Staithes - Cook's Seaside Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Staithes Cook's seaside village, with Adventurers following John Dory's clues after Mermaid Molly Minnow curses Staithes, tracking down the mythical Golden Goldfish to lift the curse.

The quest covers 1.6 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll explore paths, pavements, quiet roads and lanes around the village, squeeze through cobbled and narrow sections, investigate the sheltered harbour and quay area, pass Seaton Garth near Clue 15, and loop back to the main car park where you began.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There are many steps and steep paths, along with cobbled sections, narrow paths and surfaces that can be slippery and uneven in parts. Some steep hills will be encountered along the route, so appropriate footwear is strongly advised, particularly after periods of poor weather.

Keep an eye out for passing traffic on roads and lanes, and take extra care on narrow paths and steep steps. There is an optional harbour wall section at the end for another view of Staithes, but only if the weather is behaving itself. You can also continue up the hill to the outcrop at the top, taking the path on the left hand side, for great views across the village and harbour.

Getting There

By car: Start at the main car park in Staithes (TS13 5AD). Gather your Adventurers there before heading into the village on the hunt for John Dory's clues.

By public transport: Make your way to the main car park in Staithes (TS13 5AD) to begin the quest. The circular route loops back to the same place once the curse-lifting search is complete.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available in the car park near the start point, with another opportunity at Seaton Garth near Clue 15.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Adventurers are welcome to join the Treasure Hunt. 🐾

The route includes quiet roads and lanes, passing traffic, many steps, steep paths, cobbled sections and some very narrow paths, so keep dogs close and under control throughout. Take extra care around the harbour area and only tackle the harbour wall section if the weather is behaving itself.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting by the sea can work up an appetite. There is a cafe at the start and end points, plus a few pubs, restaurants and shops en route, although the choice can be a bit limited.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Staithes Harbour

The route includes Staithes' sheltered harbour and a view of the quay area, making it a brilliant place to slow the pace once the Golden Goldfish hunt is under control. If the weather is behaving itself, the optional harbour wall section at the end gives another view of Staithes.

Captain Cook's Cottage

Staithes has strong Cook connections. Cook was just 16 when he arrived in the village to work as a grocer's apprentice, mixing with sailors and listening to their stories of the sea. The original grocer's shop was destroyed in a mighty five day storm in November 1767, and it is said this house was built from materials salvaged from the wreckage.

Beckfoot Cottage and The Staithes Group

Beckfoot Cottage used to be the Fisherman's Institute and was built with help from The Staithes Group. These artists settled here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and went on to revolutionise the British art scene - quite the creative haul for eagle-eyed Explorers.

Dog Loup

Dog Loup is said to be the narrowest street in North England, and the quest sends Adventurers squeezing through it on the way along Church Street. It's a fun little Staithes moment to revisit once nobody is busy interrogating every clue-shaped detail.

Optional Village and Harbour Viewpoint

For a scenic extra, continue up the hill to the outcrop at the top, taking the path on the left hand side, for great views across the village and harbour. It adds more hill work to an already steep quest, so save it for Adventurers with enough puff left in the tank.