Craster & Dunstan 

What a Kipper! 

The picturesque fishing village of Craster perches above a tiny horseshoe harbour, the historic cornerstone of village life. Nowadays, traditions live on with the famous Craster kipper which you can buy fresh or sample in their restaurant from the celebrated smokeries run by the Robson family since 1905. 

Craster is set in some of the most atmospheric scenery Northumberland has to offer. Visitors by road pass through a rectangular 14th century pele tower, a reminder of Northumberland’s warlike past, to be greeted by views from Craster of the shattered ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle a short walk North along the coast. The remains loom over high, black cliffs and if you can bear to lean over the edge you’ll catch a glimpse of quartz crystals known locally as Dunstanburgh Diamonds. 

Craster is home to The Jolly Fisherman pub and restaurant with spectacular views over the sea, or why not stop for a cup of tea and a bite to eat in The Shoreline Café opposite or visit The Mick Oxley Art Studio. The Cottage Inn, Dunstan also serves a variety of meals and has a lovely beer garden and children’s play area. 

A day at the Beach 

Whilst there is no beach at Craster there is a beautiful rocky coastline. A little further south is the hidden cove of Rumbling Kern, once the haunt of whisky smugglers bootlegging their contraband up and down the coastline; today this award-winning, secretive beach is worthy of a visit. Just beyond is the beautiful Sugar Sands beach. Both beaches are great for a good old-fashioned family beach day. Heading north of Craster, past Dunstanburgh Castle, is Embleton Bay which is one of the most popular beaches in the area with plenty of sand dunes to hideaway in. 

These boots are made for Walking 

Craster has some great circular walks that take in both the coastline and inland areas. Head 1½ miles north on the coastal footpath to Dunstanburgh Castle, but don’t stop there. Continue up the coast to Embleton Bay and Low Newton. Along the way you can spot seals, nesting seabirds and wild flowers. After a welcome drink from the microbrewery at The Ship Inn head inland to Embleton and circle back to Craster. Alternatively head south inland towards Howick Hall. From here head for the sea and follow the trail north. 

The 19th Hole 

The area around Craster has a good range of courses within easy striking distance. The nearest one is Dunstanburgh Castle’s 18-hole course. 

‘Give it a Go’ 

Visit Howick Hall, home of Earl Grey, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings with plenty of choice for walks 

through the stunning grounds. 

Sit back and while away some time watching the fishing boats coming in and out of the harbour. 

Buy some kippers and make Craster Kipper Toasties. 

Pods of dolphins have regularly been seen up and down this stretch of coastline, which is also home to 

some rare species of birds such as wryneck, icterine warbler and red-breasted flycatchers – see if you 

can spot one! 

The ‘Tea’ Trail 

Try Shorline Café – fabulous home-made cakes and gifts galore! 

‘A few of our holidaymakers’ favourite things’ 

Coastal walk from Craster harbour to Dunstanburgh Castle & back, followed by crab sandwiches in The Jolly Fisherman. 

Sitting watching the fishing boats coming in and out of the harbour with an ice-cream. So peaceful. 

The rocks along the seashore offered real excitement, and a bit of a challenge, to our two young grand-sons. The appearance of an inquisitive seal was an added bonus. 

Eating the Craster kippers from the Smokery. Purchased some to bring home too and cannot wait to return to the area next year – so much I still want to do.