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Dunstanburgh Castle To head along the Coastal Path towards Dunstanburgh Castle you need to go to the left of the harbour along Dunstanburgh Road, past a run of Cottages, many of which are now holiday accommodation. Access to the Castle is along a field track from the end of Dunstanburgh Road, the track is generally grassed and quite flat with the occasional rocky surface. The walk to the Castle from Craster is almost exactly a mile along an exposed part of coastline that can be incredibly 'bracing' at any time of year.
The Castle and surrounding land belongs to the National Trust, but is managed by English Heritage (hence the confusing signage in the approach the Castle!). If you are a National Trust Member please do go and have a look around the Castle, they will accept your membership despite the English Heritage signs. The Castle was once a stronghold before suffering major damage during the War of the Roses. Explore your guide to Dunstanburgh Castle...
Beaches and Walking
Whilst there is no beach at Craster, there is a beautiful rocky coastline that is a popular base for walkers. The routes from here are varied, by far the most popular being the walk along the rugged rocks and fields to the imposing ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. The more adventurous walker can continue on from the Castle along Embleton Bay to the beautiful Village of Low Newton, taking in the Ship Inn before returning in a circular route along the dunes back to Craster. Another route from this base include the Howick circular, which visits the beautiful Howick Hall and Gardens and some of Northumberland's most beautiful coastline. Details of this walk can be downloaded here.
A pleasant short walk that I like to take in Craster is to head South along the coast, rather than North towards Dunstanburgh Castle. This means turning right when you get to the harbour and once you reach the children’s play area you can cut through to the coast. This route is less popular, so more peaceful on a busy day, and has some excellent rocky outcrops that cause the sea to bounce and spray at high tide. You can walk along here as far as you would like to (remembering to admire the newly built, stunning houses!) before heading back along the route that you came.
Kippers In the early 1900's the North Sea was crammed full of herring and up to twenty fishing boats would supply the fishing yards in the Village. These fish were exported all over Europe and Russia and at it's peak there were 2,000 herring gutted each day. There now remains one smokehouse in Craster, that of L. Robson and Sons. They still use the same age old traditional method of smoking over oak fires and their products are famous all over the world for their quality and flavour. The fantastic authentic smell of the smoke spreads through this part of the Village and adds so much character to the atmosphere. Bringing the company right up to date, they now sell their amazing produce both in the Village and via an online shop. They were recently featured in an advert for Nokia, which you can watch here. Fishing
Craster is still a fishing harbour and sea fishing trips run from the harbour each day from April to October and cost £20. To book a place on a boat email Doug at doughogg@hotmail.com or phone 01665 576514.
Golf
Northumberland has a wealth of stunning golf courses and the area around Craster has a good range of courses within easy striking distance. The Coast offers many beautiful links courses, with the nearest to Craster being Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club which has an 18 hole course. For more information and a full list of courses in Northumberland, visit our Golf Page.
Other Things To Do
The Mick Oxley Gallery is also located in the centre of the Village. Mick is a self-taught artist based in the Village and the gallery gives visitors the change to buy original work or a print and meet the artist himself. I can highly recommend his work, consisting mainly of two types: watercolour and acrylic seascapes and more textural works with acrylics and inks. Mick is a very talented artist that is inspired by the area around Craster (and who wouldn't be?), a visit to his gallery is a must while visiting the Village.
Other Attractions and Things To Do Nearby
Alnwick's Attractions, Bamburgh's Attractions, Seahouses' Attractions, Farne Island Trips, Boulmer, Holy Island, Holy Island's Attractions, Beadnell, Embleton, Waren Mill and Budle Bay, Dunstanburgh Castle, Bamburgh Castle, Howick Hall
Have we missed something? Can you recommend an attraction, restaurant or accommodation? Or maybe you have a business you would like to be included? Let us know.
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