If you are looking at a cottage break in Staithes and have only seen it previously on TV , you may be wondering what there is to do during your stay. Needless to say, whether you are visiting with children, children and dogs, children grandparents & dogs, or just to chill with friends there are loads of things to do on a short break in Staithes.
1.Wander the cobbled streets and alleyways of Staithes village
Most visitors are happy pottering around the village and its cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and working harbor, and it's a great way to get a feel for the history of Staithes , its rich fishing heritage and reputation more recently as a thriving artists community. Pop into Dotties for a vintage feel and great drinks and snacks, or Betsy and Bo's sweet shop where you can find all of your fondly remembered sweets from your childhood , and featured recently in Robson Green's great weekend breaks series.
(See if you can find 'dog loup' street , the narrowest street in England , only 18 inches wide)
2.Take a scenic walk on the National Trust's Cleveland way
A short walk from Churchview cottage is the start of the Cleveland Way coastal path from Staithes to Runswick bay and Whitby beyond that. Once you have climbed the hill of Church street the path is level, well sign posted and full of spectacular coastal views. It will take you 60-90 minutes to walk to Runswick bay from Staithes ( you can hop on one of the local buses back if you dont fancy the round trip) The views are well worth the climb.
3. Take the kids fossil hunting
To be fair its not just the an activity for children, as it really is quite easy to find fossils on this part of the 'Jurassic' coastline. check out any of the beaches close to the cliff lines ( be careful not to get too close in to the cliffs themselves as they do have a habit of crumbling - hence the proliferation of fossil bearing rocks). You will find a rock hammer in the cupbard at Churchview cottage so you can check out liley looking rocks ,or indeed keep an eye out for those that dont need uncovering. The area around port mulgrave beach is particularly fossil friendly
4. Explore the local beaches in and around Staithes
Staithes has its own small beach used daily by locals and visitors alike and a perfect pleace to soak up the sun or go for a swim during the summer season. If you travel only a few minutes by car from staithes you can find award winning beaches at Saltburn, Runswick Bay, Sandsend , Whitby , and our personal 'hidden' favourite at Skinningrove.
Check out our separate blog on the great beaches around Staithes and where to find them.
5. Visit the Staithes Studio Gallery
The gallery is run by artist Ian Burke. and you will find plenty of his artwork and those of other local artists on show. Ian is a lovely bloke and the gallery is affordable and well worth popping into.
You will find original artwork from the Staithes Gallery on the walls of Churchview cottage, including works by Ian and Rob Shaw.
Staithes reputation as an artists colony was established in the late 19th and early 20th century by a group of artists who became known as the 'Staithes Group'
The most prominent member of the Staithes Group was the renowned artist, Laura Knight, and they became famous for their plein-air style of painting, which involved working directly from nature in the open air. There has been a recent resurgence of interest in their works, and many of their paintings are now highly sought after by collectors. you can see example of ther work in the Staithes Heritage Centre
There is a hugely popular Arts and Heritage Festival each year in Staithes , this year it will be held on the 15-17th September.
6. Discover all of the 3d 'Painted Illusion' murals around Staithes village
The Painted Illusion Trail in Staithes was created in 2014 by renowned local artist Paul Czainski. The trail includes 8 realistic 'illusions' painted on buildings around the hidden corners of the village. The paintings include mermaids with mirrors ( see above) and a representation of Noah's ark in the style of the trompe l’oeil paintings, which depict realistic images to create an optical illusion of 3D. You can get a leaflet in the local shops and see if you can find all of them! (Big clue to get you started - one of them can be found only 2 doors away from Churchview cottage!)
7. Visit the Staithes Heritage Centre - This museum is dedicated to the history of the village and is a great place to learn about its maritime heritage.
8. Visit Gothic Whitby and its famous abbey.
Yes, I know this blog is about Staithes, but who would pass up the opportunity to climb the 99 steps to the Abbey at Whitby , (made famous as the landing place of Dracula and now seeming adopted as Whitby's favourite son..) , only 15 minutes down the coast from Staithes.
For more information on days out from Staithes please see our dedicated blog.
9. Take a fishing or wildlife trip with the Three Sisters from the harbour in Staithes
Staithes is known for its excellent fishing and sightings of seals and dolphins on the boat trips you can take from the harbour with the Three Sisters fishing boat. for more details and how to book visit https://www.threesister-boatcharter.co.uk/ and you can join a local fishing trip to catch mackerel, cod, and other species.
10 . ..and Relax .. enjoy the scenery from the Cod and Lobster on Staithes Harbour
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