Dunbar
Course
Dunbar Golf Club, Dunbar, East Lothian
Founded 1856. Links Course
Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, Dunbar East Links was laid out in 1856 and redesigned over the years by the likes of Old Tom Morris, Ben Sayers and James Braid. Well defined holes following the natural contours of a narrow strip of land between the old red sandstone deer park wall and the rocky shoreline are the hallmarks of these links. At a little over 6,500 yards, it is not the longest course but any golfer thinking this equates to a lack of challenge will soon be put right. Dunbar East Links has hosted many events over the years and is a final qualifying course for the Open Championship when held at Muirfield. Visitors may be more familiar with the likes of Gullane, North Berwick and Muirfield but Dunbar sits well in their esteemed company.
Sightseeing
Great golf is only part of the story when considering what makes the perfect golf trip. Thankfully the other essential components are all found in abundance in Scotland, not least in the sights to see department. Whether scheduling a day off from golf or filling an afternoon after your morning round, there are many options regardless of which region you are visiting. The below is intended as a very general guide to sightseeing in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Central to your time in this region is the wonderful and historic city of Edinburgh. Whether you are staying in the city itself or on the East Lothian coastline, Edinburgh is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Not to be missed is a visit to Edinburgh Castle (pictured above), with its many highlights including the Great Hall, Royal Palace, National War Museum, Stone of Destiny and Scottish Crown Jewels. Other attractions in Edinburgh include the Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland, National Gallery of Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Experience; and the official Scottish residence of the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
To the east of Edinburgh, the Lothians landscape is dotted with castles, each one telling its own tales of bygone days. These include medieval Dirleton Castle in the village of Dirleton and the imposing Tantallon Castle in North Berwick, which stands perched in the most dramatic of cliff-top settings. Other attractions in the Lothians include Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery in the town of Dunbar, the 17th Century House of Binns near Linlithgow, Glenkinchie Distillery and the impressive ruins of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542.