Staithes

Staithes, holiday cottages, Captain Cook

Staithes

Where is it – England, Yorkshire and the Humber

Who looks after it –  Local Authority 

What is it –  Coastal, Free access, Village 

When is it from – Georgian, Modern, Victorian

Staithes is a picturesque fishing village and popular holiday destination just 10 miles up the coast from Whitby. In 2024, it was named Europe’s 18th most beautiful hidden destination! Once one of the busiest fishing ports in the north-east, supplying fish all over the UK, Staithes also has a long history of mineral extraction and is one of those places that occasionally gets geologists and fossil-hunters excited. It is particularly associated with the extraction of alum, used in the dying industry. In the 19th century it had a strong artistic community, the Staithes Group, and the town still puts on arts festivals. Possibly its most famous claim to fame, however, is that it was home to the explorer and cartographer James Cook, who moved to Staithes in 1744 to work for a grocer – but became more interested in a career at sea. Finally, our older/younger reader may recognise Staithes as the location for the CBBC TV series ‘Old Jack’s Boat’, starring Bernard Cribbins. There is a good heritage centre in town as well as several arts and crafts galleries.

 


Address

North Yorkshire TS13 5BQ 

Scroll to Top