Guidebook for The Porthole, Craster

John
Guidebook for The Porthole, Craster

Food Scene

Northumberland does seem to cater for all tastes. There are some excellent eating establishments now, ranging from fine dining to superb pub and bar meals. Seafood is an obvious regional attraction.
You'll struggle to find a more unique venue ! A restaurant in an enormous treehouse.
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The Treehouse Restaurant
Denwick Lane
40 locals raden deze aan
You'll struggle to find a more unique venue ! A restaurant in an enormous treehouse.
Really good pub serving great locally sourced food, their menu is large & the daily specials are always worth trying. Very reasonably priced too.
33 locals raden deze aan
The Cook and Barker Inn
33 locals raden deze aan
Really good pub serving great locally sourced food, their menu is large & the daily specials are always worth trying. Very reasonably priced too.
Excellent gastro pub with restaurant in a lovely setting. Dogs are allowed too.
8 locals raden deze aan
St Mary's Inn
Saint Mary's Lane
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Excellent gastro pub with restaurant in a lovely setting. Dogs are allowed too.
Superb seafood restaurant in the heart of Amble, using locally sourced produce. We had a whole lobster for £24 ! They will also arrange private catering at The Porthole.
23 locals raden deze aan
Sea & Soil Amble
104 Queen St
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Superb seafood restaurant in the heart of Amble, using locally sourced produce. We had a whole lobster for £24 ! They will also arrange private catering at The Porthole.
Great pub with excellent food & range of beers, nice outdoor space too
29 locals raden deze aan
The Joiners Arms
B1340
29 locals raden deze aan
Great pub with excellent food & range of beers, nice outdoor space too
Fab pub in Low Newton with it's own micro brewery & music scene. Only a short distance to the beautiful Northumbrian coastline.
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The Ship Inn
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Fab pub in Low Newton with it's own micro brewery & music scene. Only a short distance to the beautiful Northumbrian coastline.
Traditional pub with great beer garden, there's also an outdoor children's play area. You can walk there from The Porthole.
6 locals raden deze aan
The Cottage Inn
5 The Village
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Traditional pub with great beer garden, there's also an outdoor children's play area. You can walk there from The Porthole.
Great gastro pub with stunning views, try their famous crab soup. You can chose the bar or restaurant menu. You will need to book in advance if you want to eat in the restaurant. The beer garden overlooks the North Sea with views up to Dunstanburgh Castle. The Jolly is a very short walk from The Porthole.
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The Jolly Fisherman
9 Haven Hill
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Great gastro pub with stunning views, try their famous crab soup. You can chose the bar or restaurant menu. You will need to book in advance if you want to eat in the restaurant. The beer garden overlooks the North Sea with views up to Dunstanburgh Castle. The Jolly is a very short walk from The Porthole.
Really good seafood restaurant, reasonably priced with a Brazillian/Portugese menu. The seafood stew/broth called caldeirada paraense is AMAZING ! The restaurant is a very short walk from The Porthole. The restaurant is closed until April each year.
6 locals raden deze aan
The Craster Seafood Restaurant
Haven Hill
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Really good seafood restaurant, reasonably priced with a Brazillian/Portugese menu. The seafood stew/broth called caldeirada paraense is AMAZING ! The restaurant is a very short walk from The Porthole. The restaurant is closed until April each year.
Traditional country pub with nice beer garden in lovely hamlet of Rennington.
7 locals raden deze aan
The Horseshoes Inn
7 locals raden deze aan
Traditional country pub with nice beer garden in lovely hamlet of Rennington.
Lovely tea rooms/coffee shop with gift shop just outside of Embleton on the Craster road.
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Eleanor's Byre
10 locals raden deze aan
Lovely tea rooms/coffee shop with gift shop just outside of Embleton on the Craster road.
Lovely coffee shop/cafe right beside the folly you pass under on the way to Craster. You can easily walk there from The Porthole.
6 locals raden deze aan
The Stable Yard
6 locals raden deze aan
Lovely coffee shop/cafe right beside the folly you pass under on the way to Craster. You can easily walk there from The Porthole.
Good food as well as good service in this predominantly seafood restaurant.
42 locals raden deze aan
The Potted Lobster
3 Lucker Rd
42 locals raden deze aan
Good food as well as good service in this predominantly seafood restaurant.
Lovely pub serving some excellent meals in a small village on the outskirts of Alnmouth. They have an excellent floral display outside during spring and summer.
8 locals raden deze aan
The Coach Inn
Main St
8 locals raden deze aan
Lovely pub serving some excellent meals in a small village on the outskirts of Alnmouth. They have an excellent floral display outside during spring and summer.
Excellent Indian restaurant & takeaway in the heart of Alnwick. Several guests who have stayed with us have recommended this place.
7 locals raden deze aan
Mumbai Flavours
15 Narrowgate
7 locals raden deze aan
Excellent Indian restaurant & takeaway in the heart of Alnwick. Several guests who have stayed with us have recommended this place.
A fab recent addition to the local food scene. Artisan pizzas served in a pizza van at the Old School Gallery in Alnmouth.
BOX.PIZZA
A fab recent addition to the local food scene. Artisan pizzas served in a pizza van at the Old School Gallery in Alnmouth.
Recently refurbished (June 2019) serving a really nice wide range of food from seafood platters to 'posh' sandwiches, Sunday lunches are a must. Best to book in advance, dog friendly too.
17 locals raden deze aan
Beadnell Towers
The Wynding
17 locals raden deze aan
Recently refurbished (June 2019) serving a really nice wide range of food from seafood platters to 'posh' sandwiches, Sunday lunches are a must. Best to book in advance, dog friendly too.
A café by day & an intimate bistro by night. We really like this unassuming cafe, a great 'pitstop' after a coastal walk & dog friendly too.​
18 locals raden deze aan
Salt Water Cafe
The Wynding
18 locals raden deze aan
A café by day & an intimate bistro by night. We really like this unassuming cafe, a great 'pitstop' after a coastal walk & dog friendly too.​
Fab country gastro pub serving really high quality, locally sourced ingredients in a lovely setting. Dog friendly too! Edit
12 locals raden deze aan
The Apple Inn
12 locals raden deze aan
Fab country gastro pub serving really high quality, locally sourced ingredients in a lovely setting. Dog friendly too! Edit
Fab locally produced ice cream, they currently have a trailer set up at High Newton crossroads (beside The Joiners Arms).
19 locals raden deze aan
Morwick Dairy Ice Cream
19 locals raden deze aan
Fab locally produced ice cream, they currently have a trailer set up at High Newton crossroads (beside The Joiners Arms).

Drinks & Nightlife

There are loads of really great pubs in close proximity to our cottage. Most are dog friendly as well as providing excellent food too so please refer to our 'Food scene' section.
Nice pub with restaurant on the outskirts of Alnwick.
8 locals raden deze aan
The Plough
24 Bondgate Without
8 locals raden deze aan
Nice pub with restaurant on the outskirts of Alnwick.

Sightseeing

The chance to get out in open air of Northumberland is it's main attraction we think. The Northumberland National Park, Northumberland Coastal Path & Northumberland Dark Park are all naturally occurring attractions the county has to offer, oh & the 1,200 miles of walking routes, 80 miles of beaches & over 70 castles!
If there is anything that Northumberland does it is castles & Bamburgh has to be the most dramatically impressive one we have.
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Bamburgh Castle
40 The Wynding
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If there is anything that Northumberland does it is castles & Bamburgh has to be the most dramatically impressive one we have.
Fish and chips heaven ! Also the place to be to take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, site of the Grace Darling rescue. You'll also see loads of seals & sea birds including the cute puffins. We can even arrange for you to swim with the seals off the Outer Farne Islands beside the Longstone lighthouse. You will need to be a confident, experienced open water swimmer to take part.
67 locals raden deze aan
Seahouses
67 locals raden deze aan
Fish and chips heaven ! Also the place to be to take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, site of the Grace Darling rescue. You'll also see loads of seals & sea birds including the cute puffins. We can even arrange for you to swim with the seals off the Outer Farne Islands beside the Longstone lighthouse. You will need to be a confident, experienced open water swimmer to take part.
Bonkers owner (Dominic Cummings father-in-law!) with a great dungeon display ! Home to the Chillingham cattle-the brown ones with impressive horns!
49 locals raden deze aan
Chillingham Castle
49 locals raden deze aan
Bonkers owner (Dominic Cummings father-in-law!) with a great dungeon display ! Home to the Chillingham cattle-the brown ones with impressive horns!
Holy Island & Lindisfarne Castle are accessible over the causeway & is a stunning location but check the tide times first as it is sea locked twice a day !
6 locals raden deze aan
Holy Island
6 locals raden deze aan
Holy Island & Lindisfarne Castle are accessible over the causeway & is a stunning location but check the tide times first as it is sea locked twice a day !
Our home-A picturesque working fishing village , home of the world famous Craster kippers, visit Robsons smoke house there & buy your own !
8 locals raden deze aan
Craster
8 locals raden deze aan
Our home-A picturesque working fishing village , home of the world famous Craster kippers, visit Robsons smoke house there & buy your own !
Pretty seaside town with great pubs, restaurants & even an art gallery.
7 locals raden deze aan
Alnmouth
7 locals raden deze aan
Pretty seaside town with great pubs, restaurants & even an art gallery.
The film location of the Harry Potter films as well as Downton Abbey, the majestic Alnwick Castle domains this pretty market town. You can book your Quidditch lesson online with them. Also visit the stunning Alnwick Garden which is located on the same site, their poison garden is worth the trip alone.
281 locals raden deze aan
Alnwick Castle
281 locals raden deze aan
The film location of the Harry Potter films as well as Downton Abbey, the majestic Alnwick Castle domains this pretty market town. You can book your Quidditch lesson online with them. Also visit the stunning Alnwick Garden which is located on the same site, their poison garden is worth the trip alone.
Recently voted as one of the top ten walks in the UK. Leave from our front door, through Craster village & walk along the Northumbrian coastline to the 14th century castle ruins.
68 locals raden deze aan
National Trust - Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Road
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Recently voted as one of the top ten walks in the UK. Leave from our front door, through Craster village & walk along the Northumbrian coastline to the 14th century castle ruins.
Centred round the charming villages of Ford & Etal & nestled in the furthermost corner of north Northumberland, this large country estate is home to a range of attractions, outdoor adventure & traditional tearooms. One of the main attractions is Heatherslaw Light Railway-the most northerly steam railway in England. The 15" gauge railway pulled by steam locomotive "Bunty" travels along the banks of the River Till between Heatherslaw Station and Etal Castle, a return journey of 6.4km. A choice of fully enclosed or partly glazed coaches ensures you'll remain dry, even on the wettest days! A really lovely way to spend the day especially for kids.
21 locals raden deze aan
Heatherslaw Light Railway
21 locals raden deze aan
Centred round the charming villages of Ford & Etal & nestled in the furthermost corner of north Northumberland, this large country estate is home to a range of attractions, outdoor adventure & traditional tearooms. One of the main attractions is Heatherslaw Light Railway-the most northerly steam railway in England. The 15" gauge railway pulled by steam locomotive "Bunty" travels along the banks of the River Till between Heatherslaw Station and Etal Castle, a return journey of 6.4km. A choice of fully enclosed or partly glazed coaches ensures you'll remain dry, even on the wettest days! A really lovely way to spend the day especially for kids.
Stunning Warkworth is dominated by it's castle but worth a visit for the independent shops, coffee/tea rooms, pubs as well as great walks along the Coquet river. Try the chocolatier, Caboose on the front street, pricey but worth it .
Warkworth
Stunning Warkworth is dominated by it's castle but worth a visit for the independent shops, coffee/tea rooms, pubs as well as great walks along the Coquet river. Try the chocolatier, Caboose on the front street, pricey but worth it .
We defy you to find a more stunning beach with miles & miles of breathtaking scenery. Walk from Dunstanburgh Castle down past the golf club along towards Low Newton past the majestic sand dunes, so good for the soul !
16 locals raden deze aan
Embleton Bay
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We defy you to find a more stunning beach with miles & miles of breathtaking scenery. Walk from Dunstanburgh Castle down past the golf club along towards Low Newton past the majestic sand dunes, so good for the soul !
Picturesque Beadnell has an unspoilt sandy bay to walk along with a harbour & a great pub, The Craster Arms.
9 locals raden deze aan
Beadnell
9 locals raden deze aan
Picturesque Beadnell has an unspoilt sandy bay to walk along with a harbour & a great pub, The Craster Arms.
Cragside was the home of Victorian engineer Lord Armstrong. Together, he & his wife Lady Margaret Armstrong created Cragside, the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity using Sir Joseph Swan's newly-invented filament lightbulbs. The estate was once a bare moorland which has been engineered to create a stunning Himalayan landscape, with a formal garden, estate carriage drive, lakes, woodland & walks & stunning trail walks, especially in springtime.
17 locals raden deze aan
Cragside
17 locals raden deze aan
Cragside was the home of Victorian engineer Lord Armstrong. Together, he & his wife Lady Margaret Armstrong created Cragside, the first home in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity using Sir Joseph Swan's newly-invented filament lightbulbs. The estate was once a bare moorland which has been engineered to create a stunning Himalayan landscape, with a formal garden, estate carriage drive, lakes, woodland & walks & stunning trail walks, especially in springtime.
Heritage railway attraction just off the A1 outside Alnwick aiming to re-open the Alnwick to Alnmouth branch line. Not open all year round.
8 locals raden deze aan
Aln Valley Railway
8 locals raden deze aan
Heritage railway attraction just off the A1 outside Alnwick aiming to re-open the Alnwick to Alnmouth branch line. Not open all year round.

Parks & Nature

Local attractions to stretch your legs in, get the bikes out or just take in the views.
Great circular walk through pine forests up on to the moors looking out over the Cheviots, there is even a vantage point just like Pride Rock in the Lion King !
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Thrunton Wood
10 locals raden deze aan
Great circular walk through pine forests up on to the moors looking out over the Cheviots, there is even a vantage point just like Pride Rock in the Lion King !
Enormous Hulne Park designed by Capability Brown with stunning views especially around the folly Brizlee Tower. Look closely you might even see some red squirels !
12 locals raden deze aan
Hulne Park
Ratten Row
12 locals raden deze aan
Enormous Hulne Park designed by Capability Brown with stunning views especially around the folly Brizlee Tower. Look closely you might even see some red squirels !

Arts & Culture

There are some great little finds in our area when looking for unique art work or pieces. Also look out for your cultural fix at the Alnwick Playhouse.
Superb local artist specialising in coastal panoramas, Mick also displays/sells artwork by other artists
The Mick Oxley Gallery
17 Haven Hill
Superb local artist specialising in coastal panoramas, Mick also displays/sells artwork by other artists
No trip to Alnwick is complete without a trip to the unique Barter Books, home to the rediscovered 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster
83 locals raden deze aan
Barter Books
83 locals raden deze aan
No trip to Alnwick is complete without a trip to the unique Barter Books, home to the rediscovered 'Keep Calm and Carry On' poster
Local playhouse with cinema, recently extensively refurbished (Jan 2020).
17 locals raden deze aan
The Alnwick Playhouse
Bondgate Without
17 locals raden deze aan
Local playhouse with cinema, recently extensively refurbished (Jan 2020).
Art pieces, ceramics & jewellery with a cafe. A great stop off in this lovely village.
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The Old School Gallery
Foxton Road
21 locals raden deze aan
Art pieces, ceramics & jewellery with a cafe. A great stop off in this lovely village.

Golf

There are some fantastic golf courses in Northumberland, all within easy reach of our cottage. Links courses are a particular feature of our part of the world.
Two 18 hole parkland golf courses to choose from. Please contact us directly in order to secure a discount code for reduced green fees (please allow sufficient time in order to book tee off times). Price range ££
6 locals raden deze aan
Longhirst Hall Golf Course
Longhirst Hall
6 locals raden deze aan
Two 18 hole parkland golf courses to choose from. Please contact us directly in order to secure a discount code for reduced green fees (please allow sufficient time in order to book tee off times). Price range ££
Sitting in the shadow of the 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle, the course wraps around the magnificent Embleton Bay, recently voted the best stretch of coastline in Britain. This links course offers golfers of all abilities a real challenge. Price range ££
11 locals raden deze aan
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course
11 locals raden deze aan
Sitting in the shadow of the 14th century Dunstanburgh Castle, the course wraps around the magnificent Embleton Bay, recently voted the best stretch of coastline in Britain. This links course offers golfers of all abilities a real challenge. Price range ££
Foxton Golf Club, just outside of Alnmouth, an 18 hole links course with currently the best teacher pro in the area. Price range £££
16 locals raden deze aan
Alnmouth Golf Club
16 locals raden deze aan
Foxton Golf Club, just outside of Alnmouth, an 18 hole links course with currently the best teacher pro in the area. Price range £££
9 hole course in the picturesque village of Alnmouth, perfect course for those beginners new to links golf. Price range £
11 locals raden deze aan
Alnmouth Village Golf Club
9 Marine Rd
11 locals raden deze aan
9 hole course in the picturesque village of Alnmouth, perfect course for those beginners new to links golf. Price range £
9 hole links golf course with an honesty box as the club house is not often open ! Price range £
7 locals raden deze aan
Warkworth Golf Club
The Links
7 locals raden deze aan
9 hole links golf course with an honesty box as the club house is not often open ! Price range £
18 hole semi-links course with fabulous views and really good club house catering. Price range £££
13 locals raden deze aan
Bamburgh Castle Golf Club
40 The Wynding
13 locals raden deze aan
18 hole semi-links course with fabulous views and really good club house catering. Price range £££
18 hole links course offering inexpensive coastal golf. The clubhouse bistro is great value for money with stunning views across the North Sea coastline. Price range £
15 locals raden deze aan
Seahouses Golf Club
Beadnell Road
15 locals raden deze aan
18 hole links course offering inexpensive coastal golf. The clubhouse bistro is great value for money with stunning views across the North Sea coastline. Price range £
18 hole parkland golf course just off the A1 south of Felton. Price range ££
8 locals raden deze aan
Burgham Park Golf & Leisure Club
8 locals raden deze aan
18 hole parkland golf course just off the A1 south of Felton. Price range ££
18 hole parkland golf course at Swarland. Price range £
7 locals raden deze aan
Percy Wood Golf & Country Park
Leamington Lane
7 locals raden deze aan
18 hole parkland golf course at Swarland. Price range £
18 hole parkland golf course just on the outskirts of Alnwick. Price range £
7 locals raden deze aan
Alnwick Castle Golf Club
Rugley Road
7 locals raden deze aan
18 hole parkland golf course just on the outskirts of Alnwick. Price range £
The most southerly golf course from us, 18 holes of parkland. Price range ££
9 locals raden deze aan
Morpeth Golf Club
9 locals raden deze aan
The most southerly golf course from us, 18 holes of parkland. Price range ££
27 hole golf course in the Northumberland National Park. Attached to the hotel with spa and a great country pub too. Price range £££
9 locals raden deze aan
Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club
9 locals raden deze aan
27 hole golf course in the Northumberland National Park. Attached to the hotel with spa and a great country pub too. Price range £££
The most northernly golf course we would recommend and the best in the area. Fantastic links course which is also an Open qualifier course. Price range £££
9 locals raden deze aan
Goswick Golf Club
Station Cottages
9 locals raden deze aan
The most northernly golf course we would recommend and the best in the area. Fantastic links course which is also an Open qualifier course. Price range £££

Taxis

Local taxi firms we recommend.
01665 602 200
A a Taxis
South Road
01665 602 200
01665 606 060 or 07976 606 060
SOVEREIGN TAXIS ALNWICK
13a St Georges Cres
01665 606 060 or 07976 606 060
Travelsure 'Dial a Ride' are our local taxi rank of choice. Based in Seahouses, Belford & Bamburgh so they know the area well. Taxis available range from 1 seater to 8 seater people carriers. Mobile numbers are 07919 215 912, 07919215910 & 07919 215 911
Travelsure Coaches Limited
67 Main Street
Travelsure 'Dial a Ride' are our local taxi rank of choice. Based in Seahouses, Belford & Bamburgh so they know the area well. Taxis available range from 1 seater to 8 seater people carriers. Mobile numbers are 07919 215 912, 07919215910 & 07919 215 911