sea based activities then Foxlake Adventures just outside the town offers alternative water based activities; wakeboarding, Ringo rides and aqua park courses. For younger kids there is also the excellent East Links Family Park with its animals, mini train and wide range of other activities.

The centre of the town boasts many attractions including a large indoor swimming pool, tennis club, two golf courses, petanque and a putting course as well as gyms, playparks and sport pitches. The broad historic High Street is full of local independent shops, cafes and two museums – everything is within walking distance from the town centre.

Our retro vintage styled hostel, the Dolphin Inn, is a short walk from the station, High Street, beach and harbours. It has a large family room with room for up to six children, double ensuites as well as twins and a triple room. There is secure cycle storage in the large courtyard and a few bikes for free loan – most attractions are in walking distance and Dunbar is generally flat so easy to get around. There are plenty of local bus services so travelling around East Lothian is easy and it is a 20 minute train ride into Edinburgh city centre.

Find out more:

www.dolphindunbar.com

www.ourdunbar.com

www.60thingsdunbar.scot

Coasts to castles, forests and hills, we really do have everything for the family on our doorstep. Located in Dunbar, the Dolphin Inn is the perfect base for your adventure on Scotland’s east coast.

Whether it’s a visit to East Links Family park, a stroll along Belhaven Beach or a Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) session at Dunbar’s surf school Coast to Coast, there really is a huge amount on offer. For an extensive list of local activities that you can do with the family from land, sea (and air), visit the 60 Things Dunbar Website below.
https://60thingsdunbar.scot/

The Dolphin Inn has has bright, airy rooms with a retro vintage vibe – a great base for active outdoor holidays in stunning East Lothian coast and countryside. Our rooms offer ideal accommodation for families, groups, couples and individuals – beds from £20 per night. Whole hostel hire also available, 27 beds in total. We could wax lyrical about the hostel, but we think one of our young visitors summed it up perfectly;

‘Our stay was fantastic! I stayed for one night with my Mum and brother in the largest room. There were three bunk beds. My brother chose one, I chose one and mum had the double bed. It was easy to go to the toilet because it was right next to us and we had our own door. In the reception area there was a television that had been made into a fish tank. We never saw the fish but we know they were there. There was a dining room with a television that’s easy to use. I love tv! Anyway there where two ways to the kitchen, one at the back of the room and one at the front. There was lots of free food and a fridge to store our milk. Lisa was lovely and gave us a tour around the hostel and the courtyard area. The dining room had a good selection of breakfasts and coffee and milk and stuff. Back out to reception there is a map on the wall which is really helpful for finding your way around.
Probably the best place I’ve ever stayed!!!!’
Olivia, 10