Northumberland Coast · Village Guide

Craster

A tiny harbour village with a remarkable story — traditional smoked kippers, fishing boats, a ruined castle on the horizon and miles of wild Northumberland coast.

Craster rewards visitors who slow down. Follow the scent of wood smoke through the village, watch the harbour and set out along the coastal path towards Dunstanburgh Castle.

Look a little further and you'll find wildlife-rich woods, rocky headlands, quiet bays and a landscape shaped by the North Sea.

Explore the map Things to do Castle walk
Craster Kippers Dunstanburgh Castle Fishing harbour Coastal walking Wildlife
NORTH SEA
Northumberland's fishing heritage Harbour, smokehouse and castle A beautiful coastal village with a history you can taste, see and explore.
Four reasons to visit

Small village. Big discoveries.

Fishing heritage Historic harbour, working traditions and the story of Craster's famous kippers.
Medieval history Walk towards Dunstanburgh Castle on its dramatic rocky headland.
Coastal landscapes Sea views, rocky shoreline, hidden bays and long Northumberland walking routes.
Wildlife and nature Discover shoreline birds, rock pools and a small woodland nature reserve.
Discover the village

A place shaped by sea and stone

Craster is a traditional Northumberland fishing village, situated on a rugged stretch of coastline north-east of Alnwick.

Its compact harbour and stone buildings preserve the character of a community whose identity has long been connected to fishing.

Perhaps its most celebrated local tradition is the smoking of herring into Craster kippers — still carried out by L. Robson & Sons.

To the north, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle stand on a dramatic headland. The walk between village and castle is one of the signature experiences of the Northumberland coast.

Craster is also a useful starting point for quieter discoveries, including Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve and countryside towards Howick.

⌖ Explore the map Find Craster's highlights. ↗ Coastal walking Follow the castle path. ♧ Food and heritage Discover Craster kippers. ⌂ Where to stay Search the wider coast.
Explore Craster

The Craster interactive map

Explore the harbour, Dunstanburgh Castle, local food, nature reserves and neighbouring coastal places. Use the filters, search or choose a marker to discover more.

Stay on the Northumberland Coast

Find your coastal base

Craster itself has limited accommodation, so consider the wider Alnwick area, nearby coastal villages or a longer Northumberland stay.

The widget begins with the Alnwick area rather than the small village of Craster. Please verify the destination shown before booking. Prices and availability are provided by the booking partner. We may earn commission on qualifying bookings at no additional cost to you.
Things to see and do

Craster's best experiences

Discover the places, flavours and landscapes that make this small fishing village so rewarding.

Fishing heritage

Craster Harbour

Spend time around the harbour and enjoy the changing light across the fishing boats, stone walls and coastline.

The harbour tells the story of Craster's working relationship with the sea.

Keep clear of working equipment and exposed harbour edges.

Medieval landmark

Dunstanburgh Castle

Walk north along the coast to this great ruined 14th-century castle, standing above the North Sea.

The castle is owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage. Admission charges and opening arrangements apply.

Official castle tickets →
Food heritage

L. Robson & Sons

Discover the traditional oak-smoked kippers for which Craster is famous.

The family business still uses historic smokehouses, with a shop in the village selling smoked fish and other products.

Visit the official smokehouse shop →
Nature discovery

Arnold Memorial Nature Reserve

A former quarry beside Craster's visitor car park has become a small haven of woodland and scrub.

Watch for seasonal birds, wildflowers and the quieter side of the local landscape.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust guide →
Gardens and heritage

Howick Hall Gardens

Extend your visit with a trip to Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum, known for its gardens, woodland and the Earl Grey connection.

Check seasonal opening times before travelling.

Official garden admission →
Northumberland Coast

Embleton Bay

Beyond Dunstanburgh Castle lies a magnificent stretch of sandy coastline.

Enjoy the views towards Embleton Bay or continue on a longer coastal walk, allowing for the increased distance and changing terrain.

Coastal village

Low Newton-by-the-Sea

A small coastal village north of Dunstanburgh Castle that can be reached on a more demanding walk or visited separately.

The beaches, dunes and surrounding coastline reward visitors seeking a slower-paced day.

National Trust coastal walk →
Lesser-known coastline

Cullernose Point

South of Craster, the coastline becomes quieter, with rocky headlands, views out to sea and connections towards Howick.

Stay on permitted paths and keep well back from cliff edges.

Landscape story

The Great Whin Sill

The dark dolerite rock that shapes this coastline is part of the Great Whin Sill geological formation.

It helps explain the dramatic headland on which Dunstanburgh Castle stands, connecting Craster's natural and human history.

Taste of Northumberland

Craster kippers — a tradition still alive today

There are places where local food is an attraction in its own right. Craster is one of them.

The scent of oak smoke

L. Robson & Sons continues a long tradition of smoking herring in the village.

The distinctive kipper has become closely associated with Craster and with Northumberland's fishing heritage.

Visitors can call at the village shop or explore the company's official online range. The smokehouse is a working food business, so don't assume production-area tours are available.

Discover Craster kippers
The village experience

A simple Craster morning

Begin at the harbour, explore the stone streets, visit the fish shop and enjoy a relaxed coastal walk.

Then choose whether to continue towards Dunstanburgh Castle or settle in for a leisurely meal.

The appeal is not a large-scale attraction, but a living village whose traditions remain part of everyday life.

Signature coastal walk

Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle

This is one of Northumberland's most recognisable coastal walks: a ruined medieval castle rising ahead of you as you follow the shoreline north from the village.

A walk worth making time for

Start in Craster and follow the signed coastal route towards the castle.

The journey is around 1.3 miles each way from the village, with open coastal views and a dramatic approach to Dunstanburgh's ruins.

The terrain includes uneven grass and rocky sections, and can be muddy or slippery after wet weather.

The walk itself does not require castle admission, but entering the managed castle attraction may require a ticket.

Castle admission and opening → Official walking information →
Beyond the obvious

Craster's quieter discoveries

Nature and birdwatching

Arnold Memorial Reserve

Just beside the visitor car park, the former quarry has regenerated into a small reserve of woodland and scrub.

Its position close to the North Sea makes it interesting for migrant birds, particularly during seasonal passage. Sightings are never guaranteed.

Explore the reserve →
Wildlife along the shore

Birds, rock pools and dunes

Look out for eider ducks offshore and wading birds feeding around the coast. At low tide, rock pools can reveal an abundance of marine life.

Observe responsibly: do not disturb nesting birds, seals or wildlife, and avoid removing animals from rock pools.

Landscape and geology

The rocky coastline

Dolerite outcrops, rugged shoreline and wind-shaped grassland give Craster its distinctive appearance.

Dunstanburgh's remarkable setting is closely linked to the Great Whin Sill.

Local life and food

More than a castle stop

The working harbour, the smokehouse, village streets and places to eat help make Craster a destination rather than simply the beginning of a castle walk.

Supporting local businesses is part of enjoying the village responsibly.

Make a day of it

Three ways to discover Craster

One to two hours

Harbour and kippers

  1. Park in the designated visitor car park.
  2. Walk through the village towards the harbour.
  3. Visit the traditional smokehouse shop.
  4. Enjoy harbour views and a local refreshment stop.
  5. Return via the village streets.

A relaxed introduction to Craster's fishing and food heritage.

Half day

The castle walk

  1. Arrive in Craster.
  2. Follow the coastal path towards Dunstanburgh Castle.
  3. Explore the ruins if open.
  4. Return along the same signed route.
  5. Finish with food or refreshments in the village.

Allow additional time for the terrain, photographs and castle admission.

Full day or longer

The quieter Northumberland coast

  1. Start in Craster and explore the harbour.
  2. Choose a castle walk or visit the nature reserve.
  3. Enjoy lunch or a smokehouse stop.
  4. Visit Howick Hall if its gardens are open.
  5. Continue north or south on a wider coastal itinerary.

Best for visitors who want a slower discovery of the landscape.

Visitor planning

Before you travel

Craster is a small village with limited space, so planning how to arrive is important, particularly at weekends and during busy holiday periods.

Parking Use the designated pay-and-display visitor car park at the village entrance, NE66 3TW. Avoid parking in the village itself.
Public transport Bus services link the wider Alnwick area with Craster. Check current routes and schedules.
Walking Coastal and countryside routes may be rough, slippery and exposed. Wear suitable footwear.
Accommodation Search Craster, Alnwick and the surrounding Northumberland coast for suitable stays.
Continue your Northumberland journey

Craster connects coast, castles and countryside

Craster is a natural coastal discovery between Alnwick and the villages further north. It works as a memorable half-day stop or as part of a longer Northumberland tour.

South and inland

Explore Alnwick Castle, the gardens, the historic market town and nearby Northumberland countryside.

Discover Alnwick → North East hub →
North along the coast

Continue towards Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and Berwick-upon-Tweed, forming the next stages of our connected Northumberland journey.

Bamburgh → Holy Island → Berwick →

These are suggested destinations to combine, rather than a pre-booked tour. Opening times, journey distances, weather and access should always be checked.