Craster
North East Escapes offers a range of holiday cottages and properties in Craster, the picturesque Northumberland fishing village famed for its harbour, traditional kippers and the spectacular coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle. Guests can enjoy fresh local seafood, dramatic sea views, scenic walking routes and easy access to Embleton Bay, Low Newton, Alnwick and the wider Northumberland coast. Perfect for romantic breaks, family holidays and walking escapes, Craster combines traditional village character with outstanding natural beauty.
Location Summary
Set on the dramatic Northumberland coast, Craster is one of the county's most distinctive fishing villages, best known for its picturesque harbour, traditional smokehouses and famous Craster kippers. Stone cottages gather around the harbour while the open coastline stretches north towards the atmospheric ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Staying in holiday cottages in Craster places guests at the heart of the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, surrounded by sea views, wildlife and some of the region's finest coastal walking.
Craster is an ideal base for exploring the wider Northumberland coastline. Visitors can follow the coast towards Embleton Bay and Low Newton, travel south to Howick and Alnmouth, or enjoy days out in nearby Alnwick, Bamburgh and Seahouses. With peaceful beaches, historic castles and traditional villages all within easy reach, the area offers an excellent combination of relaxation and discovery.
From fresh local seafood and harbour views to bracing coastal walks and memorable sunsets, Craster is particularly well suited to romantic breaks, family holidays and walking escapes. Its small village atmosphere and exceptional position on the Northumberland coast make it a memorable destination throughout the year.
Things to Do in Craster
One of the most popular things to do in Craster is the coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle. The spectacular ruins stand on a headland around 1.3 miles north of the village and can only be reached on foot, making the journey part of the experience. The relatively gentle route follows the shoreline with uninterrupted views of the sea and the castle ahead, before arriving at one of Northumberland's most dramatic historic sites.
Craster itself is well worth exploring. Visitors can wander around the working harbour, enjoy locally smoked seafood and discover the village's long association with traditional kipper production. The harbour provides a striking starting point for walks in either direction along the Northumberland Coast Path, with seabirds, rugged cliffs and expansive coastal views providing plenty to see along the way.
Heading south from Craster, walkers can explore the coastline towards Cullernose Point and Howick. Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum offers another excellent nearby day out, with extensive gardens, woodland walks and seasonal displays. To the north, the route beyond Dunstanburgh continues towards Embleton Bay and Low Newton, where broad sandy beaches and traditional coastal scenery make this one of Northumberland's most attractive stretches of coastline.
Further afield, Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden, Bamburgh Castle and the harbour town of Seahouses are all accessible for day trips. Explore North East Escapes holiday cottages in Craster for a coastal base surrounded by history, outstanding landscapes and some of the best walking in Northumberland.
