Having lived in Yorkshire for over 5 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of this amazing area. While places like Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, and Scarborough (and even more in the North York Moors) are very popular, there are a few gems just a bit further north. Having visited Staithes just once before, last spring I did the walk along the coast to see Runswick Bay. It made for a perfect daytrip – even better with the sunshine!

Visiting Staithes

Staithes is a small fishing village, built on a hill and full of cobblestone streets. There is the Captain Cook Staithes Heritage Center, the Staithes Gallery, and a beach. The Cod and Lobster is the main pub in town (I have heard amazing things about their seafood!), and Cobbles is a great stop for ice cream. While it’s a bit of a steep climb up, make sure to head up the north bank for an amazing view overlooking the village. It’s one of the prettiest views in Yorkshire in my opinion!

What I’ve enjoyed about Staithes is just being there. Wandering around the pretty, narrow streets with an ice cream in hand, listening to the waves crash against the shore. Both times I’ve visited it’s been pretty quiet – you just don’t find that in Whitby or Scarborough.

Walking from Staithes to Runswick Bay

The walk to Runswick Bay is a beautiful one, along the Yorkshire coast. While I always recommend having a map (you’ll need OS map OS Explorer OL27: North York Moors Eastern Area), the route is pretty easy to follow. It follows the Cleveland Way, a long-distance trail that is well-signposted. The path goes up and down a few times, but overall it’s not particularly strenuous. You should always be prepared with proper outdoor gear – it’s very windy along the coast! I’d recommend sturdy hiking boots (I love my Scarpa Mistral boots!), and you should always bring a waterproof rain jacket.

One of the best views of Staithes is just after the initial hike up out of town. You’re greeted to this view after you make it up the hill, which is just beautiful! After passing Port Mulgrave, the route from Staithes takes you to Runswick Bay. It took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes from leaving Staithes to get to the beach at Runswick Bay.

Runswick Bay: Yorkshire’s Prettiest Beach?

In 2020, Runswick Bay stole the show by being named the “Best Beach of the Year” by the Times. There’s still a lot more of Yorkshire for me to explore, but I’m inclined to agree. It’s a beautiful beach and really big – maybe the absence of big crowds made it feel more spacious. Runswick Bay is also popular for fossil hunting! I just loved the view of the pretty red roofed houses next to the bay.

To get back to Staithes, I followed the same route back along the coast. Again, it took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes to get back to Staithes. It’s approximately 3 miles one-way (so 6 miles return), and I spent nearly an hour enjoying Runswick Bay. I was lucky to do this walk on a sunny day, which made me love it even more! It is possible to do the walk one-way, as the X4 bus runs between Middlesbrough and Whitby, and stops at both Staithes and Runswick Bay.

On the way back, I also stopped at the pretty village of Sandsend. It’s close enough that you can see Whitby, but it felt like a world away from the crowds! There’s a pretty row of (Insta-famous) cottages, and a big sandy beach here, too.

Planning Your Trip

Staithes is located on the Yorkshire coast, and there is no rail access here. If you are relying on public transportation, I would recommend getting the train to Middlesbrough (or Whitby), and then you’ll need to take the bus to Staithes. I think it’s easier to visit with your own car – parking in Staithes is in the large car park at the top of the hill. It costs £5 for 6 hours. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

While I visited as a daytrip from York, you could definitely stay in Staithes and I think it would make a nice base for exploring more of the Yorkshire coast. There aren’t any hostels in Staithes (the nearest would be the YHA in Whitby), you can check out hotels and B&Bs to stay at around Staithes.

Booking.com

There are so many places to visit on the Yorkshire coast. I really loved visiting Staithes and walking to Runswick Bay – this is a great hike that isn’t too strenuous, but gives great views of the sea. Whether you walk between the two or just stop at each, definitely visit Staithes and Runswick Bay on a trip along the coast in Yorkshire!

Have you been to Staithes or Runswick Bay before?

You might like my other posts:

21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors

77 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

Walking From Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay: One of My Favorite Walks in Yorkshire

A Perfect Day in Whitby

A Sunny Day in Scarborough

All of my Yorkshire posts!

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