City dwellers dreaming of a more tranquil pace can discover a wealth of coastal and rural retreats in the North East, promising idyllic seclusion, revitalising air, and captivating vistas. One jewel in Northumberland’s crown, just under an hour’s drive from Newcastle, exudes an enchanting, timeless quality.
Adding to its allure, spotty phone reception, although poised for improvement, has traditionally helped visitors disconnect and step back from their hectic modern lives. Enter Craster, a quaint fishing hamlet ingrained in memory once visited, earning accolades on TripAdvisor for attributes ranging from its picturesque pub with its view to the ‘world’s best’ fish served there. None other than the renowned Craster kipper headlines the local cuisine.
Established in 1856, L Robson and Sons stands as the bastion of Craster kippers, achieving global renown. This historic family enterprise has been perfecting its herring-curing craft in original smokehouses for 170 years, eliciting rave reviews on TripAdvisor.
These include high praises like “never tasted such perfect seafood” and enthusiastic claims that these are “in my view the best kipper in the world,” considering them “a real taste of Northumberland to take home with you.”
As previously highlighted, the illustrious smokehouse has garnered listed status from English Heritage. The company’s fame has only compounded through widespread acknowledgement on numerous television broadcasts and endorsements from many of the county’s esteemed chefs, reports Chronicle Live.
The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys, which enjoyed an Easter Monday re-run on Channel Five, featured the quaint fishing village of Craster during its picturesque rail journey from York to Edinburgh. The show highlighted Craster’s timeless charm, noting: “Time seems to have stood still and ancient traditions continue.”
During the programme’s segment on Craster’s traditional smokeries, audiences learned about the historical significance of herring as a regional staple and discovered that the local business now produces a staggering million kippers annually.
The episode also turned its attention to Bamburgh, a short drive up the road, where it showcased not only the iconic castle but also recent archaeological finds remnants of a 1,000 year old burial ground revealed by strong winds.
These Anglo-Saxon graves, unearthed from beneath the sand dunes for the first time since the Middle Ages, resulted in the skeletons being respectfully relocated to St Aidan’s Church nearby. While Bamburgh is less than a 30-minute car journey from Craster, visitors will find another historic castle even closer.
The remnants of Dunstanburgh Castle are easily accessible via a scenic cliff-top walk, and a round trip from Craster – albeit a breezy one – is sure to work up an appetite. The Jolly Fisherman, a local favourite in the village, is famed for its stunning views and seafood offerings.
As previously mentioned, it has been recognised by online platform OpenTable as one of the UK’s top destinations for Sunday lunch and brunch.
Craster’s timeless charm has also caught the eye of television producers, with the village featuring in shows such as Vera, Alibi’s The Red King, Villages by the Sea and Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. However, to truly appreciate its beauty, it’s best experienced in person.