Staithes is a really pretty fishing village on the North Yorkshire Coast. It's a favourite spot of photographers and day trippers, but what is Staithes famous for?
The seaside village of Staithes is located just 10 miles from Whitby. Many people visit for the day to take photos and experience this beautiful spot. Once a busy fishing port, Staithes has a rich history. It was notably the former home of the renowned Royal Navy captain and explorer, Captain James Cook. It takes about 22 minutes to drive from Whitby to Staithes along the scenic coastline. Here's what Staithes is famous for so you can appreciate it even more when you visit.
What is Staithes famous for? History, art, and coastal heritage
Captain Cook's Connection
One of Staithes' claims to fame is its connection to Captain James Cook. The famed British explorer known for his voyages to the Pacific Ocean. Cook spent his early years in Staithes.
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At 16, he travelled to Staithes for an apprenticeship as a shopkeeper and haberdasher. The village is often credited with inspiring his adventurous spirit! The sea-faring nature of the town would have exposed him to the maritime world early on.
Though Cook eventually moved to Whitby. Staithes remains proud of its link to the legendary explorer.
Today, you can visit the Staithes Museum; there is a recreation of the shop where he 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 into Staithes itself.
The picturesque harbour and the village's winding streets offer a glimpse into the surroundings that may have shaped Cook's ambition to set sail on groundbreaking voyages.
A thriving art scene
Staithes draws in artists eager to capture its stunning coastal landscapes and unique atmosphere.
The arrival of the railway in 1883 marked a turning point. Staithes was particularly popular with members of the Staithes Group of Artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This group included painters influenced by the techniques of Impressionism.
Throughout the year, the Staithes Gallery displays a rich array of artworks by resident and visiting artists. Watch for special exhibitions and features that celebrate this vibrant, creative community.
In recent years, Staithes has attracted painters, photographers, and creatives. The village's dramatic coastline provides endless inspiration for artistic expression.
Today, Staithes continues to foster a vibrant art scene. Every summer, the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage draws hundreds of visitors to see new works, meet the artists, and experience the beauty of the town through a creative lens.
A setting for a kids' TV show
Staithes may be famous for its history and art, but the village has also gained recognition as a filming location for the children's television series Old Jack's Boat.
The show, which aired on the BBC, starred Bernard Cribbins as Old Jack, a fisherman who tells stories about his seaside adventures and was filmed in and around Staithes.
The charming streets, harbourside, and surrounding coastline made Staithes the perfect setting for the fictional village of Stoneybridge.
Experience the same coastal magic that inspired the heartwarming tales. It's a lovely touch for visiting Staithes. It's easy to imagine the characters coming to life in the village's picturesque streets.
A traditional fishing village
Staithes has always had a strong connection to the sea, and its history as a traditional fishing village is deeply embedded in its identity. The colourful cottages that line the cliffs and the boats bobbing in the harbourare a nod back to the village's maritime past.
Once one of the busiest fishing ports on the Yorkshire coast, Staithes was a thriving hub for the herring industry. In the 1800s Staithes had over 300 men hauling in the catch on wooden boats called cobles.
The fishing industry has declined over the years. Today, a few fishing boats still head out to sea, primarily targeting mackerel, lobster, and crabs. The herring shoals, once referred to as the ‘silver darlings,’ are now more commonly sought after by minke whales and dolphins that feast on them as they migrate down the coast in late summer.
From its connections to Captain Cook and its rich history as a fishing port to its vibrant art scene and role as the backdrop for a children's TV show, Staithes has quite a few things to shout about! It's a really lovely place to visit and it will leave a lasting impression on all those who visit. Many visitors come to Staithes for the sense of community that is still felt by the people who call this village home.
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