John Muir Country Park Dunbar
Discover stunning coastal walks, expansive beaches, and historical WWII remnants at John Muir Country Park near Dunbar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
John Muir Country Park Dunbar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning coastal walks, expansive beaches, and historical WWII remnants at John Muir Country Park near Dunbar.
"A glorious, extensive beach within the John Muir Country Park, ideal for walking and picnics."
🚗 Parking Fees & Restrictions
Car park costs £3 all day. Be mindful of the 6.6 ft height restriction in some areas.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be walking on sand, dunes, and woodland paths. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Belhaven Bay Beach
North of the River Tyne
Expansive sandy beach fringed by dunes and salt marshes, perfect for walks and picnics.
World War II Remnants
Coastal areas
Discover intriguing abandoned military buildings, adding a historical layer to your exploration.
Hedderwick Plantation
Woodland area
Explore recovering woodlands, offering shaded trails and a different natural landscape.
Adventure Play Park
Near main car park
A fantastic spot for children with ample play structures and picnic areas.
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Planning Your Visit
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Insider Tips
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🚗 Parking Fees & Restrictions
Car park costs £3 all day. Be mindful of the 6.6 ft height restriction in some areas.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be walking on sand, dunes, and woodland paths. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly but Mindful
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near wildlife to avoid disturbance.
📸 Capture the Ever-Changing Sky
The vast skies over Belhaven Bay are stunning, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees & Restrictions
Car park costs £3 all day. Be mindful of the 6.6 ft height restriction in some areas.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be walking on sand, dunes, and woodland paths. Sturdy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly but Mindful
Great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near wildlife to avoid disturbance.
📸 Capture the Ever-Changing Sky
The vast skies over Belhaven Bay are stunning, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Plenty of picnic benches available, especially near the play park and beach access. :sandwich:
🗺️ Explore the John Muir Way
Connect to the John Muir Way for a longer coastal walk towards Dunbar town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about John Muir Country Park for its stunning coastal scenery, expansive beach, and family-friendly amenities like the adventure play park. The varied landscapes, from dunes to woodlands, offer diverse exploration opportunities. Some note the impact of storms on the trees and the presence of dog walkers, but overall, it's considered a beautiful and worthwhile destination for outdoor activities.
"Love this woodland walk to the beach, from Dunbar coast path. Clean free toilets aswell"
lisa bonham
"Car park £3 all day loads of spaces, clean toilets, big adventure play park for the kids, map with directions. We went onto the beach and then along to Dunbar and back. Short walk to get into the beach, then over Belhaven bridge and along John Muir Way into Town. Lovely walk, timed it perfect with the tides. In the other direction is woodlands and more beach, will check that out next time! Great place if you like coastal outdoors! Dunbar is also a great wee town."
Scott Murphy
"Beautiful, just sad to see quite a few of the trees down from last years storm but still a magical place for us and crazy Cael the collie loved it and all the adventures to be had. Excellent varied beautiful spaces and what a beach with its ever changing huge sky. We love it here, will keep coming back."
Hazel Guy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
John Muir Country Park is easily accessible from Dunbar. You can drive directly to the main car park, which is well-signposted. For a scenic approach, consider walking along the John Muir Way from Dunbar town, which takes you past the harbour and castle.
While direct public transport to the park's core can be limited, you can take a bus or train to Dunbar and then enjoy a pleasant walk to the park. Check local bus routes for options that get you close to the park entrance.
There's a main car park with ample spaces, costing £3 for the day. It also has clean toilets and is close to the adventure play park. Note that some areas have a 6.6 ft height restriction.
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the park. There are dedicated paths and the John Muir Way offers a scenic cycling route. You might even spot old Tonka toys left by cyclists!
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a mix of beach, woodland, and play areas. Pack a picnic and enjoy a full day of outdoor activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access John Muir Country Park itself. However, there is a charge for parking at the main car park, typically £3 for the day.
John Muir Country Park is generally open year-round, from dawn till dusk. The facilities like toilets and the play park will have specific operating hours, usually during daylight.
No, tickets are not required for entry into John Muir Country Park. You simply pay for parking if you are arriving by car.
The park is open to the public throughout the year, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery. Facilities may have limited hours.
There is a 6.6 ft height restriction in some parking areas, so larger vehicles may need to find alternative parking or be aware of these limitations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy coastal walks along Belhaven Bay, explore woodlands in Hedderwick Plantation, discover WWII remnants, have picnics, and visit the adventure play park. Wildlife watching is also popular.
Yes, Belhaven Bay offers a glorious, extensive beach ideal for walking, with sand dunes and salt marshes. It's perfect for a stroll or a longer walk towards Dunbar.
Yes, there's a large adventure play park for kids, complete with picnic areas. It's a major draw for families visiting the park. +1
The park is great for wildlife watching, especially birds and butterflies. You might also spot marine life along the coast.
Yes, clean public restrooms are available, typically located near the car park and play park area. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Belhaven Bay offers dramatic skies and coastal landscapes, perfect for sunset shots. The WWII remnants provide unique, moody photographic opportunities.
Late afternoon and early evening, especially during golden hour, offer beautiful light for capturing the coastal scenery and dramatic skies.
Look for the ever-changing skies over the bay, the textures of the sand dunes, the intriguing WWII structures, and the vibrant colours of the grasslands and woodlands. 
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines regarding drone operation in public country parks before flying.
Landscape photography, wildlife photography, and capturing the historical elements are all popular. The park also offers great opportunities for dog photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the busiest crowds at the play park. The accessible paths make it manageable for strollers, though some areas like the dunes can be trickier. The variety of landscapes ensures there's something to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be prepared for varied terrain, including sand, dunes, and potentially muddy paths in the woods. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and butterflies, and enjoy the ever-changing coastal scenery.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with capturing the textures of the sand dunes, the vibrant colours of the salt marshes, and the resilience of the recovering woodlands. The park's varied elements ensure a diverse portfolio of images, from serene coastal scenes to intriguing historical remnants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Belhaven Bay: A Coastal Gem
+2Visitors often enjoy walking along the beach and then venturing onto the John Muir Way, which connects to Dunbar town. The bay's dynamic nature means the scenery can shift with the tides, offering a unique experience each visit. It's a place where you can feel the vastness of the Scottish coastline and enjoy the invigorating sea air.
A Walk Through History: WWII Remnants and Woodlands
The park also features the Hedderwick Plantation, a woodland area that was significantly impacted by Storm Arwen. While recovery efforts are underway, the woodland trails offer a different kind of natural beauty, with shaded paths and a sense of resilience. This diverse terrain, from open beach to sheltered woodland, provides varied walking experiences for all visitors.
Family Fun and Wildlife Encounters
The park is also a haven for wildlife, making it a great spot for nature observation. Birdwatchers and butterfly enthusiasts will find plenty to admire. While the park is very dog-friendly, visitors are reminded to keep their pets under control, especially near wildlife, to ensure a harmonious environment for all.
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