Sea kayak with Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance on a bright day
Craster base • Adult-only • Gentle coastal paddle

Kayaking – Dunstanburgh Castle

A peaceful, gentle sea kayaking trip from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, giving you the rare chance to see this iconic Northumberland landmark from the sea. If conditions allow, we may also land and head up to the castle itself. At certain times of year there are opportunities to paddle near Castle Point to see nesting seabirds, and this is also one of our most reliable areas for spotting seals.

View calendar & book What to expect Photos Private group enquiry
Castle from the sea A unique Northumberland viewpoint
Wildlife rich route Seabirds and regular seal sightings
Gentle pace Calm, scenic and unhurried
⏱ Start 10:00 / 13:30 🕒 Duration ~3 hours 👥 Ages Adults only 🏰 Highlight Dunstanburgh Castle 🦭 Wildlife Seals & seabirds 🧰 Kit Included
A scenic paddle with proper Northumberland character

This is one of our most peaceful kayaking trips — a gentle paddle from Craster to see Dunstanburgh Castle from the sea, with the added bonus of seasonal seabirds around Castle Point and one of our best chances of spotting seals.

See availability

What to expect

Meet, kit up & brief. We’ll get you into the right kit, fit buoyancy aids and run a clear briefing before launching. We’ll also talk through the plan for the day based on wind, swell and tide.

A gentle paddle from Craster. This trip is designed to feel calm and enjoyable rather than rushed. We paddle at an easy, steady pace, taking time to appreciate the coastline and the changing views as Dunstanburgh Castle comes into sight from the sea.

Dunstanburgh Castle from the water. Seeing the castle from offshore gives a completely different perspective — cliffs, open sky and the full scale of the ruin standing above the coastline. It is one of the most memorable sea kayak views in Northumberland.

Possible landing if conditions allow. On suitable days, tides and landing conditions may allow us to come ashore and head up to the castle itself. This is never guaranteed, but when it works it adds a brilliant extra dimension to the trip.

Castle Point wildlife. At certain times of year we may also visit Castle Point, where nesting seabirds can make the cliffs and rocks feel full of life. We always approach with care and keep the experience respectful for wildlife.

Good seal-spotting territory. This is also one of the most common areas for us to see seals. Sometimes they appear hauled out on the rocks, and sometimes they pop up quietly near the kayaks to see what is going on.

Everything included. Kayak, paddle, wetsuit and buoyancy aid — plus guidance throughout and a relaxed, friendly pace on the water.

Typical flow of the session
  • Arrive, kit up and briefing
  • Launch from Craster and settle into paddling
  • Gentle journey towards Dunstanburgh Castle
  • Wildlife watching and photo stops
  • Possible landing if conditions allow
  • Return journey and de-kit

Exact route and landing options vary with wind, swell and tide — we always choose the safest and most enjoyable plan for the day.

View calendar & book
Close-up view of Dunstanburgh Castle from the sea Castle from the sea
Session times
10:0013:30~3 hours

Times shown in the booking calendar. We choose the best route for the day’s wind, swell and tide.

Ages & who it’s for
Adults onlyGentle paceScenic focus

Designed for adults who want a peaceful coastal paddle with time for photos, wildlife moments and the experience of seeing Dunstanburgh from the sea.

Prices from
£50 adults

Private groups from £140. Private pricing starts at 2 people and scales for larger groups. Final price is shown when you choose your booking option.

Season & wildlife
May–OctSeabirds & seals

Certain times of year can bring nesting seabirds around Castle Point, and this is also one of our most regular areas for spotting seals.

What’s included
Kayak + paddleWetsuitBuoyancy aid

Plus briefing and coaching as needed, with time for stops when conditions allow.

Conditions-led
Wind/swell/tideLanding if possible

If conditions are suitable we may land and head up to the castle. If not, the trip still offers a memorable paddle and one of the best sea-level views on the coast.

Check dates & book

Booking basics

Select a date to see spaces and book instantly. If you’re unsure which option to choose or need a private group instead, send us an enquiry and we’ll help.

Prices from
£50 adults Private groups from £140
View calendar & book Private group enquiry FAQs

Prices vary by date and group type. Private pricing starts at 2 people and scales for larger groups. Final price is shown when you select your booking option.

Season & wildlife

We mainly run May to October. This trip is especially rewarding during the seabird nesting season around Castle Point, and it is also one of our best areas for regular seal sightings.

Private groups are available Monday to Friday from May to 10 July.

If you are interested in private groups at other times, please use the enquiry link and we’ll be happy to discuss options.

Single ticket bookings: if only one place is booked, the session will not run unless additional participants also book onto it. We will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss options.

Quick check before you book
Start: 10:00 / 13:30 Around 3 hours Adults only Castle from the sea Seals & seabirds All kit included

Tip: Use the calendar below for standard live availability. For private groups, special timings or questions on pricing, use the contact us page.

Choose your date

Live calendar & availability. Select a date to continue.

Private groups: available Monday to Friday from May to 10 July. If you are interested in other dates or times, please contact us to discuss.

Single ticket bookings: if only one place is booked, the session will not run unless additional participants also book onto it. We will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss options.

Safety first: If conditions mean we can’t run, we’ll offer reschedule options or a suitable alternative. If we can’t accommodate changes, we’ll refund in line with our terms. For common questions, see our FAQs.

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