Craster Beach
Northumberland
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craster Beach dog friendly?
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.
Are dogs allowed at Craster Beach year round?
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.
What should I know before visiting Craster Beach with my dog?
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.
What’s Nearby?
Beach1.3 mi awayHowick Beach
Northumberland
A beautiful, sheltered sandy beach on the Northumberland Heritage Coast near Howick Hall, with year-round dog access, very few visitors and excellent coastal walking north to Craster.
Beach2.3 mi awayEmbleton Bay
Northumberland
One of Northumberland's finest beaches: a sweeping arc of golden sand directly below Dunstanburgh Castle ruins, with year-round dog access, outstanding AONB scenery and very few restrictions.
Beach3.1 mi awayLonghoughton Steel
Northumberland
A wild, rocky coastal stretch on the Northumberland Heritage Coast with year-round dog access, excellent for exploring rock pools and adventure rather than conventional beach walking.
Beach3.3 mi awayNewton-by-the-Sea
Northumberland
A beautiful, sheltered sandy cove in a tiny National Trust fishing village on the Northumberland coast with year-round dog access, stunning views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the iconic seasonal Ship Inn.
Beach3.5 mi awayBoulmer Beach
Northumberland
A quiet rockpool beach at the fishing village of Boulmer with year-round access and a very local, undiscovered feel.
Beach5.6 mi awayAlnmouth Beach
Northumberland
A wide sandy estuary beach at the mouth of the Aln with dunes and year-round access, one of Northumberland's most underrated spots.
