Nestled high on the cliffs above the North Yorkshire Moors, the coastal gem of Staithes has been celebrated as one of Britain's most picturesque villages. This former thriving fishing harbour in the north east is not only rich in heritage but is also home to what many are calling one of the area's finest Sunday roast dinners.
Award-Winning Roast in a Stunning Setting
The source of this culinary acclaim is The Captain Cook Inn, a pub boasting an enviable location amongst the clifftops with sweeping views across the village's charming cobbled lanes and peaceful shoreline. Customers have flocked to Tripadvisor to sing the praises of the pub's traditional Sunday offering, leading to it receiving the platform's prestigious Travellers' Choice Award.
One delighted visitor declared they had a "fabulous Sunday Roast, plenty of it and the beef was so tender and very moreish!". Another guest echoed this sentiment, commenting: "The meal was absolutely delicious. The meat was so tender and the vegetables were al dente... Big fluffy Yorkshire and rich gravy. Could have eaten a whole plate of their roast potatoes."
More Than Just a Roast Dinner
Alongside the celebrated roast, the establishment serves a menu of traditional British favourites including steak pie, scampi and chips, and golden whitebait for starters. For ale lovers, there is a range of brews to enjoy, including the signature tipple, Northern Navigator, produced specially for the inn by the North Yorkshire Brewery just 15 miles away.
But a visit to Staithes offers far more than just quality food. The village's history is dominated by its most famous historical figure, Captain James Cook. Visitors can delve into the past at the Staithes Heritage Centre and Captain Cook Museum, which recreates the shop where the famed explorer once worked as a grocer's apprentice.
Art, Dinosaurs and Coastal Walks
Staithes also possesses a vibrant artistic heritage, having once been home to a significant group of artists known as the "Staithes group" or the "Northern Impressionists". Today, the Staithes Gallery showcases an impressive range of contemporary artwork inspired by the village.
For those interested in prehistoric discoveries, Staithes sits on the renowned Dinosaur Coast. The village's harbour reveals a captivating world of rockpools filled with fossils when the tide goes out. Further adventure awaits on the Cleveland Way National Trail, a 109-mile stretch offering breathtaking views from Filey to Helmsley.
After exploring, visitors can relax at the quayside Cod and Lobster pub, renowned for its extensive seafood menu, or end the day at Dotty's Vintage Tearoom for a taste of yesteryear with homemade scones and a comforting brew.
