East Links Family Park

16 December 2022|Read time 2 mins

East Links Family Park in Dunbar is a short drive from Edinburgh. With crazy golf, a safari train and go-karts there is plenty to enjoy!

One of my highlights of the last couple of years was riding a giant tricycle around East Links Family Park in East Lothian with my husband and two children perched alongside me.

East Links Family Park, Dunbar

We drove about an hour out of Edinburgh along the main A1 trunk road to find the farm. 

Once there, we had at least three (it might even have been four) trips on the farm's narrow gauge railway. 

The train journey, the 'safari' train', gave us a guided tour of the farm and its animals. 

On board, all four of us had a commentary from the driver as we sped around the farm. 

We watched deer, pigs, llamas, sheep, donkeys, goats and Highland cattle go past.

Kind to animals

Farm staff showed great kindness towards the animals in their care. 

That was one of the things that helped make a day there so enjoyable. 

Back at the visitor centre, after the train ride, my eldest daughter commandeered her vehicle, a pedal tractor. 

She and the other two-year-olds drove around the area set aside for toddlers.

Horseshoe pitching

Nearby, in other areas, older children were having fun crashing into each other with abandon.

The farm's website promises other entertainment, including a party barn, trampolines and even something called horseshoe pitching.

Accessibility at East Links Family Park

East Links Family Park offers a welcoming visit for all families, with facilities available for parents of any aged child. 

From baby changing to activities pitched at different ages, East Links is well and truly geared up for an active family day out. 

The park is also accessible for wheelchair users, with ramps leading into all buildings. 

Visitors can borrow mobility scooters during their visit or even an electric family go-kart as well.

Halloween near Edinburgh

If you are looking for a family friendly activity to do at Halloween, head to East Links Family Park.

The annual Pumpkin Festival offers free pumpkins, pumpkin carving and fancy dress - a fantastic option for a family trip from Edinburgh.

Visit Dunbar

After visiting East Links, why not spend a while in Dunbar and explore the town?

Continue the farm experience with John Muir Alpacas, where visitors can go trekking with alpacas in a beautiful location close to the John Muir way.

Alternatively, head to Belhaven Fruit Farm and pick delicious fruit which benefits from many hours of sunshine on Scotland's 'sunshine coast'.

In the centre of Dunbar are the stunning Victoria Harbour and Dunbar Castle, formerly one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland.

The castle ruins date from the 12th century and are an imposing landmark on the coast.

If the kids still need to let off steam after a day at East Links visit Lauderdale Park, located close to the harbour, which houses a great play area.

There is also the Dunbar Leisure Centre on the cliff top, complete with a swimming pool featuring a wave machine and water jets!

On your return trip to Edinburgh, why not head to one of the city's great beaches and soak up some more of the region's sunshine?

An enjoyable family afternoon near Edinburgh

At only an hour's drive from our self-catering lets in Edinburgh, I would recommend it wholeheartedly. 

Our team also highly recommend a day trip to Traquair House, situated to the south of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders.

East Links Family Farm and Narrow Gauge Railway Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1XF