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Attraction in Whitby

Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Grape Lane
Whitby
North Yorkshire

YO22 4BA
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This handsome 17th century harbourside house, is where the great explorer, James Cook, came to serve his apprenticeship in Whitby in the year 1746. It belonged to Cook's master, the Quaker shipowner, Captain John Walker. When the young Cook was not at sea, he lodged here in the attic with Walkers's 'other family' of apprentices.

The house is now a museum celebrating Cook's Whitby years and his later achievements. The rich collection includes period rooms - furnished as Cook knew them - models, maps and manuscripts, ships plans, artefacts from the voyages, and many fine original paintings, drawings and prints.

A 'must' for Cook fans. Of significant interest to visitors from Canada and the States - Cook charted the St Lawrence estuary and explored the NW coast of America. Of exceptional interest to Australians and New Zealanders - 'this is where it all began!'

Special exhibitions Every year and for the duration of the season, the Museum usually stages a special exhibition on an aspect of Cook’s life and legacy. We seek out and display objects from other museums and institutions in the UK, and sometimes from overseas. All are of interest. Some are of the greatest interest, yet never normally seen in public. The special exhibition (no extra charge) is held in the attic at the top of the house where Captain Walker lodged the young James Cook.
How did Polynesians navigate across the vast and trackless ocean, discovering and settling numerous island groups?  How did they build such finely adapted craft from simple local materials?  Cook was fascinated, and he and his officers provide some of the earliest and most detailed insights into Pacific seafaring.

Winner of the Gold Award 2013 for the best small visitor attraction in Visit England's Awards for Excellence.
Twice winners in Yorkshire's White Rose Awards , 2005 and 2012. The judges particularly liked our wide-ranging programme of exhibitions and activities for all ages.

Details

Tourist Info Number: +44 (0)1947 602 674
Months Open: Daily from mid February to end October
Winter months: November to January: ring 01947 601900 to arrange private individual visits, up to 9 people. Pre-booked groups 10+ Schools and Adults.
Discount for Groups: Yes
Admission Price: For details of opening times, prices and for the special exhibition and other activities, please visit the Museum’s website

More Attractions nearby

Dracula Experience (0.12 miles)

Whitby Lifeboat Museum (RNLI) (0.19 miles)

Whitby Museum (0.20 miles)

Whitby Abbey (0.32 miles)

Mary Ann Hepworth (Boat Trip) (0.90 miles)

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