If you have small children, you will certainly recognise the pretty village of Staithes as the location for CBBC’s series Old Jack’s Boat but after a wander down it’s cobbled streets and through the narrow ginnels, it’s sure to be a favourite for all members of the family.

With each alley offering a wonderful variety of views of the village, out to sea or up and down the back, spend some time discovering Staithes Illusion Trail – mind boggling painted illusions that have been created around Staithes by world-renowned trompe l’oeil artist and Staithes resident, Paul Czainski.

Walk across the bridge towards the RNLI Lifeboat station and look to see if any cobles, the traditional fishing boats, are moored in Staithes Beck. History tells us that Staithes was once regarded as one of the largest fishing ports on the north east coast of England, with around 300 men fishing from coble boats launched from and landed on the beach. Can you imagine the hustle and bustle of the early morning landings when fishermen brought their catches ashore or, indeed, the noise from the gulls looking for an early morning snack?

If safe to do so, walk along the paved harbour wall – take in deep breathes of the sea air as you listen to the waves crash along the rocks. Take a look back towards the village and see if anything seems familiar – if not to you, ask the kids! Pick up an Old Jack’s Boat sticker trail leaflet available for free from various shops and cafés in Staithes. If birdwatching is more your thing, look up at the cliff side, Cowbar Nab, an important seabird colony for nesting birds including herring gulls, fulmars, kittiwakes and razorbills.

Back towards the shore and, if the tide is out, have a look in the rock pools – look for crabs and anemones. Will you be lucky enough to see limpets or periwinkles? One thing is quite certain in Staithes, like Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay, it’s a great place for fossil hunting.