Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Captain Cook Memorial Museum Our museum is in the 17th century house where young James Cook lodged as apprentice seaman.

The museum pays a tribute to Whitby's greatest seaman by displaying a collection of exhibits which includes unique items of historical importance in the appropriate setting of the old house by the harbourside which for over two hundred years has been associated with his name. Built in 1688, the house itself is regarded as a typical example of a well-to-do ship-owner’s house of the period. Much is

known about the furnishings of the house from an inventory of contents taken in 1754. The two ground floor rooms are furnished according to this inventory and decorated in the original colour. The upper floors present a wealth of Cook-related artefacts, special temporary exhibitions, and the chance to climb the stairs to the attic room where the young James Cook once lodged.

01/09/2026
25/08/2026

We have had many young artists through our doors this summer holiday and they have kindly taken the time to create their masterpieces just for us to show you.
I hope that you enjoy seeing some of their artwork in our Young Visiting Artist's Exhibition 2026, and if you spot your own - congratulations, don't forget to 'like' it!

The Historical Maritime Society is still here today until 4pm! If you’re in Whitby, pop in and meet the crew; they’re b...
22/08/2026

The Historical Maritime Society is still here today until 4pm!
If you’re in Whitby, pop in and meet the crew; they’re bringing 18th‑century maritime life to the Museum with uniforms, tools, stories, and plenty of good humour.

They’ll be back tomorrow from 10am to 4pm, so come along, say hello, and enjoy a brilliant bit of living history.

Free with Museum entry
Locals: free with YO21/YO22 proof

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What a wonderful afternoon of making Dioramas, we ended up with a really colourful selection. Thanks all for coming, see...
27/07/2026

What a wonderful afternoon of making Dioramas, we ended up with a really colourful selection. Thanks all for coming, see some of you at the next one!

Wednesday workshops continue throughout August, the next one will be cardboard 3-D portraits and Easter Island statues. Followed by a clay workshop, matchbox art, making a life-sized kayak, and an automata project.

Look out for the dates coming soon and don't forget every morning before the workshop is Storytime at 11.30am - 12.00pm for younger children.

See you there!

The second summer workshop begins on Wednesday 29 July after Storytime. Book a session and make a cardboard portrait of...
10/07/2026

The second summer workshop begins on Wednesday 29 July after Storytime. Book a session and make a cardboard portrait of Captain Cook, Joseph Banks or of someone you know. Book two sessions if you would like to make an Easter Island statue.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, story time and workshops are free, book your workshop session to ensure your place.

3D Portrait - 12pm,1pm,2pm,3pm

Easter Island statue - 12pm+1pm or 2pm + 3pm

https://www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk/visiting-us/events-and-activities

Chris Needham talks of how the unknown parts of the world, and the people (mythical or otherwise) who were thought to in...
09/07/2026

Chris Needham talks of how the unknown parts of the world, and the people (mythical or otherwise) who were thought to inhabit them, were perceived in Europe in Cook’s time.
Captain James Cook was the first man to circumnavigate the globe from west to east (his first voyage, 1768-71) and east to west (his second voyage, 1772-1775). Amongst the many other records he set, he was also the first recorded man to cross the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. From the lush islands of Tahiti to the rugged shores of New Zealand, Cook's expeditions provide a glimpse into a time when the world was being mapped and new cultures were being documented by Europeans for the first time.

The talk will be held in the Attic where the exhibition is housed and is an hour long. Seating is limited, so early booking is advisable on our website. Unfortunately there is no lift access to this part of the building.

https://www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk/visiting-us/events-and-activities

Address

Grape Lane
Whitby
YO224BA

Opening Hours

Monday 9:45am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:45am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:45am - 5pm
Thursday 9:45am - 5pm
Friday 9:45am - 5pm
Saturday 9:45am - 5pm
Sunday 9:45am - 5pm

Telephone

01947 601900

Website

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