Staithes and Port Mulgrave

Staithes Harbour by Volunteer, Brian Nicholson

Once past the newer houses on the clifftop, the road plunges down a steep slope to the tightly packed houses and cottages, and picturesque harbour of this popular coastal village. Children squealing with delighted recognition? It's because Staithes is where CBeebies 'Old Jack's Boat' is filmed.

The harbourside is open to the North Sea, but is sheltered to the north by the towering cliff known as Cowbar. Fishing is not the cornerstone it was when Staithes was a nationally important fishing port, but colourful fishing boats (called 'cobles') still set out for lobster, crab and mackerel. The young James Cook worked here as an apprentice shopkeeper before seeking fame and fortune at sea, while artists later flocked here for the quality of the light and landscape.

Things to see and do

Make sure you pick up the 'Welcome to Staithes' leaflet which gives you all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the village. You should find one at the Staithes Gateway Centre by the car park, or most of the businesses should have a copy for you.

At the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre, you'll step back in time to the days when James Cook was working in Staithes. There's a wealth of memorabilia including a recreated street scene of 1745.

Follow the Old Jack's Boat sticker trail! Armed with a free leaflet, which can be picked up from cafés, shops and other public places in the village, visitors are guided through the snickets and cobbled lanes as they search out six of Old Jack’s friends and animated characters that will help him mend his boat ‘The Rainbow’.

Find the eight murals on the Staithes Illusion Trail all painted by renowned trompe l’oeil artist and Staithes resident, Paul Czainski. The narrow streets and snickets have evocative sounding names such as Gun Gutter and Barbers Yard. At around 45cm wide, Dog Loup is the narrowest street in the north of England.

Discover works of art and craft in Staithes Gallery, Staithes Studios Gallery , Slipway Studio and Staithes Arts and Crafts Centre at St. Peters Church.

Across the cliffs in Port Mulgrave, visit the Blue Shed Studio of artist Gail Hurst (open for viewings on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays, Easter to October). Gail's work is inspired by the North York Moors coast, and she often runs workshops and exhibits both locally and further afield.

Walks

Staithes is right on the Cleveland Way National Trail and there are some fabulous coastal walks from the village, either north over the highest sea cliffs on the east coast of England at Boulby (203m high) or south to the quirky hamlet and former ironstone port of Port Mulgrave.

Activities

Local fishermen and tourism operators offer boat and fishing trips, and memorable holiday experiences, from foreshore walks to whale watching.

Real Staithes' skipper, Sean, will take you out on the sea to catch, cook and consume mackerel. As well as teaming up with Yorkshire Coast Nature to run Seabird and Whale watching adventures.

Follow in the footsteps of the Staithes Group of Artists and create your own masterpiece by booking onto one of Staithes Art School weekends held at Staithes Gallery, or join Stef Mitchell's introduction to monoprint workshop using plants at Staithes Studios Gallery.

Beach cleaning

While here, look out for the #2minutebeachclean board on the beach. Follow the instructions, pick up a litter-pick and help keep the beach plastic-free. Not only will you help our environment you’ll have a gorgeous warm glow inside.

Eating and drinking

The Cod & Lobster pub on the quayside has borne the brunt of countless storms over the years. There are several other pubs and cafés in Staithes, too, as well as fish and chips and ice cream.

Festivals and events

The Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage lights up the village every September, with walks, talks, workshops, events, and pop-up galleries and tea shops in cottages and public buildings.

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North York Moors