Staithes What's On Guide - Things To Do In Staithes

STAITHES...YORKSHIRE'S HIDDEN GEM!!!

The beautiful old village of Staithes is tucked away between two towering headlands which form part of the highest cliff faces in England. Cowbar Nab and Penny Nab shelter the small harbour and cluster of cottages, pubs, cafes and shops which are accessed by narrow characterful cobbled streets, tiny haphazard alleyways and winding flights of steps.

At the turn of the last century, more than 80 full time fishing boats put out from “Steers” (as it is pronounced locally). Today just a small fleet of traditional “Whitby Cobles” remain and can usually be found moored up just down the slipway from One Beckside, on the sides of Staithes Beck, where it flows into the harbour. Now very much a tourist destination for day trippers, holiday makers and artists, fishing and boat building, smuggling and piracy, iron-stone and jet mining all form part of Staithes history – not to mention the famous explorer Captain James Cook who discovered Australia.

AVAILABILITY & PRICES

FESTIVALS

Lifeboat Weekend 2022

The ever popular Staithes Lifeboat Weekend is running again for 2022. A fun and action packed fundraising weekend for all the family. The excitement starts on Friday 12 August until Sunday 14 August.

Arts & Heritage Festival 2022

The Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage features a selling exhibition of artwork over the weekend of 9-11 September 2022 in temporary galleries in cottages, houses and public spaces throughout the village.

Whitby Regatta 2022

Three full days of family entertainment in neighbouring Whitby; embracing yacht racing, rowing races, fancy dress and funfair rides all culmintating with a prize presentation and spectacular firework display. 13-15 August 2022

Whitby Goth Weekends 2022

Twice a year thousands of people flock to Whitby for what are amoungst the biggest goth events in the world. The spring event takes place in April and the autumn event each October.

TWELVE THINGS TO DO IN STAITHES

There's an abundance of things to do for everyone in Staithes. Whether you fancy a relaxing time on the small sandy beach, a day out fishing the high seas or a bracing walk on the cliff tops, you will find something new to do every time you visit this beautiful little seaside fishing village. Whilst by no means exhaustive, we have put together a list of 12 things you might like to do during your holiday here.

Relax on the "Staithe"

or play on the beach

Sit and relax on the "Staithe" or the small sandy beach with a glass of wine or an ice cream. Build a sandcastle or two or just stare out to sea as the waves roll in.

Seek out the hidden treasures fossil hunting

Staithes is located at the start of the "Jurassic" Yorkshire Coast; also known as the "Dinosaur" coast. When the tide's out, why not go on a fossil hunting expedition?

Go crabbing, lobster potting and sea fishing

Go ground, wreck and reef fishing on the locally run "All My Sons" boat or simply do you own thing off the pier, lay your lobster pots or go crabbing in the rock pools.

Explore the rockpools, beachcombe, see seals

The wave cut platform from Staithes takes you round to the decaying landing at Port Mulgrave. Explore the rockpools at low tide; on a good day you might see seals!

Visit the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre

This fascinating museum takes you through the history of Staithes and has a 1745 life-size street scene of Captain Cook's time here as a young apprentice.

Follow the Painted Illusion Trail in Staithes

World-renowned trompe l’oeil artist Paul Czainski has created a mind boggling set of painted illusions in Staithes. Follow the "illusive catch" around the village.

Novice or expert, enjoy an artists' paradise

Home to the famous art colony known as the Staithes Group, the village remains an artists paradise. The Staithes Gallery runs year long art schools and programmes.

Discover the nooks and crannies of the village

Take a stroll around the village and lose yourself on the higgledy piggledy streets, winding steps and narrow passageways. You'll find a new cottage every time!

Surf the high seas on one of the UK's best waves

If surfing is your game you'll find Staithes a real hidden gem, with the wave quality considered world class. Nearby Salturn provides lessons for novices.

Take a walk on the wild side - the Cleveland Way

Combine coast and country with a walk on one of the many trails around Staithes including the 109 mile Cleveland Way which stretches from Helmsley to Filey.

Visit the local stores for all your holiday shopping

The Betsy Bo sweet shop, the Emporium, Kessen Bowl and the Vintage shop for gifts, the butchers, fishmongers and the co-op for all your holiday needs.

Eat, drink and be merry at the pubs and cafes

In and amongst a handful of cafés, lie the Royal George and Cod & Lobster pubs in the heart of the old village whilst the Captain Cook sits at the top of the bank.