Founded in 1985, the Museum opened in 1987 in the historic building in the heart of Whitby where the young Cook served his apprenticeship. In 2001-02 the site expanded to take in the harbourside courtyard and cottage wing. In 2016 we acquired a room in the adjoining building to use as an Education Centre.
The collections continue to grow through purchases, donations and loans from other museums. We now have a very significant collection of original material relating to Cook and his associates. Entirely independent, the Museum is self-financing through income from admission tickets, retail sales and occasional project grants.
The collections continue to grow through purchases, donations and loans from other museums. We now have a very significant collection of original material relating to Cook and his associates. Entirely independent, the Museum is self-financing through income from admission tickets, retail sales and occasional project grants.
Services
On the A171 on west side the town, just past junction with A169, which operates between the start of the Easter school holiday and the end of October. See www.northyorks.gov.uk/article/28704/Whitby-park-and-ride for times and fares. Or park in Town centre car parks. See http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/whitby.
The Museum in Walker's House, built in the 17th century, is on four floors. We have a lift which takes wheel chairs one by one to the 1st floor, and a DVD about the 2nd floor and attic for visitors who would not want to tackle the stairs. We also have an additional space, the new Learning Centre, which can accommodate 30 for talks, workshops, lectures and similar events.
The Museum is housed in a building built in 1688 on four floors, with lots of small rooms. It is Grade 1 listed. After consulting English Heritage and the Whitby Disability Action Group, we have made it as accessible as we can within these limitations. Wheelchair users now have access to the ground floor and to the first floor via a specially installed lift.
If you are planning a visit, there's lots to see in Whitby and nearby in Captain Cook Country. There is still more in York and North Yorkshire within easy driving distance. Cook lived in the north east of the county until he joined the Navy. It is a region of coast and moorland stretching 30 miles from modern Middlesbrough to Whitby.
The Museum has a variety of souvenirs, with something to suit every pocket, from pencils and postcards to books or prints. Full colour catalogue, essays by Glyn Williams, Geoffrey Quilley, Sergei Arutiunov and Sophie Forgan (2008). Full colour catalogue, essays by Janet MacDonald, Brian Vale, Nancy J. Pollock and Simon Werrett (2012).
Reviews (8)
Mel Terrell
Dec 23, 2021
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A great friendy Yorkshire welcome upon entry.Fantastic items on show and all questions answered professionally by the elderly gentleman volunteer. Being ex RN I found it very interesting and amazed at the amount and variety of items once belonging to Captain Cook and beautifully displayed.Upon leaving I purchased an item from the shop and was pleasantly thanked for the purchase as it helped the Museum. I would liked to thank all those volunteers who proudly work there and live in Staithes because without them I would never have had such a splendid experience of visiting another beautiful place
Piotr Az
Nov 22, 2021
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James Cook was exploring Pacific ocean and some islands got his name. That what I knew till this morning. So whilst walking in Grape Lane just over the swing bridge when I noticed museum of James Cook decision could be only one. Visit and explore James Cook memorial museum. With no hesitation I went inside to learn more. I wasn't disappointed. On several floors of this 17th century building I found many details of Cooks life and his expeditions. Pictures, letters, memorabilia and models of his ship. Endeavour. The same name had the command module of Appolo 15 on mission to the moon. So Cook's exploring
Martin Lyons
Nov 12, 2021
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Inna Starostina
Nov 06, 2021
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Richard Tricky Carder
Sep 27, 2021
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This building played a big part of Captain James Cook's early seafaring adventures. You can discover how he started his journey to the discovery of New Zealand and Australia. As it is a very old building some visitors may find the low ceilings and steep stairs a challenge. However the history contained within each room is helped by the careful restoration of the decor. Examples of original flooring and fireplaces, with original wood panelled walls and doors. The staff were very helpful.
Debbie Lawrance
Sep 21, 2021
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Matthew Fletcher
Sep 11, 2021
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Thomas Berwick
Jan 18, 2021
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