Beyond the cottage
A small fishing village held between high cliffs and the North Sea— full of cobbled lanes, working traditions, artists, stories and the kind of places you find by wandering without a plan.
The story of Staithes
Staithes sits in a steep-sided cleft where Staithes Beck reaches the sea, its red roofs and old fishermen's cottages folding closely around a small, sheltered harbour.
Fishing, ironstone, Captain Cook and the Staithes Group of artists all shaped the village. Today its working history lives alongside galleries, seasonal events and the Cleveland Way: follow the clifftops, explore the beach and rock pools, or simply wander the lanes until they meet the harbour.
Eat, drink and browse
Staithes is deliberately small. These independent places are part of its charm, though hours can be seasonal—always check directly before making a special journey.
A much-loved vintage tearoom on the High Street, known for homemade cakes, tea, coffee and light lunches, with indoor and outdoor seating and takeaway available.
02Harbour pubSitting right on the harbour wall, the village’s best-known pub serves seafood, traditional dishes and drinks with one of the most atmospheric views in Staithes.
03Deli and treatsA characterful village deli and traditional sweet shop for handmade chocolates, artisan treats and useful provisions to bring back to the cottage.
04History and artA volunteer-run treasure house with more than 4,000 objects exploring fishing, mining, maritime life, Captain Cook and the celebrated Staithes Group of artists.
05Everyday essentialsThe main supermarket is on Whitby Road at the top of the village. It is the practical place for a full grocery shop before heading down the bank to Dunroamin.
06More locallyCobbles Coffee Shop, the Royal George and the Captain Cook Inn add more places for coffee, pizza, a pint or a relaxed meal, alongside galleries and independent village shops.
Staithes in pictures
The village changes with the weather and the tide. These are some of the views waiting just beyond Dunroamin's front door.
Village events
Event dates change each year. Check the organisers' own websites before planning a stay around them.
Annual · September
For one weekend the whole village becomes a walkable gallery. Cottages, studios and community spaces open as exhibitions, with music, talks, guided walks, workshops and heritage events woven through the lanes.
2026 festival: 11–13 September
Festival detailsAnnual · August
A much-loved community weekend of entertainment, maritime traditions, family activities and fundraising for the local RNLI lifeboat station. It brings residents and visitors together around the beck and harbour.
Future dates are announced by the local RNLI station
RNLI updatesA little planning helps
The old village is compact and its independent shops keep seasonal hours. The Co-op on Whitby Road, at the top of Staithes Bank, is the most convenient place for a larger grocery shop and everyday essentials before unloading.
There is no guest parking in the old village. Dunroamin provides a permit for the public section of Bank Top car park, subject to spaces being available. The traffic-free feel at the bottom is one of the pleasures of staying here, but comfortable shoes and light luggage make arrival easier.
Further afield
Choose sea air or a road across the moors. Every favourite is still here, now gathered into one quieter, more useful guide.
Beaches, harbour towns and sea-air days within easy reach of Staithes.
Make Dunroamin your base
