Access for wheelchair users/mobility needs and visitor safety
Staithes is a beautiful old fishing village, but some areas can be challenging for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility difficulties due to steep routes, cobbles and uneven surfaces.
Steep access
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The road down into the Old Village is very steep.
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Access via Cowbar Road is also steep.
Free minibus from the festival car park (Cowbar)
During the festival, we run a free continuous minibus shuttle from the festival car park on Cowbar to the top of Staithes village, making it easier to reach the village without walking down the steep bank.
Free taxi shuttle
We’ve also commissioned a free taxi service to help people travel up and down to/from the Old Village.
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Pick-up: from the public car park (clearly signposted)
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Available to anyone, but please be considerate and give priority to those with mobility needs
Village surfaces and routes
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The main street is cobbled
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There are narrow passageways, steps and uneven routes throughout the village
More suitable areas
These areas are generally easier to access:
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The Front Staith (largely flat)
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The bridge
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The Cowbar side of the village by the lifeboat station
Vehicles
To help keep Staithes safe and enjoyable, vehicle access in the village is kept to a minimum. Please take extra care around the small number of vehicles that may need to enter the village.
Parking and drop-offs
There are no designated disabled parking bays within the village. However, visitors with mobility needs may be dropped off in the village, and vehicles should then return to the public car parks at the top.
Blue Badge holders may use the 40-minute bays on the High Street, but spaces are very limited and can fill quickly.
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Coastal safety
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The sea is a constant hazard. Please check high tide times—both breakwaters may be covered. Take care on the slipways and the Front Staith.
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Falling rocks: Rocks can fall from the cliffs at any time. Please keep well away from cliff edges and the base of cliffs.
First aid and emergencies
There will be first aiders and a fully trained paramedic team on site throughout the festival. In an emergency, please contact the Festival HQ Desk, opposite Staithes Gallery on the High Street.
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