Hidden Staithes
Hidden Staithes
Staithes is a wonderful village to visit and because of that, in peak season it can often get very busy. We love visiting early in the morning. This morning, we were in the village by 8.30 am and watching the village wake up. There was virtually no body out and about except a few local people walking dogs or getting ready to take their boats out.
If you keep your eyes open, there are some wonderful things to see that many people bypass.
As you wander around Staithes, look closely at the door knockers. Many of them are sea and fishing themed, giving a nod to the fishing heritage of Staithes. Some of these are the original knockers from when the houses were built. On Church Street, there is a large anchor knocker and just of High Street, there is a small alley near Seasons Coffee House with a lovely old crab knocker. Have a look and you will find seahorses, dolphins, anchors, fish, boat bells and even a hand.
It is interesting to explore the alleyways in Staithes. Every turn brings a different perspective and photo opportunity. One of my favourites is Gun Gutter. If you follow this down to the end, along the way you will find, fishing floats, crab and lobster pots, piles of artistically arranged driftwood, flowers growing out of assorted pots and at the end a Trompe L’oeil mermaid, part of the Trompe L’oeil trail in the village.
If you go down Beckside you will discover a wonderful mosaic mural with a mermaid and fish. This was started as a project during Covid lock down. Look out for the door knockers of the fish and the anchor in Beckside
See if you can find the spot where Jane Ward’s kipper curing house stood between 1880 and 1939. There is a plaque to mark the spot which tells you why the curing house fell into disrepair – hint look by the slipway near beck bridge.
Look out for the wood sculptures by artist Paul Czainski who also painted the Trompe L’oeil Trail around the village. Paul is a world famous Trompe L’oeil artist who owns a cottage in Staithes.
Walk over the bridge and climb up Cowbar Bank, a steep hillside that provides a spectacular vantage point over and the North Sea.