A beautiful little seaside town is just twenty minutes from a famous neighbour, but most have probably never heard of it. Once a bustling fishing port, those in the know head to Staithes for a serene retreat just ten miles from buzzing Whitby, with its quaint streets, fresh seafood and rocky beaches.
Visitors can stroll through the quiet village among historic cottages or head out to admire the views from the Cleveland Way, a long-distance coastal path that winds dramatically along the cliffs. Even though the village is believed to have a tiny population of barely 1,200, there are enough eateries to fill a foodie weekend, with cafes and restaurants dotted along the seafront.
Framed by the rugged cliffs that rise steeply on either side of the North Yorkshire village, colourful fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbour offer a gentle reminder of the village’s deep maritime heritage.
Even its name speaks to that seafaring past. Derived from Old Norse, Staithes means “landing place” or “wharf” — a fitting tribute to a village that was once one of the busiest fishing ports along the northeast coast.
Fishing was the lifeblood of the community for centuries, and while the fleets of large boats have gone, small-scale lobster and crab fishing continues.
Local businesses keep the heritage alive, such as Matthew Asquith’s crab factory, which sources its catch from nearby fishers and claimed that Staithes is “definitely on the gastronomic map”, speaking to North York Moors.
After tasting the local fare, history fans can explore the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre to learn more about the area’s past.
It is widely believed that here, among the harbour and fishing boats, a young James Cook developed his fascination with the sea and navigation. A historic pub in the village, the Captain Cook Inn, also bears his name.