Embleton, Northumberland
Visitor Information
VISITOR INFORMATION
Embleton is a rural village on the north Northumberland coast in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is situated on a ridge overlooking the lovely wide Embleton Bay. For residents it is a thriving village community with a wide variety of groups/clubs and facilities to interest people of all ages. The combination of long sandy beaches and beautiful countryside make it a pleasant and safe environment for family life.
For people wishing to visit this beautiful corner of Northumberland, Embleton and Christon Bank provide an excellent base from which to access many of the local attractions. Christon Bank is a quieter location, being slightly inland and just off the main roads to Seahouses and Alnwick.
Those who favour walking can enjoy coastal walks for many miles along the fabulous sandy beaches and over the dunes with their plethora of different wild flowers and plants, or through the glorious countryside. Alternatively you may prefer to follow the walks in our Heritage Trails book, taking in historic sites along the way. This book appears in our Publications page and may be purchased locally for a modest price.
If historic castles are more to your liking, the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle can be easily reached from Embleton and Craster just to the south, and the fine, restored and still lived-in castle at Bamburgh a few miles to the north is well worth the visit. Of course, there is also Alnwick castle and the world famous gardens just six miles away or, a little further afield, Chillingham castle, with its creepy dungeon of horrors and beautifully laid out rooms, some of which are still used. At Chillingham you can also take a guided tour to see the unique herd of wild white cattle. Of course, no visit would be complete without a trip to Holy Island to visit the castle and priory (right).
A visit to the Farne Islands is always popular, where you can see puffins and other birds as well as the famous Farne Island seals. Boat trips to the Farnes can be taken from the picturesque harbour of Seahouses, which is a thriving fishing port as well as a popular holiday destination, and is only seven miles north of Embleton.
These are just a few of the many activities which may be enjoyed in this vastly varied area. There are many more such as cycling or horse riding or you may, of course, prefer just to sit on our lovely beaches and watch the world go by.
Whether you plan to stay for a short while, or perhaps a little longer, we are sure you will enjoy our environment. We hope the following pages will provide you with helpful information.
USEFUL NUMBERS
Emergencies – Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard – 999
Police (non-emergency) – 101
Childline – 0800 1111
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
NHS non-emergency care – 111
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
– 0344 811 8111
Samaritans – 116 123
Silverline (advice for older people)
– 0800 470 8090
Arriva Traveline – 0871 200 2233
C.A.B. Northumberland Adviceline
– Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. 0808 278 7944
Northumberland County Council – 0345 600 6400
NCC Councillor for Longhoughton Ward
– Wendy Pattison 07779 983072
LOCAL FACILITES AND AMENITIES
Tribute and thanks should be given to all members of the community who give their time and efforts generously and freely to the running of clubs and groups and to the inauguration and continuation of some of the projects within the community, including the Children’s Play Park and Mandell’s Coffee Pot, to name but two.
Accident & Emergency:
G.P. Surgery:
A local branch of The Alnwick Medical Group in Alnwick is located on the Greyfield estate, Embleton. Surgery opening hours are subject to change. A prescription service is provided.
Contact 01665 576635
Minor Injuries Department:
Alnwick Infirmary, Infirmary Drive, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2NS Tel: 0844 811 8111.
Wansbeck General Hospital, Ashington NE63 9JJ open 24 hours. Tel: 0344 8118111.
24 hour A & E Department:
Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSEC), Northumbria Way, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 6NZ. Tel: 0344 811 8111.
Specialist hospital for all emergencies.
Accommodation
Blue Bell Inn, Embleton:
Two minutes walk from Creighton Hall and a short walk to the sea.
Bed and Breakfast tel: 01665 576435
Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel: The Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel is in the heart of Embleton and is a perfect base for exploring Northumberland’s many treasures. In addition to the hotel there are 1 and 2 bedroom cottage suites, all with fully equipped kitchen and dining area, flat screen TV with Freeview & DVD, WiFi available and private parking. Also available is Dune Cottage, is a spacious detached stone cottage, tucked away in the heart of Embleton. Just 5 mins walk to the pristine sands of Embleton Bay and magnificent ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Dune offers an open plan living/dining room, TV/DVD, fully equipped kitchen, king size bed, underfloor heating, private parking. For further details Tel. 01665 576111 or visit www.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.uk.
Cranage Cottage, Embleton: Just a short walk from the centre of Embleton, this unusual timber clad “Swiss style” cottage is in a quiet cul-de-sac with large enclosed gardens to the front and rear of the property, suitable for children to play within safely. Well maintained and refurbished by the current owner, the cottage offers comfortable accommodation, ideally suited to 4 people, but can accommodate 6 if necessary. Bed linen and towels are provided together with a travel cot, high-chair, small bath tub and stair-gates. Recently refurbished shower room and kitchen with all modern appliances, dining room, south facing garden with decking, seating and gas bbq, off road parking for one car with space to side for 2 more. No smoking and no pets. The tariff includes heating, lighting and unlimited broadband. Access for the less mobile is restricted by steps at front and rear doors plus wooden ledges at internal doorways. For more information and bookings please visit www.sykescottages.co.uk or www.gracedarling.co.uk
Dunstan Hall: an exceptional Grade II* listed Country Hall, perfect for multi-generational family celebrations, a retreat for your community group, or an inspiring, creative space for your colleagues or team. Bursting with period features, set within expansive grounds, this truly is a place where memories are made.
Entrance hall with 15th-century fireplace. Sitting room with cleaded walls, Jacobean carved wooden fireplace and attached wooden brattish (fireside settle). Drawing room with Queen Anne panelling throughout, grand piano. Dining room with 14ft long oak refectory table (seats 18), stone fireplace, Morris tapestries. Well-equipped farmhouse-style kitchen with large electric range. Breakfast room (seats 10) with 4-oven Aga. Tower, small sitting room with stone vaulted ceiling adjoining the main sitting room. Utility/toilet. Separate toilet. Tudor stone staircase and early 20th-century staircase to first floor: Large double bedroom with magnificent 18th-century panelling, window seats, cupboard leading to blocked door to lost second tower. Master double bedroom with window seats on two sides, 18th-century panelling, leading to tower twin bedroom. Double bedroom with ensuite shower room, looking west over the garden. Further twin bedroom with ensuite shower room, looking east to Dunstanburgh Castle. Bunk bedroom with panelling. Two single bedrooms, one with 2ft 6in bed. Two bathrooms, each with separate shower cubicle, one with bath. Further stand alone shower room (no toilet) Tudor stone staircase to second floor: 25ft long games room, TV. Twin bedroom, mullioned window facing west, leading to tower twin bedroom with window facing east to remains of a medieval garderobe.
https://beachandquiet.co.uk/our-cottages/dunstan-hall
Hemel House: This elegant property is newly built in traditional style using local craftsmen and materials, has direct rural views and exudes period charm.
This holiday property, has direct rural views, sleeps six guests (with an option to use an additional child’s bed in the study off the sitting room). On the ground floor is a large double-height, vaulted entrance hall, leading to a spacious open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room, with exposed beams and large full-length picture windows to two sides. There’s a further sitting room with picture window, log burner and separate study room beyond (contains an additional child’s bed, if required.) The ground floor also houses an en-suite master bedroom, ideal for those with reduced mobility (see Accessibility below). In addition there is a generously sized cloakroom/wc and a separate utility room. Up the wooden staircase, to a galleried walkway, below the vaulted ceiling, the first floor houses the additional two bedrooms, one double and one twin. The twin has an ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and the double an ensuite shower room. Parking for three cars.
https://beachandquiet.co.uk/our-cottages/hemmel-house
High Hemel House : This stylish cottage is set within tranquil green fields looking over towards the beautiful Embleton Bay and is a fantastic base for discovering the Northumberland Coast on a short break to remember. Sleeping 8 people, its four bedrooms are spacious and airy, and the open plan living area is perfect for catching up with a group gathering. The property features a lawned garden to the front and a patio with an inviting hot tub to the rear, all amid the peaceful countryside surroundings. High Hemmel House can also be combined with other properties onsite to accommodate larger group bookings. For more information and bookings, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/930497
Owl Cottage, Dunstan Square: Owl Cottage is a delightful, charming and welcoming period stone cottage, a real home from home, tucked away in a glorious rural position only a short stroll to the sea. It lies between the coastal villages of Embleton and Craster (with its picturesque fishing harbour and famous smoked kippers and salmon), at a small farm hamlet called Dunstan Square. The cottage offers light and airy accommodation for 5 plus a cot, with spacious and bright living spaces including a warm and cosy living room with a large inglenook fireplace and wood burner, a dining kitchen with hand crafted ash wood kitchen and a garden room overlooking the enclosed back cottage garden. There are fantastic views from the 3 bedrooms across fields to the sea at Craster and
Embleton Bay. Please visit our website at www.owlcottagedunstansquare.co.uk for more information and to book your stay.
Poppy Cottage, Embleton: Located in the centre of Embleton, Poppy Cottage is the second in a row of four cottages converted from a former stable block set within a courtyard behind the
Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel. This bijoux accommodation offers a comfortable and welcoming base from which to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty. Children are welcome and a cot, highchair and safety are available. One dog welcome by arrangement. Ground floor, open plan sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Open tread stairs lead to the first floor. Sleeps four in two bedrooms, one double and one twin. Family bathroom with bath and over-bath shower. Electric heating no extra charge. Bed linen and towels included. Welcome pack. Externally there is an enclosed and gated patio with furniture and a barbecue. Off road parking for one vehicle. Visit the website www.poppycottageembleton.co.uk for further information, availability and booking.
Stable Cottage, Dunstan, nr Craster: A Grade II listed, converted Georgian stables in the grounds of Dunstan Hall, with enclosed garden and views over fields towards Dunstanburgh Castle.
The property is designed for reversed living, with the open plan kitchen and living room on the first floor.Two bedrooms: one king with ensuite shower room. One twin bedroom. Separate Bathroom. First floor: living room/kitchen with exposed beams, wooden floor and views over the fields towards Dunstanburgh Castle and the sea beyond.
https://beachandquiet.co.uk/our-cottages/stable-cottage
Crocus, Periwinkle & Snowdrop Cottages Embleton: Situated in the heart of Embleton, Snowdrop, Crocus and Periwinkle Cottages are three wonderfully cosy, stone-built cottages, providing self-catering accommodation that forms an ideal base for exploring the fabulous Northumberland coastline and countryside. Each sleeping up to four people – the cottages are perfect for both couples and families alike (high chair and travel cot are provided). The ground floor is an open plan living space, with kitchen, dining area and lounge. Upstairs there is a double and a twin bedroom and a family bathroom with shower over the bath. Outside, the cottages open up onto a quiet patio area and each has its own private parking space. In addition, Periwinkle cottage benefits from a further gated patio area off to the side of the cottage and also has an additional private parking space. Short breaks (minimum 2 nights) are available most of the year round and we don’t mind which day of the week you want to start your holiday! All towels, linen, heating and cleaning are included in the rental price. Please call on 0191 2849872 or visit our website at cosy-retreats.com for further information and online booking
Banking:
The Post Office in Embleton offers some banking facilities including withdrawal of cash. Other banking services are available from banks and building society branches in Alnwick.
Beaches:
It would be hard to find any more beautiful or iconic beaches than those overlooked by the gaunt ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Click here to visit the Dunstanburgh Beaches web site for more information
Boarding Kennels: Please note: These details are for information only and cannot be taken as recommendation. Owners are advised to satisfy themselves that the facilities meet their requirements.
Patterson’s Cottage Boarding Kennels: North Charlton Alnwick NE66 2TJ Day Care and Boarding. Tel 01665 517505 www.pattersonskennels.com
Happy Hounds: Low Hockett, Denwick. Tel: 01665 572425. E-mail: info@happy-hounds.biz. Fully insured and licensed boarding kennels, day care and grooming facility located approx. 4-5 miles from Embleton.
Broadband:
As part of the Northumberland County Council iNorthumberland superfast fibre broadband roll out, the service is now available in Embleton and Christon Bank. People wishing to take advantage of this will need to contact their service provider to upgrade, as improved speeds do not happen automatically. For further information contact John Cooper at iNorthumberland Tel. 01670 623415, e-mail John.Cooper@inorthumberland.org.uk or visit www.inorthumberland.org.uk.
Childrens Play Park:
A very popular state of the art children’s Play Park has been constructed in the heart of the village. There are several different types of play equipment in a safe environment. The play park also has a dedicated off-road car park.
Coffee Stops:
Eleanor’s Byre: Situated at Spitalford, just south of Embleton on the C54 Coastal Route to Craster, Eleanor’s Byre has a wide selection of coffee, cake and gorgeous things …..
Tel: 01665 571371 or www.eleanorsbyre.co.uk for opening times.
Mandell’s Coffee Pot: Based in the Parish Church Room in Embleton, Mandell’s offers a variety of beverages and home-made scones and cakes in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Cards and books for sale. Dog friendly.
Tel: Jean Lawrence 01665 576356 for information and follow us on Facebook.
Community Information:
Notice Boards: Public notice boards containing information about forthcoming events, advertisements, etc. are to be found on the wall outside Moody’s shop, outside the Parish Church Room, at the shop in Christon Bank and on the wall of the Creighton Memorial Hall.
The Net: The Net is a monthly leaflet produced by Holy Trinity Church, Embleton giving details of services at the churches in the wider parish and ecumenical readings for the month ahead, together with social events for the month.
Whinstone Times: Is the community magazine for Embleton and Christon Bank. Published bi-monthly it is delivered free to all homes in the area and features articles and stories, many of which are submitted by readers, as well as topical information from round and about. Copies are available in local shops and other establishments free of charge.
Defibrillator:
Defibrillators are available outside the Creighton Hall in Embleton and in the Phone Box opposite the Church at Christon Bank. In case of need, the first step is to call 999 for an ambulance. If necessary, the ambulance service will provide the code to open the safe and instructions for use will be supplied from thereon.
Dog Walker:
“Let’s Go Walkabout” offers dog walking services and home visits to feed and look after pets in their own homes. Contact Jill on 01665 571306 / 07816 611808, e-mail grant_jill@btinternet.com or visit www.grantjill.wix.com/letsgowalkabout. Also on facebook.
Eating Out:
Blink Bonny, Christon Bank: A popular pub serving lunches, (including Sunday lunch) and dinners. Varied menu with daily specials board. Selection of beers, lagers and real ale. Regular monthly quiz with all proceeds going to charity. Dogs welcome. Tel: 01665 575595.
Blue Bell Inn, Embleton: A small friendly pub in the heart of Embleton that offers food and Bed and Breakfast. Call 01665 576639
Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel: The hotel has an excellent restaurant with a varied menu using locally sourced produce. Tel: 01665 576111 or www.dunstanburghcastlehotel.co.uk.
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course: The club house is open daily from 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (4.00 p.m. after end of September) for breakfast, main meals and snacks. Fully licensed bar. Freshly ground Coffee, Lattes and Cappuccinos. Free Wi-Fi. Everyone welcome. Twilight golf rates from 3.00 p.m. only £15. Tel: 01665 576562 for more information.
Greys Inn, Embleton: A popular inn at the heart of the community, featuring fine ales (including real ale) and good homely food. Dogs welcome. Tel: 01665 576983 for bookings.
Education & Early Years :
Vincent Edwards Primary School: In the heart of Embleton and catering for the surrounding area, takes children aged 4 – 11 as well as some early years activity from 3. Pupils will continue their education at secondary schools in Alnwick.
Garage Services:
Embleton Service Station (J. R. Grieves Ltd.) is located on the B1339, the main road through Embleton, and offers a full range of fuel and garage services including servicing, M.O.Ts and on-line tyre ordering service at www.embletontyres.co.uk. The service station also includes a convenience store and newsagents. Proprietor John Wilson Tel: 01665 576213 or e-mail j.wilson11@btconnect.com.
is located on the B1339, the main road through Embleton, and offers a full range of fuel and garage services including servicing, M.O.Ts and on-line tyre ordering service at www.embletontyres.co.uk. The service station also includes a convenience store and newsagents. Proprietor John Wilson Tel: 01665 576213 or e-mail j.wilson11@btconnect.com.
Filling stations are few and far between but there is one at Seahouses for those travelling North along the Coast. For those going inland, there are two filling stations in Alnwick, one just off the southern exit from Alnwick to the A1, opposite Sainsbury’s, the other just off the northern exit to Alnwick from the A1.
Further afield, travelling north along the A1, the next filling station is at Adderstone, about 2 miles south of Belford beside the Purdy Lodge motel. Further still, there is a Morrison’s at the north end of the Berwick By-Pass which has a filling station and an Asda just south of Dunbar.
Travelling south along the A1, there are no filling stations actually on the road until the Washington Service Area is reached. However, there are filling stations just off the A1 on the Morpeth slip-road at Stannington just south of the Morpeth by-pass and at the Seaton Burn Services.
Neither of the supermarkets in Alnwick has a filling station. The Asda at Ashington does, and also the Tesco at Kingston Park, Newcastle which is a short distance off the A1.
Golf:
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club: A beautiful 18-hole seaside links golf course which sweeps around Embleton Bay with 8 holes fringing the bay itself. The club house offers excellent food and beverages. Superb golf, food, hospitality and scenery. For full details telephone 01665 576562.
Halls/Meeting Rooms:
Creighton Memorial Hall, Embleton: Multi-purpose village hall comprising one large hall, complete with stage and sound system; snooker room and a smaller room for meetings, etc.; large, well-equipped kitchen; toilet facilities, including disabled toilet. The hall is popular as a wedding venue, charges for which start at £300, and is also available for Beavers’ sleepovers, family gatherings and all sorts of parties. For quotes to hire and for bookings contact Shelagh Coxon on 01665 576791 or gorcoxon@hotmail.com.
Parish Church Room, Embleton: Medium size room available for hire, suitable for meetings, etc. Includes servery and toilet facilities. Hire charges: £15.00 per session. Contact Jean Lawrence 01665 576356 for details and to hire.
Church Hall, Christon Bank: Hall with servery and toilet facilities available for hire. Regular events include a weekly coffee morning on Tuesdays 10.00 a.m. – noon and a Whist Drive every Monday at 7.00 p.m. Everyone welcome to both. To book the hall contact Norma Young – telephone 01665 576680.
Holy Island:
It is essential that everyone wishing to visit Holy Island should check the safe crossing times prior to making the journey. Failure to do so can result in tragedy when the causeway becomes submerged by the incoming tide. Safe crossing times can be found online at a number of sites by typing in “Holy Island safe crossing times”. The times are published in the Northumberland Gazette, our local weekly newspaper and are available in print from all Tourist Information Centres, at a cost of 20p per copy, to cover photocopying costs.
Mobile Telephones:
Unfortunately there is very poor mobile phone coverage in the area and people usually find they have to walk around the village to find the best signal. There is, however, a public telephone situated on the village green in Embleton.
Public Toilets:
Public toilets are available in the Parish Church Room from 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. daily and in the Golf Club House at the bottom end of Sea Lane, Embleton. There are currently no public toilets in Christon Bank.
Public Transport:
Bus Services: Embleton is served by two bus operators Arriva North East and Travelsure. Arriva operate the X15 service between Newcastle and Berwick, using the A1 and calling at Morpeth and Alnwick and the X18 services between Newcastle and Berwick travelling along the coast and calling at Morpeth, Alnmouth station and Alnwick. Times of services can vary according to the seasons but timetables can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office in Alnwick, or can be found online. The 420 bus runs from Ellingham to Alnwick and return, via Christon Bank and Rennington on Thursdays, allowing approx. 2 hours stay in Alnwick.
Travelsure operate the 401 and 411 services between Alnwick and Bamburgh but which do not call at Alnmouth Station. The operators can be contacted at:
Arriva North East Traveline: 0871 200 2233
Travelsure: 01665 720955 or 720907
Rail Travel: The nearest station to Embleton is Alnmouth (for Alnwick). This is on the East Coast railway. Trains stop at roughly hourly intervals in each direction with through services to and from London, Edinburgh, Yorkshire, the Midlands and the South West. Information about train timetables and service disruptions can be obtained from National Rail on 08457 48 49 50. There are bus connections from Alnmouth Station to Embleton operated by Arriva North East. Details of bus services and operators are shown below.
Shops:
Moody’s Londis is located in Front Street, Embleton and stocks a wide range of groceries, wines & spirits, newspapers and magazines including many locally sourced products. All major Post Office services are available. Tel: 01665 576215.
Shop/Post Office, Christon Bank: Convenience store and post office in the heart of the village. Proprietor: Norma Young 01665 576680.
Taxis:
There are no taxi companies based in Embleton or Christon Bank. If travelling by rail to Alnmouth Station, there are a number of taxi companies listed in the station ticket office.
Worship:
C of E – Holy Trinity, Embleton: The times of services at Holy Trinity vary from week to week as services are also held in churches in Craster, Rock, Rennington and Newton. Rev. Alison Hardy revalisonhardy@gmail.com tel 01665 571314
Methodist – Christon Bank: In the heart of Christon Bank. Contact Rev. Kim Hurst on 01665 713251.
Roman Catholic – St. Aidan’s Seahouses: The closest Roman Catholic church to Embleton is St. Aidan’s, 18 King Street, Seahouses. Sunday Mass 11.30 a.m. Contact Fr. Stephen Watson 01665 602012.