This is the picture perfect fishing village that supplies its famous food to the royals
- UK Hidden Gems
- Dec 7, 2025
- 2 min read
Tucked away in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming fishing village is full of character and serves some of the freshest fish you will ever taste.
Just eight miles from Alnwick, you will find this little gem sitting along the Northeast coastline.
Most people visit for one main reason, to try its famous kippers, and there is one well known place that makes them better than anywhere else.
L. Robson and Sons kipper smokehouse draws visitors from across the country, all keen to sample its kippers, which are sent from this small village to homes nationwide.
The fish is said to be so good that it is even supplied to the British Royal Family.
The business still cures locally caught fish in traditional smokehouses that are more than 130 years old.
Craster has earned a strong reputation as the birthplace of what many believe are the best kippers in Britain, a claim supported by well known chefs, according to the smokehouse’s website.
Food lovers will also enjoy The Jolly Fisherman, a highly rated restaurant offering stunning sea views alongside its delicious dishes.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Came here for our second time (after two and a half years), and this place is STILL one of our favourite places for seafood!
“We opted for a lighter lunch this time, and I had a prawn and crayfish sandwich, and my husband had the crab sandwich with a side of chips. JUST as amazing as our very first visit was!
We will continue to come when we are this side of the country! Highly recommend!”
After enjoying some of the region’s best seafood, visitors can walk to the striking ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Though only parts of the once grand fortress remain, what is left still offers a fascinating look into its long history.
The castle dates back to 1313 when Earl Thomas of Lancaster ordered its construction, and historians say it was built as a challenge to King Edward II.
Today, its worn stone walls sit quietly above the Northumberland coastline, alongside Egyncleugh Tower, which rises proudly over Queen Margaret’s Cove.
A recent TripAdvisor visitor described it as “a lovely peaceful walk”. They added: “It’s about a 30 minute, fairly flat walk along the coast path to get to the castle, but it’s worth it.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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