A weekend in Staithes

A cliff-hugging fishing village with a tiny harbour

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Staithes is a tightly packed fishing village on the North Yorkshire coast, with red-roofed cottages stacked above a narrow beck and a small harbour sheltered by high cliffs. It feels much the same as it did when the young James Cook worked here in a shop in the 1740s.

There is no big attraction, which is the appeal. You come to wander the lanes, look for fossils and rock pools on the beach and walk the dramatic Cleveland Way coast, then eat well and sleep in a cottage.

Best forBeach days, Walkers, History lovers, Couples

Best time to goLate spring to early autumn for beach days and the coast path. The village is atmospheric in winter too, though quieter.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereYork: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Staithes

Plan your weekend in Staithes

Top attractions in Staithes

The harbour and Cowbar

Walk down to the harbour and across the footbridge to the old fishing quarter of Cowbar.

Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre

A small museum telling the story of the village and Captain Cook's early years here.

Staithes beach

A good beach for rock pools and fossil hunting at low tide, though you must check tide times.

The Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay

A scenic coast path of roughly four to five miles, with high cliffs and sea views.

Boulby Cliff

Said to be the highest cliff on England's east coast, a short drive or walk from the village.

Best things to do in Staithes

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay coastal walk

A coastal path section of the Cleveland Way links Whitby with Robin Hood's Bay, a distance of about seven miles. Allow 3 to 4 hours one way.

Fish and chips in Whitby

Whitby is among the best-known places in Britain for fish and chips. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and heritage trains for about 24 miles through the national park between Pickering and Whitby. Allow a half day to a full day.

Best areas to stay in Staithes

Staithes village

Cottages and B&Bs right beside the harbour, with the most atmosphere but very little parking.

Runswick Bay

A sheltered, sandy bay a few miles south, with a small cluster of holiday cottages.

Whitby

A bigger town about nine miles away, with more places to eat and stay.

Best hotels in Staithes

Prices for a double room in Staithes typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Staithes

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Staithes

Late spring to early autumn for beach days and the coast path. The village is atmospheric in winter too, though quieter.

Seasons that suit Staithes well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Staithes

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Staithes

From York: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
From Newcastle: About 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
From Manchester: About 3 hours by car. There is no direct train, so most visitors drive.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Staithes

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Staithes village.
Saturday: Start with The harbour and Cowbar, then Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre. In the afternoon, head to Staithes beach.
Sunday: Visit The Cleveland Way to Runswick Bay or Boulby Cliff, then head home.

Packing list for Staithes

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

Parking is at the top of the village, and the lanes down to the harbour are steep and cobbled.
Facilities are limited, so book a table for dinner and bring waterproofs.
Check tide times before walking on the beach or the shore.

Staithes weekend FAQs

Is Staithes worth visiting?

Yes, if you like small, unspoilt harbour villages. It is ideal for a quiet night or two, combined with Whitby and the coast path.

Can I walk from Staithes to Whitby?

Yes. The Cleveland Way follows the cliffs for roughly ten miles, with some steep ups and downs, so allow most of a day and plan your return.

More weekend ideas

WhitbyNorth Yorkshire

A dramatic harbour town with a clifftop abbey

Robin Hood's BayNorth Yorkshire

A smugglers' village tumbling down a steep cliff

Saltburn-by-the-SeaNorth Yorkshire

A Victorian seaside town with a pier and a water-powered cliff tramway

North York MoorsNorth Yorkshire

Heather moorland, steam trains and a dramatic coast

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.