Most people come to Staithes in July.
We would gently suggest they have got it slightly wrong.
The village goes back to being a village
Staithes is a working fishing village that happens to be beautiful.
In summer that gets a bit lost. Out of season it goes back to being itself — narrow streets, the harbour, and nobody else in your photographs.
We are quieter from mid-September onwards. That is honest, and it is also the point.
Winter is what a log burner is for
Heart Stone Cottage has one, and in January it earns its keep.
Come in cold. Get the fire going. Wet things in the washing machine. Do not go out again.
That is not settling for less. That is the holiday.
The coast is doing something
This is the North Sea, not the Med. It does not pretend to be a summer beach resort and it is better for it.
If you like a coast with a bit of weather in it, winter is when you get it.
The Cleveland Way does not close
The trail runs straight through the village. It is there in February the same as it is in August.
Shorter days just mean shorter walks. Work out when it gets dark and be back before it does.
Bring the dogs
Up to three small dogs, or one large one. Downstairs only.
Empty winter paths are a dog’s idea of a good time.
Being straight with you
The old village sits down a steep bank and parking is at the top.
In December that walk down is in the dark, and possibly the rain. There are steps too.
It is fine. It is just worth knowing before you book rather than after.
Two nights minimum
Two nights is the minimum, and honestly it is also the minimum that works.
Drive all that way for one night and you have barely got the fire going before you are packing.