Staithes: Harbour, Coastal Paths and Art

Staithes combines a distinctive harbour landscape with fishing history, an artistic tradition and paths along the cliffs. The small harbour is protected by Cowbar Nab and Penny Nab; during storms, the two headlands hold back the sea's greatest fury. Those planning a trip can combine maritime history, landscape and cultural impressions here.

Harbour Landscape and Maritime History

The two Nabs give Staithes an unmistakable landscape character. They form part of the harbour's immediate character while also directing the view towards the sea. For families and other travellers, this provides a vivid introduction to the history of the village: the landscape tells not only of the coast and weather, but also of the importance of fishing.

In the 19th century, Staithes was one of the largest fishing ports in the north-east. More than 300 men brought in the catch using wooden boats known as cobles. Today, a few fishing boats still head out to sea from Staithes, mainly catching mackerel, lobsters and crabs. This connects the harbour's historical development with its present-day maritime character without equating the two periods.

Art, Museum and a Distinctive Village Character

Staithes has attracted artists for centuries. The light and landscape have a particular appeal. Those who enjoy getting to know places through their paintings, buildings and stories will therefore find several different ways to engage with the identity of the village.

Staithes Museum is located in a restored, Grade II listed Methodist chapel on the High Street. Staithes Gallery displays works by contemporary artists inspired by the wild North Sea and the surrounding North York Moors National Park. Together, the museum and gallery provide two cultural points of connection: one leads into the history of the village, while the other focuses on today's artistic engagement with the sea and landscape.

Routes for Different Kinds of Days

Staithes also offers different formats for planning your days. From Staithes, you can follow the Cleveland Way National Trail for one mile to the hamlet of Port Mulgrave. This route can be viewed as a shorter walking experience if you would like to plan a hike alongside a visit to the village or museum.

The Staithes and Port Mulgrave Walk, by contrast, is a 4-mile circular route that starts in Staithes. It runs along quiet lanes and paths through fields and woodland, as well as along the cliffs. This means that different landscape impressions take centre stage: the route passes not only through fields and woodland, but also along the cliffs. Take the respective route length into account when planning your day and choose the walk according to how much space you want to give to walking alongside other experiences.

Staithes as a Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can consider which focus should shape your trip. The harbour landscape and fishing history favour a stay with a maritime focus. The museum and gallery add culture to the programme, while the Cleveland Way and the circular route structure other days. Choosing accommodation in Staithes can therefore help you plan your own travel rhythm between exploring the village, art and landscape, without having to combine every activity into a single programme.

Those travelling with different interests can deliberately make their days varied: a cultural visit on the High Street, a look at the harbour or a route through fields, woodland and cliffs. The familiar names and clearly distinct experiences make it easier to decide, before booking accommodation, what kind of stay you would like in Staithes.

Discover More Places

You can also explore Sneaton, Sandsend, Stearsby, Flaxton, Hopperton, Thwaite, Threshfield and Crayke as nearby destinations.

To the higher-level travel overview: North Yorkshire.