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Staithes (Steeas ) is a pretty little seaside village in North Yorkshire, England.  It is not a huge touristy spot, but it definitely draws travelers from all over the world, due to its history and beautiful nature scenes.

Staithes has a small, sandy, dog friendly beach:  to many one of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast.  The area is decorated with rugged but beautiful cliffs on one side and the sea, meeting the North York Moors National Park on the other.  This makes for a beautiful little beach village.  However the beach area is not reckoned as a swimming beach.  If you travel to Staithes you will however be rewarded with beautiful photography opportunities.

Staithes Village

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Staithes in the UK, is from May to September during which you’ll have more sunny days with pleasant temperatures.

Staithes UK View

Things to do in Staithes

  • Hiking in the National park which has a network of Public right of way paths you can fallow (almost 1 400 miles or 2 300 km in length).  The most popular ones are Cleveland Way, Lyke Wake Walk and the White Rose way route.  Maps are available at the visitor centers.
  • Cycling and mountain biking
  • Fishing and sailing
  • Attend an outdoor concert at Dalby Forest
  • Visit the Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre Museum
  • Be sure to visit the local pub.
  • The National park is also a Dark Sky Reserve, which makes for excellent stargazing conditions.

Where to find Staithes and North York Moors National Park

What is it famous for?

This picturesque little village of Staithes is famous for its part in the CBBC series ‘Old Jack’s Boat, which starred Bernard Cribbins as Old Jack and his trusty shipmate, Salty the dog.  Furthermore its cobbled streets featured in the 2017 film ‘Phantom Thread’ starring Daniel Day-Lewis.

The North York Moors featured in this classic children’s adventure film, ‘The Runaways’ as well as the movie Downton Abbey. You will recognize Pickering station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in the film’s opening scenes. 

Spot the film sites and visit the actual garden:

The classic children’s novel The Secret Garden:  Some of the filming took place in the North York Moors.  Film spots you can visit include Helmsley Walled Garden (the secret garden), Helmsley Castle and Duncombe Park in Helmsley, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, plus moorland shots in Farndale, Goathland (Wheeldale Roman Road) and Rievaulx Moor

It is also famous due to the fact that, in the early 1990s, a rare fossil of a seagoing dinosaur was discovered after a rockfall between Staithes and Port Mulgrave.

Where to stay in Staithes

There are a few very cute options for overnight accommodation.  If you love the peacefulness of a seaside country retreat, this little village is the place to overnight.  (A perfect English countryside travel destination.)

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