Whitby
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Grape Lane, Whitby, is where James Cook came to serve his seaman's apprenticeship. Cook's master Captain John Walker lodged young James, when not at sea, in the attic of this 17th Century House.
Located on Whitby’s Harbour, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum operates within this beautiful Grade I listed historic 17th Century House in Grape Lane. It is where the young James Cook came in 1746 to serve his seaman's apprenticeship. The house belonged to Cook's Master, the Quaker ship owner, John Walker. It was here in the attic that the family lodged apprentices when not at sea.
Whitby is vitally important in the Captain Cook history book because Cook’s sea-going career started in this most famous and historic port. In the past three years the Museum has been visited worldwide by people from more than 50 different countries.
The Museum houses a wonderful collection of exhibits and artefacts. View letters actually written in Captain Cook’s own hand, original drawings and paintings, maps and ship models and unusual objects from newly discovered places. From the bleak, desolate Antarctic to the astounting beauty of the Pacific Islands, the whole of Europe became fascinated with the objects and images that Captain Cook brought back from the voyages.
Special Exhibition 2013 – “Oceans Apart!” Canoes of the Pacific – showing a variety of canoes and catamarans which greatly interested Captain Cook and his crew
GOLD Award Winner 2013 for the Best Small Visitor Attraction in Visit England’s Award for Excellence
Fantastic collection of original exhibits and artefacts
Wealth of interpretation boards and material
Large print guides available
Located in the town Centre and 10 minutes walk from Whitby’s Railway and Bus Stations
Car Parks close by, and disabled parking available in the nearest car park (Church Street) only 100 yards from the Museum
Free House Guide in French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian and English
Free Explorers Guide for Children
Gift Shop
Wheelchair access on ground floor and to the first floor via our specially installed lift and handrails are appropriately placed
DVD of upper floor and attic is available to view for those unable to access those areas, which is updated each year to show the special exhibition in the attic
Two WCs (one being equipped for disabled use)
Dogs – Guide Dogs allowed in Museum; other dogs would need to be left in the courtyard, on leash
Guided tours available for groups and parties
PRE-BOOKINGS FOR PARTIES: Please ring us on 01947 601900
For detailed opening times and prices, and for the Museum's Special Exhibitions please click on the website link to go to the Captain Cook Memorial Museum's own website.
The Museum is open daily from mid February to the end of October, and by special arrangement (please ring the Museum on 01947 601900) during the winter months.
Use this form to email Captain Cook Memorial Museum directly.
Please mention Hello Yorkshire when contacting the property
