Take a Trip to Embleton and Craster for Dramatic Views of Dunstanburgh Castle
These two popular coastal villages are within easy walking distance along the stunning coastal path, via the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle
Eat
In Embleton, the Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel serves everything from coffee and cake to light lunches and dinner and there’s a good beer garden here too. Elsewhere the dog-friendly Greys Inn is great for pub grub, or drop into the Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club for great chips as you come off the beach. More casual diners can call into Embers, a great pop-up pizza place just outside the village on the Craster Road in Eleanor’s Byre’s car park. In Craster, The Jolly Fisherman’s dining room has expansive sea views, there’s a cosy bar area too, or head to the beer garden for stunning views over the harbour. Shoreline is a great place for coffee and homemade cake or a light lunch (they sell a few essentials here), and just outside the village, The Stable Yard at Craster Tower serves good homemade cakes, soup and sandwiches.
Sleep
This area is filled with gorgeous self-catering cottages and houses including The Lookout in Embleton with views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the golf course – it’s great for larger parties, sleeping up to 12 guests. Cosy Spitalford cottage, built in 1269 for Eleanor de Monfort, sister to Henry III, combines contemporary touches with historic charm and sleeps four guests. Towards Craster is the popular Proctors Stead campsite and holiday cottages whilst in Craster village, Craster Waves boasts dramatic sea views from the open-plan first floor living space and glazed balcony, and is available through Simply Coastal. To the north of Embleton, at High Newton, the all-new Garden Cabins on Newton Hall’s Estate have comfy beds with crisp white linen, outdoor decking and private hot tubs and/or fire pits. These dog-friendly cabins (with a great pub next door) are perfect for up to six guests.
Browse
The Mick Oxley Gallery in Craster is home to much of his original work as well as prints, gifts and cards. While you’re in the village, drop into the smokery, L Robson & Sons, to pick up their famous Craster kippers to take home with you. There’s a small deli here too. On the road from Craster to Embleton, Eleanor’s Byre is an award-winning shop where you’ll find all sorts of gorgeous (mostly British) goods, from gifts and baby shoes to homeware.
Don't Miss
It’s really all about the beaches here, but between February and November, you can visit the gardens at Howick Hall, where clever planting means there’s always something to see, from the bog gardens to the rockery, the arboretum and sensory garden. It’s a great place for afternoon tea too. Walk north from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, explore the romantic ruins and enjoy the views from the rocky whin sill, with gulls wheeling overhead. Walk south from Howick towards Boulmer along the coastal path and you’ll come across rocky outcrops and coves, all interspersed with stretches of beautiful white sand. Golfers should test their swing at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club, where the par three 13th takes you right up to the foot of the castle ruins.
Around the Corner
The best way to explore this stretch of coastline is on foot. Start north of Embleton at High Newton-by-the-Sea (where you’ll find the popular Joiner’s Arms) and drop down to Low Newton, stopping at The Ship Inn for an ale (they have their own brewery on site). Then set off along the sand to Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle. Push on past the castle and you’ll end up in Craster.
