Nestled between two rugged cliffs in Yorkshire above the North Sea – a nice stroll in Staithes feels like you’ve stumbled upon some idealised version of coastal living

A delightful UK fishing village has recently been dubbed one of Europe’s ‘hidden gems’. In a fresh compilation by European Best Destinations, Staithes in North Yorkshire was featured alongside Pico Island in the Azores, the vibrant villages of Villajoyosa in Spain and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary as one of the continent’s 18 most unique and underappreciated attractions.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, as I did recently, you’ll certainly comprehend why. Tucked between two craggy cliffs overlooking the North Sea, a leisurely wander in Staithes feels like you’ve chanced upon an idyllic depiction of coastal life.

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I was even fortunate enough to experience a bit of picture-perfect sunshine during my brief yet memorable visit, writes the Mirror’s Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas.

Staithes is the very town that birthed world explorer Captain Cook, but it now boasts a range of artistic shops, inviting pubs and top-notch restaurants. One fantastic way to reach this destination is to trek a few miles along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline from Saltburn.

From this vantage point, you can gaze down at the quaint fishing cottages nestled below, before descending into the village to explore its offerings.

Immediately, you’ll observe a strong focus on arts and crafts in the area – a nod to its history as home to the Staithes Group, a collective of 19th-century painters attracted by the town’s fishing traditions and maritime lifestyle. While modern life has evolved, the artistic vibe remains intact.

In the local Staithes Gallery, I found myself captivated by contemporary artworks inspired by coastal living. The town is also peppered with quaint gift shops and subtle public art installations.

Despite its compact size, Staithes is far less crowded than neighbouring Whitby and even quieter than Robin Hood’s Bay, another charming fishing village just along the coast.

This allowed me to leisurely stroll down to the harbourside where the Cod and Lobster pub provides an opportunity for a swift pint overlooking the beach and, reportedly, some excellent seafood.

One of the town’s charms is how it’s bisected by the Staithes Beck river, offering a picturesque walk along the beach before ascending the steps and rounding the corner, all while remaining waterside with the cliffs in full view.

There’s also a climb back into the cliffs on the north side of the river, affording stunning views of the town, beach and sea.

I lodged a brief car journey away in Whitby, but if you’re considering an overnight stay, there’s an abundance of bed and breakfasts available, some situated right next to the beach. I’d definitely recommend spending the night if possible.

We have numerous charming seaside locations in Britain that perhaps we don’t appreciate enough – Staithes might just be the most delightful of them all – so it’s heartening to see that recognition is now coming from beyond our shores.