Staithes is famous for many things, it's past fishing industry has now sadly declined although one or two boats can still be seen in the harbour offloading their daily catch.

The area also has a long association with mineral production and was once a major export centre for alum to be used as a fixative for dying cotton. Indeed in the late 1700's and early 1800's alum was so valuable a commodity that it was actually dearer than gold!

Staithes was also the boyhood home of Captain James Cook where he worked in a chandlers shop before embarking on a distinguished naval career.

Many artists are drawn to the area by it's outstanding natural beauty and this led to the creation of "The Staithes Group" of painters whose works are now highly sought after.