Fun things to do in and around Craster with kids
Published: Monday 23rd Aug 2021
Craster has all the ingredients for a child-pleasing break from endless fun searching for sea creatures in its rock pools to burning off energy on walks to Dunstanburgh Castle. Plan your stay with our suggestions for a seven night family holiday in this part of Northumberland.
Craster is a small fishing village on the Northumberland coast about 15 minutes’ drive from the town of Alnwick. Famed for its smokehouse, where they produce the oak smoked Craster Kipper, it has a harbour, gastro pub, café, and views to the north of the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. From this location, you are close to many of Northumberland’s family friendly attractions and several beautiful beaches.
Visit Dunstanburgh Castle
Built on the headland between Craster and Embleton in 1313, Dunstanburgh Castle subsequently fell into ruin after being the focus of fighting during the War of the Roses. Captivating at all times of the day, the castle is accessed by a picturesque walk along the coastline from Craster harbour. Children will love darting in and out of the rockpools on the journey there and observing the sheep which graze on the farmland around the castle. Take a picnic to enjoy on the rocks when you arrive at the castle or drop down onto Embleton Bay for some sandcastle fun before heading back.
Head to The Alnwick Garden
From poisonous plants and bamboo mazes to water fountains and the world’s largest treehouse, The Alnwick Garden is a huge playground for children to explore. The creation of the Duchess of Northumberland, it is one of Northumberland’s top visitor attractions and has special one-off events throughout the year, particularly around Halloween and Christmas, as well as an adventure golf course called The Forgotten Garden. You can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the main lawn in front of the Grand Cascade fountains or visit its Pavilion Café or Treehouse Restaurant. 15 minutes’ drive from Craster
Enjoy watersports at Beadnell Bay
You can’t visit the Northumberland coast without heading to the beach. Beadnell Bay is brilliant for families with children of different ages. While the little ones’ paddle in and out of the calm waters and build sandcastles, older children and teens can have a go at their pick of a range of watersports from boogie boarding to stand up paddle boarding. There are also two food huts in the car park, an ice cream van during peak periods and toilet facilities so you can stay as long as you like. 20 minutes’ drive from Craster
Enjoy at day out at Bamburgh
Bamburgh is the jewel in Northumberland’s crown with its majestic castle, wide sandy beach, brilliant waves for surfing and choice of restaurants. At the castle you can discover the history of this former royal fortress, hear its legends, ghost stories and myths and explore its state rooms, ramparts and dungeon. For heritage fans, Bamburgh is also home to the brilliant Grace Darling Museum which commemorates the life of Victorian Britain’s greatest heroine who risked her life to rescue survivors of the wrecked SS Forfarshire. After a morning sightseeing, head to the beach for some well-deserved relaxation. 30 minutes’ drive from Craster
Catch a sealife show at The Farne Islands
Hop onto one of the many boats that leave Seahouses harbour for a tour of the Farne Islands and you’ll be treated to grey seals bobbing in the water or lazing on the rocks, nesting puffins at the height of the breeding season and over 100,000 species of seabirds. If you are lucky, dolphins have also been spotted in these waters, so keep your eye out! Boats go out at all times of the day (weather dependant) and you can even catch a sunset cruise. After all that sea air, head into Seahouses for some classic fish and chips and then spend the rest of your day at the crazy golf and amusements or enjoy a swim at The Ocean Club. Membership to this private club is included in your booking (a small entry fee applies, but with our partner offers, children swim free with a paying adult). 20 minutes’ drive from Craster
Don’t miss kid-pleasing pizza at Embers
When the kids are hungry, head to Embers for some wood-fired pizza that is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. Situated in the grounds of Eleanor’s Byre at Embleton, you can get takeaway from this pop-up shipping container or sit outside and embrace the rusticity of the set up. The pizza menu changes regularly but there are always some classic options as well as one or two with a twist. If you find yourself having to wait at all, the highland cattle in the adjacent field will keep the kids amused. 5 minutes’ drive from Craster
