North Yorkshire’s breathaking village adored by Bob Mortimer

But there’s a historic fishing village with “timeless appeal” and cobbled streets that’s just been highlighted by travel experts among the “most beautiful” in England.

You might have already been, or it could be one to add onto your travel bucket list.

In a newly published guide, it was none other than Staithes, close to Runswick Bay, that was named alongside the likes of Rye in East Sussex and Aylesford in Kent.

It comes as World Atlas has revealed the quaint destinations that show “how much of the country’s character can be seen in its smaller communities”.

The geographical publication explained: “England’s smaller towns and villages are often defined by medieval streets and abbey ruins that still mark the landscape around them.

“In Staithes, traditional homes look out over the North Sea from between Cowbar Nab and Penny Nab, and visitors can hunt for fossils along the beach below.

“In Ludlow, medieval architecture and Ludlow Castle still anchor the town’s presence, and the town is also known for the Ludlow Food Festival and its excellent food scene.”

Take a look at all of England’s “most breathtaking” towns and villages online now.

All the reasons Staithes is among England’s ‘most breathtaking’ villages

Commenting on Staithes, World Atlas wrote: “Staithes offers beach walks in a postcard setting and the chance to stay in a colourful cottage that used to be a fisherman’s home.

“Once you have settled in, make your way to The Staithes Museum to find out more about the village’s connections to Captain Cook and the Jurassic period that defined its surroundings.

“The museum also features a section with locally crafted products for purchase.”

In recent years, Staithes has also made headlines after being named one of Britain’s “little-known hip towns” as well as being praised for having one of the UK’s “cutest” harbours by the sea.

Not to mention, The Cod and Lobster in the village was hailed among the nation’s top pubs for a seaside pint last year.

However, Captain Cook isn’t the only famous person to have set foot in Staithes, as Last One Laughing’s Bob Mortimer also explored the coastal spot once upon a time.

Bob came to the area with his pal Paul Whitehouse back in 2020 when Staithes starred in the BBC’s Gone Christmas Fishing programme.

While filming the festive special five years ago, the comedy duo stayed in the Fisherman’s Cottage.

The cottage, which sleeps two in a “pretty” double bedroom with a small ensuite shower room, has a cosy beamed sitting room with an open fire and a “well-equipped” refurbished kitchen, reports Staithes Holidays.

It adds: “Fisherman’s enjoys a south-facing sun terrace with amazing views.”

Speaking at the time of Whitehouse and Mortimer’s visit, Sean Baxter, a tour guide and co-owner of Real Staithes, told The Guardian: “It’s a wonderful village becoming more and more touristic.

“It’s a lovely place to come and have a holiday.

“No candy floss and no McDonald’s, it’s very much an old-fashioned place to come and relax and have a wonderful time.”

Meanwhile, there’s one street that has made @adventures.in.yorkshire “fall in love” with Staithes – Gun Gutter.

The North Yorkshire content creator said in a TikTok video: “For generations, this snicket has echoed with the rhythm of coastal life.

“Fishermen once hauled their crab pots and nets up and down these stone steps, and even today you’ll often see them stacked against the walls, drying in the sea air.

“Lobster pots, ropes and floats line the lane much as they always have – a quiet reminder that Staithes is still a working fishing village, not just a pretty postcard.

“Gun Gutter was used as an escape route from press gangs and a hidden passage for smugglers, but it was also a lifeline – connecting homes to the harbour below.

“Artists later captured scenes like this in their paintings, drawn to the textures, light and everyday industry of village life.

“It’s not just a street you walk down — it’s a place that still feels lived in.”

Have you been to Staithes or any other villages and towns along the North Yorkshire coast recently? Let us know in the comments below.