About Captain Cook Memorial Museum
About Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Founded in 1985, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum opened in 1987 in the historic building in the heart of Whitby, where the young James Cook served his apprenticeship. Over the years, our footprint has expanded, incorporating the harbourside courtyard and cottage wing in 2001-02 and an Education Centre in 2016.
Our Collections
The Museum continues to grow, acquiring significant original materials related to Cook and his associates through purchases, donations, and loans from other institutions. Notably, we have collaborated with the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin for over three decades, displaying ethnographic artefacts rarely seen in Britain.
Independence and Support
Entirely independent, the Museum is self-financed through ticket sales, retail operations, and occasional project grants. A dedicated team of volunteers, Trustees, and a small management team work passionately to preserve the collections and provide a welcoming experience for visitors.
Who We Are
Our Management Committee, based locally, oversees the day-to-day operations while maintaining close contact with the hands-on Trustees, who contribute actively to Museum activities.
Our Volunteers
We are incredibly grateful for our 60 dedicated volunteers who help in various roles, including:
- Guiding and welcoming visitors
- Room attendance
- Supporting the education team
- Gardening and collections care
- Library and indexing
- Organising special events and activities
Awards and Achievements
We are proud of our accomplishments, which include:
- Partnerships with national museums, including a joint purchase of a Parry painting with the National Portrait Gallery and National Museums & Galleries of Wales.
- Selected by the National Maritime Museum to display Stubbs’ painting of a kangaroo as part of the ‘Travellers' Tails’ project.
- Recovering original Cook voyage drawings of Kamchatka by John Webber, which had been sold abroad in 1932.
- Winners of the prestigious Yorkshire White Rose Award (2005, 2012) and the national VisitEngland Gold Award (2013).
The Judges’ Overall Summary praised us as “a unique and delightful experience when visiting this little gem.”
Find Us
Find Us
Our Address:
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Grape Lane, Whitby YO22 4BA, UK
Location
Whitby is a charming coastal town in Yorkshire, approximately 250 miles (400 km) from London and just under 50 miles from York. Our geographical coordinates are:
Latitude: 54°29'13.0"N
Longitude: 0°36'43.3"W
Getting Here
By Car
- From York – Take the A64 and A169 north-east to Whitby.
- From Scarborough – Take the A171 north to Whitby.
- From Teesside – Follow the A171 east to Whitby.
Park & Ride
Whitby’s Park & Ride is located on the A171 west of the town, just past the junction with the A169. It operates from the start of the Easter school holiday until the end of October.
For times and fares, visit: Whitby Park & Ride
Town Centre Parking
Parking is available in the town centre. To find available spaces, visit: Whitby Parking
To reach the Museum:
Cross the Swing Bridge over the River Esk, take an immediate right turn onto Grape Lane, and follow the lane to the end. The Museum will be on your right.
By Rail
Nearest Railway Stations
- The North York Moors Railway operates historic steam trains from Pickering to Whitby. Check North York Moors Railway for current timetables.
- Major stations nearby: York, Northallerton, and Darlington (on East Coast and Grand Central main lines).
- For a scenic route, try the Esk Valley Railway from Middlesbrough to Whitby. The journey takes 1½ hours through picturesque countryside.
By Air
The nearest airports offering domestic and international flights:
- Durham and Tees Valley Airport
- Newcastle Airport
- Leeds Bradford Airport
By Sea
Nearest seaports with international ferry connections:
- Hull – Ferries from the Netherlands.
- Newcastle/North Shields – Ferries from Scandinavia.
Contact Details
or by writing to us at info@cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk
or Captain Cook Memorial Museum,
Grape Lane,
Whitby,
YO22 4BA .