Staithes is a picturesque fishing village on the Yorkshire Coast and makes the perfect location to relax and unwind on a short break.

Staithes is a small and tranquil village but there are plenty of things to do! Read on to discover our five favourite things to do in Staithes.

1. Get walking and discover the stunning coastline

With its weathered cliffs and rugged coastline, Staithes is perfect for walking and exploring. 

There is a perfect 4-mile circular route starting in Staithes and going through Port Mulgrave and to the pretty village of Runswick Bay. You can enjoy stunning coastal views along the way. See the North York Moors website for more details.

If you want to explore beyond Staithes, there is a whole host of beautiful places to discover along the Yorkshire Coast. Here’s our list of places we love to visit:

Cleveland Way: This 109-mile trail offers dramatic coastal scenery and open moorlands, but you don’t have to do it all at once. There are a number of shorter circular and 1 day walks to follow. For more information see the National Trail website.

Robin Hoods Bay: Park at the top of the cliff and wind your way down to the village on foot. Enjoy the cobbled alleyways and picturesque houses on your way to the breathtaking coastline. The perfect place to feel as though you are stepping back in time.  For more information see Yorkshire.com.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea: This charming seaside town retains much of its Victorian charm. Offering golden sands, rugged cliffs and breath-taking views, Saltburn makes for a relaxing day out. For more information see Yorkshire.com.

Sandsend: This small village on the Yorkshire Coast is a short distance from Whitby and is perfect for a day trip. The Cleveland Way National Trail passes through Sandsend and from here you can walk to Whitby (3 miles) or Runswick Bay (5 miles). For more information see the Whitby Guide.

2. Visit Staithes harbour & see the catch of the day!

Once a significant fishing base, Staithes was home to a small fleet of Whitby Cobles, a traditional fishing trawler from the North East Coast.

Local fishermen still use the boats to catch crabs, cod and lobster. If you’re lucky you can watch them bring home their catch. If you want a real fishing experience then Real Staithes offer some excellent day trips.

3. Go rock pooling or hunt for fossils on the beach

You can enjoy a walk and beautiful views on the small beach at Staithes. The many rock pools make this an amazing place to explore with children. If you don’t manage to find any crabs, then hopefully you will spot some fossils – there are so many the area has been nicknamed ‘Dinosaur Coast’!

If you need any suppliers for crabbing or a bucket & spade then don’t forget to visit The Kessen Bowl in the village.

4. Appreciate some local art

In the 19th century, a group of about 25 artists inspired by French impressionists such as Monet, Cezanne and Renoir worked together in Staithes. Laura Knight kept a studio in the village with her husband and fellow painter Harold Knight. They became known as the Staithes Group of Artists, a very significant artists’ colony. 

You don’t need to go far to see some fantastic art, as our property, Ravenscraig House features a selection of paintings by the Yorkshire artist Phil Wilson. 

Or why not visit Staithes Gallery which showcases a wonderful selection of contemporary art of Staithes and the surrounding area so is well worth a visit. The Gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays from 10am – 5pm. The Gallery also runs an art school and a full list of events & classes.

5. Soak up the rich heritage of Staithes

Staithes is well known for being where Captain Cook made his first trip out to sea from. To find out more why not visit Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre. It is spread over two floors and includes exhibits from Cook’s life and a 1745 life-size street scene of Cook’s time. More information about the Centre can be found on Tripadvisor. The museum is open most weekends and during bank holidays.

Book your perfect short break in Staithes with us

We have the gorgeous Ravenscraig House in our property portfolio and the house makes the perfect base for visiting Staithes and the surrounding North Yorkshire Coast. 

Ravenscraig House is a four-bedroomed property arranged over 3 floors, so is perfect for families or small groups. Not only is it dog-friendly, it has also been recently refurbished and offers everything you need for the perfect break and home away from home. It is located in the centre of the village and the pubs, shops, cafes and the beach are literally a few minutes walk away! 

Why not stay in Staithes for a short break or longer to make the most of all that it has to offer. Get in touch so we can help you plan your perfect break.