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Dunmore Town

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Historical site
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Dunmore Town (Bahamas)

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Dunmore Town is the sole settlement on Harbour Island and ranks among the oldest and most historic towns in the Bahamas. Established in the late 18th century, it was named after Lord Dunmore, the fourth Earl of Dunmore and a former Governor of the Bahamas, who maintained a summer residence on the island. The town is widely celebrated for its remarkably preserved neoclassical architecture, featuring pastel-colored clapboard houses adorned with intricate "gingerbread" woodwork. During the 19th century, Dunmore Town flourished as a vital port for the regional pineapple trade and maritime shipbuilding. Geographically, the town is situated on the eastern ridge of the island, overlooking the world-renowned Pink Sand Beach, which derives its hue from the crushed shells of microscopic foraminifera. Motor vehicles are restricted on the island, making golf carts the primary mode of transportation. Today, the town is a high-end destination that strictly maintains its colonial-era aesthetic while serving as a cultural hub for the northern Bahamas.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323242527282928272524
Rain mm383340561141311071221451136638

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Dunmore Town is a historic village with pastel-colored houses that can be freely explored on foot. Most buildings are private homes, but the streets and waterfront promenade are public.
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Typical hours
The village is accessible anytime, but shops and restaurants have typical opening hours. It's best to visit in the morning when stores are open.
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Photography
Photographing the colorful houses is possible anytime. Please respect residents' privacy and do not shoot directly into windows.
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Time needed
A leisurely stroll through the town takes about 30 to 45 minutes. For visiting beach bars and shops, allow two to three hours.
Combine with
Combine a stroll through Dunmore Town with a trip to Pink Sands Beach. The beach is just a short walk away and world-famous for its pink sand.
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Getting there
Dunmore Town is on Harbour Island, reachable by ferry from North Eleuthera. On the island, walking or renting a golf cart is best as the town is compact.
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Insider tip
Rent a golf cart to explore the island comfortably. The pastel houses along the main street are the most popular photo subjects.

History & landmarks

1791

Geography

Coordinates
25.50000, -76.64000

Facts

  • Briefly served as the capital of the Bahamas in the 18th century.
  • Named in honor of John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore.
  • Renowned for its preserved 18th-century Loyalist architecture.
  • Located adjacent to the iconic three-mile Pink Sand Beach.
  • Was a leading regional center for the pineapple industry in the 1800s.
  • Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation for residents and visitors.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Dunmore Town (1)

Harbour Island, Bahamas📍 landmark

Harbour Island is a small island off Eleuthera, famous for its pink sand beach and historic Dunmore Town.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dunmore Town located?
On Harbour Island, famous for its colorful colonial houses and narrow streets.
How do people get around in the town?
Golf carts are the primary mode of transport and can be rented everywhere.
Was it formerly the capital?
Yes, it was temporarily the capital of the Bahamas in the 18th century.
What is the best time to visit Dunmore Town?
December to April is handy, but also the most expensive time.
Are there good restaurants there?
Yes, Dunmore Town is home to some of the best gourmet restaurants in the Bahamas.
Dunmore Town: where is it located?
Dunmore Town is located in Bahamas.
Dunmore Town: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Dunmore Town: why is it worth visiting?
Dunmore Town is the sole settlement on Harbour Island and ranks among the oldest and most historic towns in the Bahamas.
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