Name: Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery
Rating: 5.0

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery is a historic landmark that serves as the focal point of town life in Dunbar. As one of the best things to do with kids in East Lothian, this 16th-century building offers a fascinating look into the past. Families can explore the museum on the ground floor, which features rotating art and historical exhibitions, while discovering the unique architecture of the iconic "witch’s hat" tower.

Entry to the museum is free for all visitors, although some events may have a small charge. The museum is maintained by East Lothian Council with support from the Dunbar and District History Society.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery provides an authentic experience that appeals to history enthusiasts and curious minds. It is a fantastic destination to combine local heritage discovery with a scenic coastal trip.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Historic Architecture: Explore a 16th-century building featuring a signature tower, bell, clock, and ancient sundials.
Changing Exhibitions: Enjoy a rotation of curated art and historical displays that ensure every visit offers something new.
Local History Archive: Discover in-depth insights into the town’s heritage, managed by knowledgeable local history volunteers.
Atmospheric Heritage: Visit the former jail cell and the Council Chamber, which provide a window into the building’s varied past as a courthouse and tolbooth.

What to See

The Witch’s Hat Tower: View the iconic town landmark that has watched over Dunbar for centuries; it’s a great talking point for kids interested in local legends.
Atmospheric Jail Cell: Step inside the grimly preserved historical jail cell, a unique way for older children to understand how justice was served in the past.
Council Chamber: See the room where significant town decisions and infamous historical trials once took place.
Changing Art Galleries: Experience seasonal displays that highlight local artists and historical themes relevant to East Lothian.
Outdoor Sundials: Admire the external clock and sundials that have kept time for the town’s inhabitants for generations.

Facilities

Accessibility: The building is accessible on all levels, including lift access.
Toilets: Available within the facility.
Bicycle Parking: Secure locks for bikes are available just outside the museum entrance.
Shop: Pick up a copy of the "A Walk Around Historic Dunbar" guide for £3.50.

Pro-Tips

Check Opening Times: The museum follows a seasonal schedule; from April to September, it is open daily from 1pm to 5pm. During the winter months (October–March), it is open Saturdays only from 2pm to 4pm.
Call Ahead: If you wish to visit the Local History Room or require a specific tour, it is advisable to call 01620 820699 to ensure volunteers are available to assist.
Combine Your Visit: Because the museum is compact, pair it with a visit to John Muir’s Birthplace for a complete afternoon of local history.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is quick to navigate and accessible for buggies, but its history-heavy focus means it is generally better suited for primary school children and adults who appreciate historical buildings.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum, which is perfect for a quick educational break before hitting the beach or town shops.
Where is the best place to park? You can find 1 hour of free parking on the High Street, but for a longer visit, use the public car parks at the nearby Dunbar Leisure Pool.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The staff are frequently described as very friendly, chatty, and passionate about Dunbar’s history, which makes the visit much more engaging for families.
The building itself is considered a significant part of the experience, with visitors often noting how "atmospheric" and beautiful the architecture is.
The free entry makes it a low-risk, high-reward activity for families wandering through the town.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some visitors find the museum to be on the smaller side, meaning it works best as a short stop rather than a full-day attraction.
Occasional restrictions on access to certain floors or rooms (depending on volunteer availability) can sometimes limit the full scope of the tour.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The museum collection and site features include:
16th-Century Tolbooth Structure: The core historic building.
Historical Jail Cell: Authentic remnants of the original prison.
Council Chamber: Featuring original historical fittings.
Local History Display Area: Dedicated exhibits managed by the District History Society.
Research Room: Accessible for those interested in local genealogy and historical records.
Art Exhibition Spaces: Hosting rotating local paintings and prints.
Antique Town Bell: A significant piece of the building’s heritage.
External Sundials: Decorative and functional historical timepieces.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Located on Dunbar’s bustling High Street, the museum is close to several other family-friendly spots:
John Muir’s Birthplace: Just a short walk away, offering an interactive journey through the life of the world-famous conservationist.
Dunbar Battery: A historic coastal defence site perfect for a family walk with sea views.
Dunbar Leisure Pool: Ideal for families looking to add some splash-time to their day out.
John Muir Way: The town is the official end point of this famous walking route, perfect for those wanting a scenic coastal stroll.

What’s New for 2026: Dunbar Town House Museum

"Glory Days" Exhibition: A new display featuring historic photos and oil paintings exploring the history of Dunbar’s famous former outdoor swimming pool.
"Summers in Dunbar" Showcase: A nostalgic look at the town’s heritage as a traditional summer holiday destination, presented by the local history society.
Artist-in-Residence Programme: A rotating series of public exhibitions featuring local visual artists and craft makers throughout the spring and summer.
Archival Updates: The local history society has launched a series of new, accessible articles documenting Dunbar’s shops and hotels from the 1950s.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Dunbar Town House Museum does not currently offer dedicated children's birthday party packages. For inquiries regarding room hire for private community events or meetings, please contact the Council services directly. Contact: 01620 820699

Easter Bank Holiday: Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery will be open Friday 3 April, Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5 April. We will be closed on Monday 6 April.
October 2025 to the end of March 2026 open on Saturdays 2pm to 4pm courtesy of Dunbar and District History Society.
1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026 open Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 5pm.

Address: Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery, High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER, UK

Post Code: EH42 1ER

Council: Dunbar

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

By train: The station is a 10 minute walk away
By bus: Regular bus services run throughout the year to and from Edinburgh City Centre, Berwick-upon-Tweed and North Berwick
By bike: Visitors on bikes are welcome and you can securely lock your bike just outside the museum
On foot: Dunbar is the official end of the John Muir Way and we are delighted to welcome walkers
By car: We are signposted off the A1 and there is 1 hour of free parking available on the High Street. Further parking including coach parking is available at Dunbar Leisure Pool. Electric car charging points are available at the Bleachingfield Car Park and on Spott Road.
Parking: Free parking available on the High Street. Further parking including coach parking is available at Dunbar Leisure Pool.