Top 8 Natural Monuments around Craster

Howick Hall, a Grade II listed building in the village of Howick, Northumberland, England, is the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey. It was the home of the Prime Minister Charles, 2nd Earl Grey (1764–1845), after whom Earl Grey tea is named. Howick Hall is the location of the Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum

In the mid-13th century, Newton-by-the-Sea was part of the barony of Vesci, initially held by John Viscount for one knight's fee. Ownership passed through notable figures including Simon de Montfort and Edmund of Lancaster. By 1725, it became part of the Barony of Embleton and saw ownership by the Forster family, who built Newton Hall in the late 18th century for Joseph Forster. Low Newton, or Newton Seahouses, emerged in the early 19th century as a community for fishermen. The National Trust now manages some of these cottages, as well as the Coastguard Station, built around 1828. In the 19th century, Newton-by-the-Sea had around 250 residents. By 1895, it was a township of 1,211 acres with a population of 220. Today, the parish has about 135 dwellings, home to a mix of residents, holiday homeowners, and visitors. Many residents commute to nearby towns or Newcastle. The National Trust owns much of the coastal land and part of The Square at Low Newton.

A great place for a drink and meal overlooking the sea

The rocks on the North side of the haven reveal distinct layers of pale and black rock, formed in calm estuarine conditions. The black rock, made of shale or mudstone, settled in slow-moving water, while the paler rock, composed of fine-grained sandstone or siltstone, formed in slightly faster currents. Keep an eye out for remnants of a marine sandbank and a thin coal seam, offering glimpses into the area's past. As you continue, notice the tabular crossbedding in the sandstone, resembling patterns formed by flowing water around obstacles. These layers showcase the dynamic forces that have shaped this remarkable landscape. On the South side, a similar sequence can be observed, sans the coal. The sandstones, with their warm yellow to brown colors, owe their hues to ferric hydroxide, adding a touch of vibrancy to the scenery. Pay attention to the subtle differences in the rock layers' orientation. The varying strikes—around 50 degrees on the North side and 30 degrees on the South side—hint at a fault's presence, influencing the land and guiding the path of the Howick burn.

Discover Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum, the historic residence of the Earls Grey since 1319. Learn about the fascinating life of the 2nd Earl, the inspiration behind the famous Earl Grey Tea. Explore the stunning gardens created by the 5th Earl Grey and his family, or venture into the expansive arboretum spanning 65 acres, showcasing a diverse collection of shrubs and trees from around the world. When you need a break, visit the Earl Grey Tea House for a delicious meal and a cup of Earl Grey Tea.

Strange formation of rock that looks bent and man made but it is natural

Just north of Dunstanburgh Castle, you'll find Greymare or Saddle Rock, a fascinating geological feature situated in a rocky bay. Comprised of a series of limestone beds extending into the sea amidst dolerite boulders, the rock's upper surface showcases a polished appearance due to wave action. This unique formation boasts a twisted, wave-like shape resulting from the heat and pressure generated during the creation of the nearby Whin Sill. Approximately 300 million years ago, a significant geological event occurred here, known as a Sill, where a horizontal sheet of magma, resembling a volcano's sideways flow, forcefully infiltrated between existing layers of rock strata. As you gaze upon the exposed rock, shaped like a wave, you may envision the grey mares or white horses described in folk tales, believed to gallop alongside breaking ocean waves or accompany the ancient pagan gods of the sea.

Lovely little village and beach which you can walk either on the beach to Embleton or through the nature reserve.