Holiday rentals in Staithes

Once one of the largest fishing ports on the Yorkshire coast, Staithes is now a tranquil seaside village with charm to spare. The beauty of this seaside location attracted the Staithes Group, a group of artists who at the end of the 19th century set up a colony here. When you walk down the steep slope to town, you pass through an intoxicating labyrinth of narrow alleyways called “ginnels,” flanked by 18th-century cottages, many with colourful doors and window sills. As you reach the two breakwaters of the harbour, there are a handful of fishing boats and leisure craft bobbing up and down on the waters of the North Sea. Turn around and you’ll see a backdrop of dramatic cliffs making up the northeast corner of North York Moors National Park.

Enjoy the longer days in your Staithes cottage in the late spring and summer months, when temperatures are at their warmest. This is the time to head out on a boat trip to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring coastline of the National Park. The village is at its busiest over three days in September, when it plays host to the Staithes Festival, during which artists and musicians fill the streets and buildings. The autumn and winter months bring longer nights, as well as more rainfall and stronger winds. This is a good time to visit if you want to go on invigorating walks along the coast and into the moors at a time when the region is at its quietest.

Fossil hunting

Staithes is on the northern edge of a 35-mile stretch of coastline called the Jurassic Yorkshire Coast. People from all over come here to hunt for fossils, the most common being ammonites, which look like a small coiled snake. Although it is unlikely that you are going to find the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, it’s quite possible to discover small dinosaur footprints in the stones.

Painted Optical Illusion Trail

Hidden in the maze of narrow alleyways are eight lifelike paintings that form part of the Painted Optical Illusion Trail. They were created by a local artist obsessed with trompe l’oeil and include 3D-like depictions of mermaids, seagulls, and Noah’s ark.

Cleveland Way National Trail

If you’re looking for an open-ended hike in which to stretch your legs, head to the Cleveland Way National Trail. This 109-mile path allows you to explore the astounding cliffs and moorlands of the North York Moors National Park. For a small taste of all it has to offer, take the three-mile hike that follows the coastline from Staithes to the horseshoe-shaped Runswick Bay.