Dunstanburgh Castle Cottages are just 10 minutes walk from the pristine golden sands of Embleton Bay and the imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Northumberland has so much to offer – here are a just a few of the attractions that we can recommend
Within walking distance, the Greys Inn serves a good selection of traditional food & real ales in a cosy pub atmosphere. Open all year – call 01665 576983. The Blue Bell Inn also serves food and has a good selection of beers – Open all year
Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel is opposite our cottages and convenient for lunch and dinner. See www.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.uk for details. Reservations are advised – Call 01665-576111
Enjoy a scenic walk along the beach followed by a refreshing pint at the Ship Inn & micro-brewery in a super coastal location at Newton-by-the-Sea. Open all day, plus some evenings for dinner. Pre-booking essential. Open all year – call 01665 576262
The Joiners Arms, High Newton – Pub food & cocktail menu in a lively shabby-chic gastropub. Open all year – call 01665 376112
The Jolly Fisherman, Craster is a busy pub with decent food and views of Dunstanburgh Castle from Craster harbour. Open all year – call 01665 576461
Earl Grey Tea House, Howick– The home of Earl Grey tea, this quintessential English tearoom sits in a fabulous setting at Howick Hall & Gardens and is well worth a visit. Open all day Feb to Nov.
Stableyard Tearoom, Craster Tower – cosy little tearoom in a stable courtyard with good cakes, plants and local gifts for sale. Call 01665-571240. Closed Sun, Mon
Running Fox, Longhoughton – very popular local bakery & café serving great breakfast, brunch/lunch and afternoon teas. Booking essential 01665-660721
Beadnell Towers Hotel, Beadnell – boutique hotel & restaurant with good food and decent wine list. Open all year – call 01665 721211
Indian Brasserie, Seahouses – excellent Indian food to eat-in or takeaway.
Open all year – call 01665 720888
Shere Khan, Alnwick – another excellent Indian in the market square for eat-in or takeaway. Open all year – call 01665 605550
Carlos – award winning Fish & Chip shop located on Alnwick’s main street – open until 9pm most evenings, which is later than the fish & chip restaurants in Seahouses. Open all year – call 01665 602787
Miles of coastal track over sweeping beaches and dramatic headlands lie just on our doorstep, whilst more challenging hikes can be found inland in the Cheviot Hills & Northumberland National Park.
Coastal Walks & Buses:
Regular buses travel through Embleton going north to Berwick & south to Newcastle via Alnwick.
Heading in either direction along the coast, you can enjoy a fabulous day’s walking with some lovely pub stops, then get the bus home from Bamburgh or Boulmer/Alnmouth.
See our Getting Around section for details
Local Walks:
A classic walk at Dunstanburgh
Guided Walks
Guide To Northumberland Estates Trails around Alnwick
Embleton Parish Heritage Trails – Six fabulous walks from the door of your cottage. Click here to download PDF
Northumberland’s protected environments support an abundance of rare plants and animals. The large number of nature reserves including the Farne Islands, Budle Bay, Beadnell Bay, Newton and Embleton Links, Druridge Bay (World Heritage Site), Kielder Water Park and North Northumberland National Park provide visitors with a unique opportunity to see many species seldom found elsewhere.
Visit the Northumberland Wild Life Trust website
Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve
A hidden gem just 150 yards from your cottage!
Local volunteers are transforming this former quarry into a beautiful nature reserve, with stunning views over the lake to Dunstanburgh Castle.
With scenic walks through the important grassland habitat – you can enjoy the flourishing flora & fauna with numerous birds, bats & plants returning, including rare bee orchids.
This wonderful reserve has just been awarded Dark Skies status and is a fantastic location to stargaze and occasionally spot the Northern Lights.
The quarry reserve entrance is just opposite Grieves garage on the seaward side of the coast road
So many family friendly activities lie on your doorstep, from flying broomsticks at Harry Potter’s Hogwarts (Alnwick Castle) to building sand castles on the pristine beaches of Embleton Bay.
Here are a few of our local favourites:
Embleton Play Park
Lovely children’s playpark set in a secure field adjacent to the football pitches & opposite the Blue Bell Inn.
Ranger Jane’s Seashore Safaris
Former National Trust Ranger Jane takes small groups & families on unique guided walks along the coast – fun activities include seashore safari, bug-hunting & sea-watch searches for dolphins, seals & birds.
Contact Jane Lancaster: Rangerjane.co.uk
Coastal Adventure Sports
Imagine kayaking or coasteering past rocky shores, beautiful beaches and rugged ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Kite surf in our pristine waters or take part in family surf school at Embleton, Beadnell Bay or Warkworth.
Kite Surfing & Snorkelling
Northumberland’s Original Surf School
Located right on the Sustrans National Cycle Route 1, we have secure storage for your bikes. As keen cyclists ourselves, we’re happy to help you find the best local routes and assist you with reliable bike hire and repair.
For Sustrans routes passing through our area contact: www.sustrans.org.uk
Visit cyclenorthumberland.org.uk for local routes & information for the Northumberland Coast & lowlands (Alnwick Area).
For local bike hire (including electric bikes) plus repair & recovery, contact Adam at Coquet Cycles, Alnwick. Visit the website conquetcycles.co.uk
With at least 15 golf courses within half an hour of the Dunstanburgh Castle Cottages we are ideally situated for a golfing break. Residents of our cottages are offered discounted Green Fees at many local clubs. The fabulous 18 Hole links course at Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club is only a few hundred yards away from our cottages.
Dunstanburgh Golf Course
Alnmouth Golf Club – Foxton Hall
Alnwick Castle Golf Club
Bamburgh Golf Club
The dark skies of Northumberland are simply the best place in England to view the beauty of the cosmos, free from light pollution.
Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve
A hidden gem just 150 yards from your cottage! Local volunteers are transforming this former quarry into a beautiful nature reserve, with stunning views over the lake to Dunstanburgh Castle.
This wonderful reserve has just been awarded prestigious Dark Skies status by Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in recognition of the excellent dark sky quality & low levels of light pollution. Stargazing events will be hosted in conjunction with Northumberland Astronomical Society (NASTRO)
Click here to see an amazing video of the dark skies at Embleton Quarry.
The quarry reserve entrance is just opposite Grieves garage on the seaward side of the coast road
Kielder Observatory
Kielder observatory, located in the heart of Kielder forest, has now been designated 3rd largest protected dark sky reserve in the world. The observatory has an amazing team of astronomers, guest speakers and volunteers whose aim is to engage visitors in observations and discussions of the universe.
Events include Aurora Nights, Family Astronomy, Late Night Deep Sky Observing and many more.
Trains
A great way to visit nearby cities – Newcastle is only 30 minutes by train & Edinburgh is a one-hour scenic journey up the coast.
Alnmouth on the East Coast mainline is only 15 mins by car. Station parking is free / £1.50 for 24 hrs.
Coastal Walks & Buses
Regular buses travel through Embleton going north to Berwick & south to Newcastle via Alnwick. Bus stops going in both directions are located just past the village school & garage.
Heading in either direction along the coast, you can enjoy a fabulous day’s walking with some lovely pub stops, then get the bus home from Bamburgh or Boulmer/Alnmouth
Local bus service is the Arriva X18 – see arrivabus.co.uk
Taxis
RSM private hire – Nigel 07541650101, Alex 07308953929 – excellent local service
Knights Taxis, Alnmouth – Nigel 07760751667 – great for the station
AA Taxis, Alnwick – Tel: 01665 606060
Hunters Taxis, Seahouses – Tel: 01665 720174
We advise you to book your taxis well in advance
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