Tucked into a steep valley on the North Yorkshire coast, one charming fishing village has been drawing visitors for centuries.
With its jumble of red-roofed cottages, winding ginnels and fishing boats resting on the harbour, Staithes has long been one of the coast's most photographed spots.
The village sits where Staithes Beck meets the North Sea, squeezed between towering cliffs within the North York Moors National Park.
Staithes is packed with both history and charm. (Image: Tripadvisor)
Cars stay mostly at the top of the village, so visits begin with a steep walk to the harbour and postcard views.
A rich history
Behind the scenery is a history spanning medieval fishing fleets, Captain James Cook and one of Britain’s best-known artist colonies.
Staithes was once one of the busiest fishing ports on the Yorkshire coast.
Staithes in North Yorkshire (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Its name is believed to come from an Old Norse word meaning “landing place”, while records show the settlement dates back at least to the Domesday Book of 1086.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the village thrived on fishing, with generations of families making their living from the sea.
Captain Cook
Staithes (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
Before becoming one of the world's greatest explorers, Captain Cook arrived in Staithes as a teenager in 1745 to work as an apprentice in William Sanderson's grocery shop.
The harbour helped fuel his fascination with the sea, shaping both his life and history.
Visitors can now explore the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre, which tells the story of his formative years in the village.
An artist's haven
Staithes (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
More than a century later, artists flocked to Staithes, drawn by its dramatic scenery and distinctive coastal light.
The resulting Staithes Group became one of Britain's best-known artist colonies, with painters including Laura Knight and Harold Knight capturing everyday life in the fishing village.
Galleries, exhibitions and the annual Staithes Arts and Heritage Festival still celebrate their legacy.
The ideal day trip
The Cod and Lobster has a great beer garden overlooking the harbour. (Image: Tripadvisor)
The beach and harbour at Staithes are perfect for rock pooling, fossil hunting and watching the changing tides, whatever the season.
Walkers can join the Cleveland Way for clifftop views towards Whitby or Runswick Bay, or head to Port Mulgrave to see the area’s mining heritage.
The village museum explores local fishing life, while independent galleries and studios keep Staithes’ artistic tradition alive.
Visitors can also tuck into fish and chips overlooking the harbour, enjoy fresh seafood, or stop for coffee and homemade cake in one of the village's cosy cafés.
Traditional pubs remain at the heart of village life, offering everything from hearty lunches to North Sea views from a bar stool.
The Cod and Lobster in Staithes (Image: TRIPADVISOR)
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What sets Staithes apart is that it retains all the character and charm of a traditional fishing village.
Despite its popularity with tourists, fishing boats still fill the harbour, artists still paint by the water and visitors still lose themselves in the narrow streets.
With fewer than 1,000 residents, Staithes has made an extraordinary mark on Yorkshire’s history and remains one of the North East coast’s most distinctive destinations.