- Craster is in Northumberland, England.
- Famous for kippers
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Craster
Craster is a small, tidy fishing village on the Northumberland coast, famous above all for its kippers, still smoked in the traditional smokehouse overlooking the harbour. A short cliff walk north leads to the dramatic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
The story of Craster
The Craster family, who held the manor from the 14th century, built the present harbour in 1906 to ship limestone from the local quarries, replacing an earlier, smaller jetty that had served the fishing and lime trade. L. Robson & Sons has smoked kippers in Craster since 1919, using herring cured in brine and hung over oak and white-wood shavings in the smokehouses behind the harbour, making the village's name a byword for kippers across Britain. Dunstanburgh Castle, a short walk along the coast, was built in 1313 by Earl Thomas of Lancaster and later strengthened by John of Gaunt; its ruins dominate the cliff-top north of the village. The quarry closed in the 20th century, but the harbour survives for fishing and crabbing.
Visiting with care
Buy kippers fresh from the smokehouse and walk the cliff path north to Dunstanburgh Castle, owned by English Heritage. The walk is one of the finest short coastal walks in Northumberland and the village is a good base for the Northumberland Coast Path.
Interesting facts
- Craster harbour was built in 1906 by the Craster family to ship limestone from the local quarries.
- L. Robson & Sons has smoked kippers in Craster since 1919 using oak shavings.
- Dunstanburgh Castle, north of the village, was begun in 1313 by Earl Thomas of Lancaster.
- The quarry trade that built the harbour closed in the 20th century, leaving fishing and tourism.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.