Thistle-Doo Nicely

Thistle-Doo Nicely suits couples or small families wanting a proper coastal base without the formality of a hotel. The cottage is four storeys of genuine character, squeezed into a working fishing village where the pub and shops are within a hundred yards. A dog or cat travels free, and you have the whole place to yourselves. The upper floors contain two bedrooms—a double and two singles—and a bathroom with bath and shower. Downstairs, a kitchen with electric cooker and microwave opens to a living room warmed by a multi-fuel stove in colder months, coal supplied as standard. A balcony overlooks Staithes' rooftops and the sea beyond. Wi-Fi, electricity, bed linen and towels are included.

The beach is a two-minute walk away. Whitby lies 10 miles north, home to Captain Cook's house and the Benedictine Abbey. Inland, the North Yorkshire Moors National Park offers serious walking country. Be aware the cottage has steep, narrow stairs between floors, and parking is 500 yards uphill at extra cost. A genuinely lived-in village cottage rather than a holiday-home template, it works best for those who value location over modern convenience.