Craster - A Visitors Guide

Where to stay in...

Northumberland Coast Path - 4 to 6 Day Walking Holiday - Absolute Escapes Ltd

The Official Northumberland Coast Path Guidebook

St Oswalds Way - 6 to 10 Day Walking Holiday - Absolute Escapes Ltd

Advertise on the Northumberland Coast website

The village of Craster owes its name to the Craster family.

The first mention of the family is reference to William de Craucetr holding the estate in 1272.

Craster Tower, listed in a survey of forts carried out in 1415, is a strong rectangular stone 15th century tower, of two storeys with a vaulted basement.

The present building has been little changed since that date.

It was the Craster family who built the present harbour in 1906 in memory of Captain John Craster who was killed during active service in India, in 1904.

Today Craster is best known for its kippers, L Robson and Sons Ltd have supplied the Royal Family in the past.

The kippers and smoked salmon are prepared in the traditional method of oak smoking.

Their kippers and salmon are delivered next day to all parts of the UK mainland and can also be purchased either from their shop, locally and ordered online.

A picturesque coastal footpath from the village across the fields follows the rocky shore one and half miles north to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Walking enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a circular walk of about six miles.

Walking north, this route follows the spectacular Northumberland Coast, passing the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, then heads inland, returning to Craster via the bracken and heather covered slopes of The Heughs.

Shepherds Walks offer their personal 'Guided Walks' of this route, an illustrated map giving details of the route can be purchased from local shops, or online.

Photo © John Sutton - CCL

The six-part ITV comedy-drama series 'Distant Shores', starring Peter Davidson and Samantha Bond, Hildasay Motors was filmed at various locations along the Northumberland Coast during the spring and summer of 2004.

Various settings were used in and around Craster, including, 'Hildasay Motors', the 'Island Store', and nearby Dunstanburgh Castle.

Located at Howick, a few miles south of Craster, archaeologists from Newcastle University have unearthed the earliest and best-preserved Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) round-house ever to be found in Britain.

Photo © Andrew Curtis - CCL

In 2002 a reconstruction of the house was created for the BBC2 TV programme 'Meet the Ancestors'.

The house is part of the popular Maelmin Heritage Trail, situated just a few miles inland at Milfield, near Wooler.

The Northumberland Coast Path - Stage 3 - Craster to Seahouses...

This 10 miles / 16 km long third stage of the route starts in the fishing village of Craster,
then heads north, past the dramatic ruins of windswept Dunstanburgh Castle and onto the golden sands of Embleton Bay,
keeping a lookout for the famous 'Andra Barton Rock' along the way.

Past the beach huts and on to picturesque Low Newton by the Sea,
with it's village square and the Ship Inn, a perfect place to stop for well-earned food and refreshments.

Then to the vast expanse of Beadnell Bay and the village of Beadnell beyond,
finally ending-up in the bustling holiday town of Seahouses, gateway to the Farne Islands.

Photo © Christine Matthews - CCL

Ordnance Survey Maps...

Sheet 75 (Landranger) – Berwick upon Tweed
Sheet 81 (Landranger) –Alnwick and Morpeth
Sheet 332 (Explorer) –Alnwick and Amble
Sheet 340 (Explorer) – Holy Island and Bamburgh

Ordnance Survey Online Map of Stage 3 available HERE

Official Guidebook for the Northumberland Coast Path...

The guidebook (ISBN 978 1 873402 23 6) costing in the region of £4,
is available from local Tourist Information Centres (TIC's), Local Bookshops, or Here.

Google Street View Awards - Haven Hill...

Haven Hill in Craster has been nomination for Google Street View Best Foodie Street.

With Haven Hill being the home of L. Robson Sons Ltd, famed throughout the world for their Craster Kippers and Oak Smoked Salmon.

Also situated in Haven Hill is The Jolly Fisherman Inn,
with it's excellent Craster Kipper Pâté, homemade Crab Soup and Crab Sandwiches,
all of which can be washed down by soft drinks, tea, coffee or from a selection of fine beers.
Evening meals are served from 6pm daily.
The menu is prepared fresh each day by a local celebrity chef.

Being nominated for this prestigious award reflects the high quality of the food available.

Craster has a variety of holiday accommodation available, including...

Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering and nearby a Camping and Caravan Site.

Craster Tourist Information Centre...

Craster Car Park
Craster
Northumberland
NE66 3TW
Telephone +44 (0)1665 576 007
Fax +44 (0)1665 576 593
Send Email

Useful Links...

The Howick Project