Craster - A Visitors Guide

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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 third stage, being the longest at 13 miles, starts at the historic village of Warkworth.

Firstly heading east to Birling Links, following spectacular golden sands, the route heads north to Buston Links, the estuary at Alnmouth Bay and to the pretty village of Alnmouth.

On departing Alnmouth, north, by the nine hole Alnmouth Village Golf Club, the route passes to the left of Alnmouth Golf Club at Foxton Hall and on to Seton Point, before passing by the picturesque fishing village of Boulmer, well known for it's smuggling activities in the past and not forgetting the infamous Fishing Boat Inn, focal point of the village and further afield.

To the north of Boulmer this section arcs round and on to Sugar Sands, Rumbling Kern, the Bathing House, Cullernose Point and finally ending in the fishing village of Craster, famous for it's kippers and oak smoked salmon.

Photo © Andrew Curtis - 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

Google Maps...

The Northumberland Coast Path (North Sea Trail)

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.

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