We often get asked whether there is much to do in Staithes and whether it's worth a visit. It absolutely is! Here's how we would spend a day in Staithes.
Staithes embodies many reasons why seaside towns are appealing; it is just 10 miles, a 22-minute drive from Whitby, and a beautiful location for a day trip. Once one of the busiest fishing ports on the North East coast, it carries a long and proud history as the one-time home of famous Royal Navy captain and explorer Captain James Cook. Here's how we would spend a day in Staithes.
First things first, getting to Staithes!
The nearest railway station to Staithes is Whitby, on the Esk Valley Line. Arriva North East operates a bus service between Middlesborough and Whitby with stops at Staithes and Runswick Bay. If driving from Scarborough or Whitby, follow the A171, turning off at Scaling for the road into Staithes.
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Parking at Staithes
Due to the narrow streets, parking is not allowed within the village. However, a public car park is at the top of the steep walk down into Staithes. Please note that a car park is also next to the public one for permits only. Reviews show confusion with the signage, so double-check before leaving your car. Toilets are available here.
68 Staithes Ln, Staithes, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 5AD
Wake up and start the day with a seaside stroll!
Start your day with a relaxed stroll through the cobblestone streets of Staithes. It's a sleepy seaside village, so most places do not open until mid-morning. Morning is our favourite time for a peaceful stroll here, especially if you visit in summer and want to enjoy the quiet before the crowds.
The narrow pathways and charming cottages create an ideal backdrop for morning photos. Each alley boasts a quaint name, such as ‘Dog Loup Alley’—the narrowest alley in the world at 18 inches wide!
You will discover a different side to Staithes through each alley you visit. There are many opportunities to take unique and quirky photographs of Staithes from all angles. Make sure to snap a picture of the colourful fishing boats in the harbour too.
We usually have breakfast before we head to Staithes, but you could also start your day with breakfast at one of Staithes’ cosy cafés. A popular spot is Dotty's Tearoom, where you can enjoy breakfast and treats to sit in or takeaway. We highly recommend their coffee and cakes.
Learn about the village's history
After taking photos and exploring the village, it's nice to head to the Staithes Museum to learn more about its history. The museum exhibits Staithes’ role as a fishing port and its history as an artists’ colony, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A recreation of the shop where James Cook worked during his residency here, the museum is a treasure trove of over 200 books, engravings, letters, medals, and more, providing insight into his incredible life and career and Staithes itself.
Walk down to the beach; you could even try fossil hunting!
Staithes is part of the renowned “Dinosaur Coast,” which attracts fossil hunters and palaeontologists. You can opt for an organised fossil-hunting excursion, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can explore on your own in and around Staithes and Runswick Bay. We love adding this activity to a day at Staithes. The kids love to look for ‘fool's gold'—tiny nuggets of iron pyrite that can easily be mistaken for the real thing!
Check the tide times and add this to your day at a safe time to visit the beach.
We like to take a packed lunch with us and save some pennies until our evening meal! But you could reward your fossil hunting efforts with lunch at Cobbles; they serve lovely lunch options, including great ice cream and sundaes, paninis cooked to order, bacon rolls, and very popular pizza evenings.
Visit Staithes Gallery
Staithes attracts many artists who seek to capture its stunning coastal views, traditional fishing scenes, and charming village atmosphere on canvas. The arrival of the railway in 1883 brought a wave of artists to the area, such as Hannah Hoyland, Fred Mayor, and Harold Knight.
Throughout the year, Staithes Gallery showcases a variety of works from both local and visiting artists, along with special exhibitions and events to look out for.
Enjoy a delicious meal at The Cod and Lobster
If you want fantastic fish dishes, this is the place to go! Open every day for coffee and tea, The Cod and Lobster is a great spot to watch boats coming in.
The Cod and Lobster serves traditional pub food prepared with local produce. The bar is well-stocked, with a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits.
The sunset light creates magical views over the bay, especially in the late afternoon when the golden light reflects on the water. It’s the perfect way to end your time in Staithes.
Spending longer in Staithes?
If you have more time in Staithes, you could spend one day exploring The Cleveland Way.
The Cleveland Way National Trail winds in a horseshoe shape from Filey to Helmsley along the eastern, northern, and western edges of the North York Moors, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
You could even tackle the walk from Staithes to Whitby, which is bracing! It is 18.5 km and a challenging route that takes 6-7 hours. Follow the route here.
So that's how we would spend a day in Staithes, but everyone is different, and we would love to know how you would spend the day in Staithes. Does our itinerary sound like total bliss, or would you spend the day utterly different? You can let us know in the comments.
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