Visitors arriving in the North Yorkshire village of Staithes for the first time could be forgiven for thinking they had taken a wrong turn and ended up in Cornwall, with the steep access to the place, the pretty beach, quaint fishermen’s cottages, and wonderful harbour. It is a fantastic setting, and though it is just a twenty minute drive or so from Middlesbrough, seems a million miles away from modern urban life. The story of Staithes is of course linked to the sea, this having been a substantial fishing port until well into the 19th century, when the limited room of the harbour would not accommodate the revolutionary new steam trawlers – Stiathes traditionally used cobles, sturdy wooden craft crewed by two to seven men depending on the size of the craft. Some boats still land their catch at Staithes, largely for local consumption in the hostelries now serving the tourist trade. James Cook no less got his first taste of the sea here, spending a rather fruitless 18 months working in a shop before his kindly boss introduced the teenage James to the seafaring Walker family of nearby Whitby. His cottage can be seen still, and there is a heritage centre in the High Street with a substantial amount of material about him. The beauty of this spot was recognized at the very end of the Victorian era when the Staithes Group of artists became centred here. George Weatherill, the so-called ‘Turner of the North’ had worked in Stiathes earlier in the 19th century, and at the end of that century the likes of Laura and Harold Knight, and Frederick Jackson, came to the village to exploit the seascapes and towering cliffs, and of course the cottages and their residents, in the English impressionist style. Quite a few of these cottages are available for visitors to rent, and the village has the amenities like bistros, pubs and shops that make holiday life easy. The majestic cliffs sheltering the village of Staithes – Penny Nab, Cowbar Nab, and Bias Scar – provide a wonderful backdrop to the various beaches in the area, and what they hold within them may even have visitors wishing for bad weather: the cliffs contain many fossils, and though it would be wrong these days (and dangerous) to chip away yourself at this Jurassic coast, after a beating from the stormy winds and seas some rocks are inevitably dislodged, revealing on the beaches ammonites and similar treasures.
Cottage
Heathcliffe
Seamist Cottage
Staithes Cottages
Doctor
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
School
Self-Catering
Shops
Places to Stay near Staithes
Staithes Cottages (0.11 miles)
Cliffemount Hotel (2.51 miles)
This very special country house by the sea, offers spectacular sea views, relaxation, comfort and the finest dining experience.
Imagine yourself arriving at our unique luxury hotel, perched on the cliff-top above Runswick Bay. Take in ... More
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Townend Farm Bed & Breakfast (2.56 miles)
Set in its own grounds at the gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors National park. Our location provides the ideal opportunity to visit the many fantastic Natural, Historic and Famous places that National park is ... More | visit websiteGrinkle Park Hotel (3.49 miles)
Set in 35 acres of unspoilt parkland between the coast and North Yorkshire moors. Perfect location for the 'get away from it all' holiday, wedding and conference.
The entrance hall, with its open fire, echoes the ... More | visit website
The Arches (5.22 miles)
The Arches offers a relaxing environment and overlooks spectacular views of cliffs and golf course. All the rooms are individually furnished, with ensuite bathrooms.
The accommodation is excellent for ramblers exploring the Heritage Coast Trail ... More
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Hunley Hall Golf Club & Hotel (5.59 miles)
After ... More | visit website
Dunsley Hall Hotel (6.88 miles)
Dunsley Hall Hotel is a splendid AA 3 star rated hotel set in the quiet hamlet of Dunsley in four acres of landscaped gardens. It is located close to Whitby ... More
Raithwaite Hall (7.02 miles)
The Spa Hotel (7.19 miles)
The Spa Hotel, with 28 restored traditional style en-suite bedrooms, is prominently situated overlooking the sea with unrivalled panoramic views of Hunt Cliff, the North Sea and beautiful surrounding countryside.Enjoy a relaxing drink in Ridley's ... More | visit website
Duke of Wellington Inn (7.78 miles)
Owned since 1999 by Grant Douglas, the timber-beamed bars and open fire create a warm ... More | visit website
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