Staithes Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Staithes Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Staithes packs a lot into a small area. The village itself is worth exploring on foot - its steep streets and alleyways reveal hidden corners and fantastic views. The harbour wall (known locally as the Cowbar) offers great spots for watching fishing boats come and go.

Cleveland Way National Trail passes through Staithes (4.5/5 TripAdvisor), offering spectacular coastal walks in both directions. Head south to Runswick Bay (about 2.5 miles) or north towards Boulby Cliffs, which at 203 metres are the highest on England's east coast.

The Captain Cook & Staithes Heritage Centre (NZ781187, open 10am-5pm April-October) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's where young James Cook worked as a shop apprentice before joining the Royal Navy. The exhibits tell the story of Cook and Staithes' fishing heritage.

Staithes Gallery (High Street, TS13 5BH, open Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm) showcases work by local artists inspired by the village's stunning scenery. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and offers affordable prints if you want to take home a memory of your stay.

Pet Friendly

Staithes is brilliant for dogs! The main beach has no restrictions, so your dog can run free all year round. The harbour area requires leads during busy periods, but this is rarely enforced outside summer weekends.

The Cod & Lobster pub (TS13 5BH) welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good food. They even provide water bowls and treats. The Cleveland Corner Bistro (TS13 5BH) also allows dogs in their outdoor seating area with fantastic harbour views.

For supplies, Staithes Store (TS13 5BH) stocks basic pet essentials. For more specialist items, Whitby has a Pets at Home (YO22 4NH) about 10 miles away.

When walking the coastal paths, keep dogs on leads near cliff edges. The Cleveland Way can be muddy after rain, so pack towels for cleaning muddy paws before returning to your hot tub cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Staithes

1. Staithes Beach & Harbour - The heart of the village, this small sandy beach is perfect for fossil hunting at low tide. The Jurassic coastline here is famous for its ammonites and other fossils. I've found the best hunting is after stormy weather when new specimens are exposed. The harbour wall provides shelter for swimming when conditions are right. TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5. One visitor wrote: "We found three perfect ammonites in just an hour of searching!"

2. Staithes Studios Gallery (TS13 5BS) - This working art studio and gallery showcases contemporary art inspired by the coastal location. They run regular workshops where you can try your hand at printing, painting or pottery. Open Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm plus bank holidays. TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5. A recent visitor commented: "Bought a beautiful linocut print that now reminds me of our holiday every day."

3. Dotty's Vintage Tearoom (High Street, TS13 5BH) - Not just an attraction but an experience! This 1940s-themed tearoom serves amazing homemade cakes and proper Yorkshire tea. The interior is filled with vintage memorabilia and they sometimes have live piano music on weekends. Open daily 10am-4pm. TripAdvisor score: 5/5. One reviewer said: "The lemon drizzle cake was worth the trip to Staithes alone!"

Is Staithes good for families?

Yes! Kids love exploring the beach and hunting for fossils. The village featured in CBeebies' 'Old Jack's Boat', so younger children might recognise locations. The narrow streets are mostly traffic-free, making it safe for families. Many cottages with hot tubs are family-friendly with enclosed gardens.

Can you park in Staithes village?

There's very limited parking in the old village. Most cottages don't have dedicated parking. The main car park is at the top of the hill (TS13 5BS, £6 all day). I recommend unloading at your cottage then moving your car to the car park. Some cottages with hot tubs in the upper village do have private parking - worth checking when booking.

Where's the nearest supermarket to Staithes?

Staithes Store on High Street sells basics. For bigger shops, there's a Co-op in Hinderwell (3 miles, TS13 5HA) and a Sainsbury's in Whitby (10 miles, YO21 1BW). Several supermarkets deliver to Staithes cottages including Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's.

What's the best time to visit Staithes?

September is fantastic - the sea is warm, crowds are smaller and the Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage usually happens then. Winter visits mean you'll have the place to yourself and there's nothing better than watching a storm from your hot tub! Avoid bank holidays if you prefer quieter times.

Is Staithes good for walking?

Absolutely! The Cleveland Way passes through the village with stunning coastal paths in both directions. Port Mulgrave (2 miles south) is a hidden gem. Inland walks into the North York Moors offer different landscapes. The Cod & Lobster pub makes a great finish point.

How far is Whitby from Staithes?

Whitby is 10 miles south (about 20 minutes by car). The X4 bus runs roughly hourly between Staithes and Whitby (less frequent on Sundays). A taxi costs around £20 each way. You can also walk there on the Cleveland Way (about 10 miles) and get the bus back.

Helpful links:

1. North York Moors National Park - Staithes Guide
2. Discover Yorkshire Coast - Staithes Information
3. Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage
4. Scaling Dam Reservoir - nearby walking and birdwatching