Experiencing Hillside View Through Our Guests Eyes
Boxing Day to New Year is a magical time to escape the hustle and bustle, and this year, my husband, my son, his girlfriend, and I found ourselves enjoying a truly special stay at Hillside View in the charming fishing village of Staithes. The property exceeded all expectations, and the location provided the perfect base for exploring both Staithes and nearby Whitby.
The Property
Hillside View is a modern, well-maintained gem in the newer part of Staithes. Its immaculate condition and thoughtful amenities made it feel like a home away from home. It was clear that the owners take great pride in their property, and we appreciated the spotless presentation upon arrival.
One major advantage of Hillside View is its practicality. Unlike the narrow, winding streets of the old village – which are picturesque but notoriously tricky to navigate by car – the house is easily accessible and offers off-street parking for two vehicles. This convenience made unpacking a breeze and allowed us to fully relax.
Despite being located in the newer part of Staithes, Hillside View is just a short walk from the heart of the old village. In less than ten minutes, we could stroll down to the cobbled streets, quaint cottages, and bustling harbour that make Staithes so special.
The property is also incredibly convenient for everyday needs. It’s just a one-minute walk to the local Co-op, and we were delighted to discover a fish and chip shop located less than 50 metres from the property – perfect for those nights when you want something delicious and effortless.
Within walking distance are also some fantastic spots:
The Captain Cook Inn, a friendly pub perched above the old village, was just a five-minute stroll away.
The Fox & Hound, a traditional country pub about a ten-minute walk from the property, was the real highlight. The staff couldn’t do enough for us, and the prices were astonishingly reasonable – £2 for a pint of bitter or £3 for Guinness. We enjoyed a delicious meal for two, alongside six rounds of drinks, for just £45! Honestly, we’d return to Hillside View just for this pub.
Another unexpected delight within a ten-minute walk was Seaton Manor Antiques, a treasure trove of unique finds we thoroughly enjoyed browsing and conveniently located next door to a lovely little café.
Exploring Staithes
Staithes is far more than just a stop-off en route to Whitby. This historic fishing village boasts its own charm, with its cobbled streets, dramatic cliffs, and artistic heritage. Once home to Captain James Cook as an apprentice, Staithes continues to attract visitors with its vibrant arts scene. The village is dotted with little galleries and unique shops, making it a delight to explore for art lovers and treasure hunters alike.
For food and drink in the old village, we discovered two brilliant pubs:
The Cod & Lobster, perched by the harbour with stunning sea views.
The Royal George, a cosy, welcoming pub perfect for relaxing after a stroll.
A highlight of our visit was lunch at Dottie’s Vintage Tearooms, which boasts over 1,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor. The food and service were impeccable, and the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming that my son even treated the diners to a tune on the piano.
We also paid a visit to the Staithes Museum, which showcases the village’s rich maritime history and its legacy as the home of the “Northern Impressionists” – an influential group of artists who captured the beauty of Staithes and its surroundings.
Walking the Cleveland Way
While we didn’t tackle the walk ourselves, the clifftop route from Staithes to Whitby along the Cleveland Way National Trail is highly recommended. This 10-mile stretch offers breathtaking coastline views and is said to be one of the most scenic walks in the UK. This trail is a must-do for avid walkers, connecting two iconic Yorkshire destinations.
Day Trips to Whitby
We couldn’t resist venturing to nearby Whitby twice during our stay. The 10-mile journey is a scenic drive, and the town itself is full of charm.
One of our highlights was joining Doctor Crank’s Ghost Walk, an entertaining tour that delves into Whitby’s dark and mysterious past.
Of course, no trip to Whitby would be complete without fish and chips, and we thoroughly enjoyed ours at The Fisherman’s Wife on the harbour.
Perhaps the most memorable moment was visiting Whitby Abbey at sunset.
The views over the town and harbour were nothing short of breath taking, and my son’s girlfriend declared it the most “Instagram-worthy” spot of the trip.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at Hillside View in Staithes was everything we could have hoped for – a comfortable, well-located base to enjoy the beauty and history of the Yorkshire coastline. From the modern amenities of the property to the timeless charm of the village and the surrounding area, it was a holiday to remember.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with the perfect balance of comfort, history, and adventure, Hillside View in Staithes is hard to beat.
