Dunstanburgh Castle viewed from Craster 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, View of fishing nets and Craster Harbour 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 in 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, taking in the spectacular Northumberland Coast and dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.

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

The six-part ITV comedy-drama series 'Distant Shores', starring Peter Davidson and Samantha Bond, Hildasay Motors - Distant Shores TV Programme - Craster 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) house ever to be found in Britain. 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...

Liburn Tower - Dunstanburgh Castle - Northumberland
- Copyright Christine Matthews and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence This 10 mile long third stage of the route starts in the fishing village of Craster, heading 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'.

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.

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...

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...

Location Map of Craster
 Where to stay in...
Passionate About Northumberland Coast - North East England
Property For Sale and Rent on The Northumberland Coast