Find out everything you need about The Old Cottage in Staithes, North York Moors and whether this holiday rental is right for you.
This beautifully decorated fisherman’s cottage has nautical theme and is ideal for a couple or the solo traveller. It overlooks the estuary and is a at most a two minute walk to the harbour, beach and shops.
Staithes is an unspoilt seaside destination overlooked by three majestic cliffs. The cottage has a well-equipped sunken kitchen and a sitting room with a log burner.
With Whitby only a 20-minute drive away, Redcar is 15 miles and closer still is the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn. It is not necessary to use your car at all during your stay because the coastal walks, like the three miles to Runswick, an award-winning beach, are breathtakingly scenic.
A well-presented period cottage over three floors, the Old Cottage sleeps up to two guests in the double bedroom on the second floor. The bathroom with a walk-in shower and a heated towel rail is on the first floor, off the sitting room.
The sitting room has a flame effect electric cast iron stove, Freeview TV and a selection of books and games. Down a few steps is the eat-in kitchen that has the basics such as a fridge/freezer, microwave and electric hob and oven.
There is an offload and loading zone close to the cottage and guests are supplied with one permit for the carpark up from the village.
Just outside the cottage is Betsy & Bo that is not only an olde worlde sweet shop but a deli too. So, if you are planning a day out walking either along Cleveland Way or along the Jurassic coast then you can order a freshly made salad such as black bean and kale to take away in a handy picnic pot. Stock up on Staithes smoked salmon and cheeses from The Courtyard Dairy such Baron Brigod brie and Richard Third Wensleydale and treat yourself to a jar of Rosebud’s Pear Orange and Ginger Chutney. The three mile walk to the charming village on the bay at Runswick will not disappoint. Dogs especially love this stretch of coastline with soft sand, lapping waves and rock pools. There a plenty of sheltered spots to picnic and take a dip.
Follow in the footsteps of the Staithes Group of Artists formed in the 1800s and create your own masterpiece by signing up to one of Staithes Art School “paint break” weekends held at Staithes Gallery or join Stef Mitchell’s introduction to monoprint workshop using plants at Staithes Studios Gallery.
Get some sea air on a 4-mile circular walk from Staithes to Port Mulgrave. Follow the Cleveland Way National Trail for the first half along the clifftop to Port Mulgrave. If you are feeling energetic and have a curious interest in fossils then make your way down to the beach at Port Mulgrave which is famous for its ammonites and further north towards the slipway horsetail plant remains can still be found. The return journey to Staithes is across fields and through woodland, via the hamlet of Dalehouse.
Given its size, this little village has a lot to offer from festivals to fossil-hunting, and “paint breaks” to afternoon tea in fine bone china at Dotty’s Vintage. The Old Cottage is an ideal base for two or even for a solo traveller and one four-legged family member is welcome to stay.
The living accommodation with a nautical theme is spacious and has everything you will need for a hassle-free break. The sunken kitchen is eat-in so while the designated chef cooks up a meal with ingredients such as fresh fish and homemade chutney sourced from the shops in Staithes, you can sit at the table and keep them company and keep their wine glass full.
Whitby is only 10 miles away and one of your days could be allocated to a trip to this historical little working port that is famed for its fish and chips and the 7th century abbey domineering the skyline which was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula. Staithes, however, has enough to see and do without you even having to get behind the wheel during your holiday here. From whale watching to taking a dip in Runswick Bay, voted the best beach in Britain by the Sunday times, this part of the North Yorkshire coast is guaranteed not to disappoint.
