Explore beyond the cottages...

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.