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Unbelievably spacious, Ardbank, unlike most cottages in Staithes, has private parking in addition to generous comfortable accommodation. Situated in a sleepy corner of the old village sometimes referred to as the "Golden Triangle", just a stone's throw from the High Street and the Beck, and a couple of minutes stroll to the beach, pubs and harbour, Ardbank now offers a stylish, newly installed kitchen with solid wood worktops, in a huge room perfect for entertaining family and friends. Recently exposed sandstone walls and the original fireplace add character and warmth.
A charming corner cottage recognised by it's twin dormer windows, Ardbank is a home away from home, the perfect place to relax or use as a base to explore all that the local area has to offer. The toys chest has proved a firm favourite with younger visitors, and if you choose to park elsewhere the flagged terrace an ideal viewpoint to watch the world go by whilst enjoying an al fresco lunch or pre-dinner drinks. |
The Village
STAITHES
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Named "one of Britain's 20 most beautiful seaside villages" (The Yorkshire Post, May 2019) and "the county's greatest hidden gem" (The Telegraph, July 2018), it is true to say that Staithes is one of Yorkshire's best kept secrets. Nestled between the headlands of Penny Nab and Cowbar Nab, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and alleys wind their way steeply inland.
Once a working village made up of fishermen and miners, fishing is still part of the livelihood of locals. Taste the catch of the day in one of the village pubs, enjoy a drink overlooking the bay at the Cod & Lobster or simply pass the time strolling around the picturesque lanes. One of the more recent additions to the High Street on the site of the original general store, is Betsy & Bo: a fantastic up-market deli selling fresh bread, cheeses and all kinds of luxury foods, and old-style sweetshop offering home-made chocolates and jars of sweets sold by weight. Food lovers should be sure to keep an eye out for gourmet pop-up restaurants at The Endeavour on the High Street. For something a little more active, why not book a trip on the Three Sisters Charter in Staithes for fishing and wildlife sightseeing? For little ones, the harbour wall is the perfect spot for crabbing, and at low tide there are a plethora of rockpools teeming with winkles, limpets and crabs. By way of contrast Staithes is also known for its rich and thriving artistic scene. Once home to an art colony of 19th Century painters known as the "Staithes group" or "Northern Impressionists", the village today offers two well-regarded galleries on the High Street as well as a craft centre offering hand-made products from local makers. In addition, for one weekend every September the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage sees many cottages and other properties open their doors to the public as pop-up galleries, creating a trail through the village. |
Explore
BEYOND THE VILLAGE
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If you want to venture further afield but wish to avoid the well known tourist spots at Whitby or Scarborough, Staithes is perfectly situated in short driving distance from other beautiful sea-side resorts such as Saltburn-by-Sea, Sandsend and the hidden beach at Skinningrove where dogs can run free on unspoilt sands. If you're more of a walker, the Cleveland Way is an ever-popular route along the soaring cliffs and if you prefer something a little more challenging you can surf the waves in Saltburn, paddleboard at Scaling Dam, or sail the seas at Runswick Bay. Horseriding or llama trekking on the North York moors are also popular activities. For little explorers Port Mulgrave is the perfect place for a spot of fossil hunting: if they're lucky they'll find one of many ammonites there. And at Saltburn the pier has the best tuppeny slot machines, a funicular railway runs up the cliff from the seafront to the town, or there's crazy golf on the prom.
For foodies, take a trip to Fish Cottage at Sandsend for a meal made with the freshest, sustainably sourced ingredients from local suppliers and producers or Number 20 at Port Mulgrave - a Michelin Guide Resatuarant. If you find yourself in need of a little bit of retail therapy, pop into boutique lifestyle store Lillian Daph in Saltburn or Berties of Bay in Robin Hood's Bay before returning to the cottage for a well-deserved soak in the bath and laze in front of the fire. |
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