Craster Beach
Beach

Craster Beach

Northumberland

Dog Friendly Rating: 8/10 A small, dog friendly harbour beach in the famous kippers village of Craster, with year-round access and the starting point for the outstanding coastal walk to Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay.

Craster Beach is a small sandy beach tucked within the working harbour of the famous Northumberland fishing village of Craster, known throughout the region for its oak-smoked kippers produced at the Robson's smokehouse nearby. The harbour is intimate and characterful, with cobles and fishing gear adding to the working atmosphere, and the beach sits on the sheltered south side. The village has an excellent pub, the Jolly Fisherman, which has outstanding views and is reliably dog friendly. The coastal path north leads to Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle, one of the finest short coastal walks in England.

Dogs are welcome at Craster Beach year-round with no official seasonal bans or restrictions, confirmed by Beachlets and other Northumberland-specific sources. The beach is small and the harbour environment means dogs should be kept close. The walk north to Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay is an exceptional off-lead option. Craster Quarry car park (NE66 3TS) is the main parking area, a short walk from the harbour.

At a Glance

Dog Access Year Round No official restrictions. Wildlife and marine life may be present; dogs should be kept under close control near the harbour area.
Beach Type Sand, Rock
Tide Notes Small harbour beach. Sheltered from most winds. The rocks at low tide are excellent for exploring but can be slippery.
Facilities Jolly Fisherman pub (dog friendly), Robson's kippers smokehouse shop, National Trust car park and facilities nearby. Public toilets in village
Parking Craster Quarry car park (NE66 3TS). Pay-and-display. Short walk to harbour and beach

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Craster Beach is a great choice for a dog-friendly day out, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The Jolly Fisherman pub in the village welcomes dogs too, and the coastal path heading north to Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay is one of the finest short walks on the English coast — a real treat for dogs and their owners alike.

Yes, dogs are welcome at Craster Beach throughout the year with no seasonal bans or restrictions in place. This makes it a reliable option whatever time of year you're planning a visit to this corner of Northumberland.

Craster Beach is a small beach within a working harbour, so it's worth keeping your dog close and being mindful of the boats, fishing gear, and general harbour activity around you. The main car park is Craster Quarry car park (NE66 3TS), a short walk from the harbour, and there are public toilets in the village. If you're up for a longer adventure, the off-lead coastal walk north to Dunstanburgh Castle and Embleton Bay is well worth adding to your plans.

Location

Haven Hill

55.4728, -1.5941

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