Last year I went with a few friends to spend a week in the tiny sea-side village of Craster in Northumberland. It is a beautiful part of England just south of the Scottish border. The town is famous for two things; the picturesque harbour, constructed by the Craster family after the death of a young soldier, John Craster, and the celebrated kippers that are smoked in the village. Kippers are smoked herrings that are popular with certain people, including the late Princess Margaret and the evangelist Billy Graham. Near by is the ancient ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle, a ruin that can be dated back to 1313.

Near the town is the important town of Alnwick, which has an extensive estate open to the public. It is famous for its hornbeam hedges and its water cascade.