Five reasons to visit Port Mulgrave
Port Mulgrave is one of the hidden gems of the Yorkshire Coast. Located midway between Staithes and Runswick, it's a fantastic spot to explore. We've list just a few reasons to visit and what you can do in Port Mulgrave.
01 Fossils
Image from flickr.com/littlemisspurps/
Grab your fossil hammer and chisel as Port Mulgrave is a fossil hunter's paradise!
As one of the best locations for fossil hunting in the UK, the climb down to Port Mulgrave beach will be well worth it. You can find a wide range of ammonites and dinosaur/reptile remains as well as Whitby jet and much more.
You can get down to this treasure trove of a beach via uneven path. Just bare in mind it can get quite slippy and it’s a very steep walk back up so it may not suitable for everyone. Also remember to check the tides before you head off on your fossil hunting adventures as it's easy to get cut off by the sea at Port Mulgrave.
02 Cleveland Way and coastal walks
The Cleveland Way National Trail runs along the clifftop here so it’s a perfect place for walkers to explore part of this iconic national trail.
The 109 mile (176km) trail really does have it all, offering amazing scenery from dramatic coastline to heather moorland, you can even spot some castles, ruined abbeys, and ancient stone crosses. Port Mulgrave is one of the coastal villages tucked into tiny coves and is in a great spot being just a couple of miles from both Staithes and Runswick Bay.
There are many walking routes in the area including a four-mile circular walk you can do from Port Mulgrave. You start walking along the Cleveland Way, towards Staithes where there's plenty of spots for a bite to eat, a coffee or a pint. Then you'll return across the fields and through woodland, via the small hamlet of Dalehouse. Of course, you can always do it the other way as well! Full details of the walk can be found at nationaltrail.co.uk.
03 A peaceful coastal break
One of the best things about Port Mulgrave is that it's still a bit of a secret. While other more popular local spots like Staithes and Whitby are fantastic spots to visit, Port Mulgrave offers a peacefulness and tranquility that can be hard to find. It's the perfect spot to enjoy some sea views and slow down or get away from it all. That's why we love the fact our cottages are here: our guests love how close we are to must see, popular spots like Whitby, Staithes and the North Yorkshire Moors, but they can come back to the cottages and enjoy the sea air with a bit more peace and quiet.
04 History
Image by Mat Fascione
It may sound a tad cheesy, but between the richness of fossils and remnants of the industrial port, Port Mulgrave is a gem of history with the story of its past still written into the land. Looking out down to the beach you still see glimpses of what was along with some makeshift fishermen's beach huts.
Ironstone mining transformed this part of the coast in the mid-nineteenth century and the sheltered bay of Port Mulgrave made a good harbour for boats coming to ship the ironstone out to Jarrow. The industry is long gone, and little remains of the harbour but you can still see the sealed tunnel entrance today, rows of miners’ cottages and also the mine owner’s, Sir Charles Palmer's, house (now partly Rosedale Holiday Cottages).
A fun fact is that the reason Rosedale Holiday Cottages has the name it does is that Port Mulgrave was historically known as Rosedale. However, the name had to be changed to avoid any confusion caused due to the already existing ironstone mines and ironworks inland at Rosedale in the North York Moors. Therefore it was renamed Port Mulgrave after the Earl of Mulgrave.
05 Food
Image by The Badger Hounds
Port Mulgrave's quiet and remote location is part of its charm, but luckily there's plenty of fantastic options for food within walking distance or just a short drive.
One of our favourites is The Badger Hounds, a dog-friendly pub with a great atmosphere that offers both classic dishes and innovative ideas, while also offering lots of choices for all ages. This pub is just a short walk from Port Mulgrave but has parking on site if you prefer to drive.