Useful Links and Local Information (Staithes)
Welcome to The Cottage, Beckside — our little slice of coastal calm in the heart of Staithes. We’ve pulled together our favourite local tips (the kind you’d get from a friendly neighbour over a cuppa), plus the practical bits you’ll want to know when you arrive.
Parking and arrival tips
Staithes is wonderfully old-school: cobbles, steps, narrow lanes… and very limited parking in the lower village. Our best tip is to drop bags off first (if you can), then park up top and enjoy the stroll down. Comfortable shoes help — and a torch is handy in the evenings.
Main car park (recommended)
Bank Top Car Park (top of the village): a straightforward walk down to the harbour.
Good to know: it’s open 24/7 and has EV charging.
Little heads up: there’s also a private car park nearby with number-plate recognition, so double-check where you’ve parked.
More parking info:
Staithes Parking (local guide) — https://www.staithes.org.uk/parking/
Pubs, cafés and places to eat
The hardest decision in Staithes is usually: sea view lunch or cosy fire + pint. Here are a few favourites (and reliable go-to’s):
The Cod & Lobster — a proper Staithes classic right by the water - https://www.codandlobster.co.uk/
The Royal George — a warm, welcoming pub feel (great after a blustery walk) - http://www.theroyalgeorgestaithes.co.uk/
Cobbles of Staithes — ideal for a coffee stop, cake, ice cream, and a little treat while you wander (and they’re well-loved for pizza nights too) — https://www.cobblesofstaithes.com/
Want more options? This local list is great for browsing what’s open:
Food & Drink in Staithes — https://www.staithes.org.uk/food-and-drink/
Local tip: in peak season, places can get busy — aim a little earlier for the easiest table.
Local shops and treats
For essentials, sweet treats, and “we’ll just pop in…” moments:
• Co-op — handy for groceries and basics
• The Kessen Bowl — a lovely local spot for bits and pieces
• Betsy & Bo — sweet shop joy (kids and grown-ups equally guilty)
• WH-1 — a brilliant little vintage & clothing shop (a real Staithes favourite), with curated pieces and great finds as you wander through the village
• Staithes Gallery — inspiring coastal artwork in the heart of the village — https://www.staithesgallery.com/
A handy local roundup:
Shopping in Staithes — https://www.staithes.org.uk/shopping/
Our personal favourites (proper “Yellow Door Retreats” recommendations)
Staithes Candle Co — for amazing candles and well being products which are and smell AMAZING. (Even better: they’re also our neighbours so you can easily pop into their store or order online) - https://www.staithescandleco.co.uk/
Lynton Artist — our favourite artist. (See our reels on socials for a day we spent with Lynton) - https://www.lyntonartist.com/
Whitby Wellbeing - we love a sauna a dip in the usually freezing sea - https://www.whitbywellbeing.com
Walks and outdoor adventures
Staithes is made for wandering — tiny lanes, cliff-top views, and that “just one more corner…” feeling. Here are two brilliant routes to start with:
Staithes ↔ Port Mulgrave (circular) — a classic Cleveland Way stretch with big views, then a gentler return inland - https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/short-routes/staithes-and-port-mulgrave-walk/
Runswick Bay → Staithes (linear) — a gorgeous coastal amble with stunning scenery - https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/short-routes/journey-through-time-runswick-staithes-2/
Pack list: windproof layer, water, and a phone with charge (because you’ll take photos… lots of photos).
Tides, beach and sea safety
Staithes beach is brilliant for exploring and fossil-hunting — but tides matter here. Please check tide times before you head out, and keep an eye on the water as it turns.
Staithes tide times (local page) — https://www.staithes.org.uk/tide-times/
Tides.Today (great for quick checks) — https://tides.today/en
RNLI Staithes & Runswick (local lifeboat station info) — https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/staithes-and-runswick-lifeboat-station
In an emergency on the coast: call 999 (or 112) and ask for the Coastguard.
Things to do (culture + events)
Captain Cook & Staithes Museum — a brilliant way to get to know the village’s story - https://www.staithes-museum.org.uk/
Staithes Festival — if your stay lines up, it’s a fantastic atmosphere - https://www.staithesfestival.com/
Staithes Gallery — pop in for coastal inspiration - https://www.staithesgallery.com/
St Peter’s Church — a peaceful visit (and lovely local history) - https://www.stpetersstaithes.org.uk/
More local info and ideas:
https://www.staithes.org.uk/
Medical info and nearby hospitals
Hopefully you won’t need this section — but it’s reassuring to know where to go, just in case.
If you need help
• Life-threatening emergency: call 999
• Urgent but not life-threatening: call 111 or use 111 online: https://111.nhs.uk
• Find services (hospitals, pharmacies, urgent care) here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/
Nearby hospitals
East Cleveland Hospital (Brotton) — Alford Road, Brotton, TS12 2FF - https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/east-cleveland-hospital/RTR03
Whitby Community Hospital (Whitby) - https://www.humber.nhs.uk/whitby-hospital/
The James Cook University Hospital (Middlesbrough) — major hospital + A&E - https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/hospitals/james-cook/
Useful websites
Staithes local info — https://www.staithes.org.uk/
RNLI Staithes & Runswick — https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/staithes-and-runswick-lifeboat-station
Staithes Festival — https://www.staithesfestival.com/
Staithes Museum — https://www.staithes-museum.org.uk/
Tides.Today — https://tides.today/en
Staithes Candle Co — https://www.staithescandleco.co.uk/
Lynton Artist — https://www.lyntonartist.com/
The Royal George — http://www.theroyalgeorgestaithes.co.uk/
The Cod & Lobster — https://www.codandlobster.co.uk/
Staithes Gallery — https://www.staithesgallery.com/
St Peter’s Church — https://www.stpetersstaithes.org.uk/
Whitby Wellbeing - https://www.whitbywellbeing.com
If you discover a new favourite while you’re here, tell us — we love updating this page with guest recommendations. Enjoy Staithes!