Cook Memorial Museum

A lovely #VisitorComment this week: “Tour provided by Denise – very happy to pay the fee just for the tour. Very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions.” Tuesday tours run at 11am & 12pm, 10 places per slot. Book online or at Reception. #CaptainCookMuseum #Whitby

Our Learning Officer has put together a fantastic 2026 events programme, with tours, talks, workshops, live demos, and a new exhibition. Plenty to explore this season.

NEW in 2026 – Starting tomorrow Book at reception or scan the QR code.

The house and courtyard look beautiful covered in snow today. It is the perfect winter scene for the 17th-century home where James Cook once lived. The museum is currently closed and will reopen on February 7, 2026.

Joseph Banks’ travelling chair was built for life at sea—foldable, practical, and used aboard the Endeavour. Explore its story in our blog by Dr Sophie Forgan: cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk/post/joseph-ba… #CaptainCook #MuseumCollections #MaritimeHistory

Huge thanks to Elaine Callaghan, a valued staff member who also volunteers her time to care for our garden. A visitor on 6 Aug said, “The patio garden with plants from New Zealand really impressed us.” #CaptainCookMuseum #VolunteerThanks #WhitbyMuseum

A lovely surprise visit from Chris and Thomas Lightley—grandsons of Mr Lightley, who built our much-loved HMS Resolution model. “It was a real privilege… to see our grandfather’s model so beautifully preserved.” More to come, watch this space! cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk

Happy Yorkshire Day from Whitby! From the harbour that launched Captain Cook’s adventures to the hilltops that still inspire them, here’s to Yorkshire’s spirit of discovery. #YorkshireDay #Whitby #CaptainCook

Lovely afternoon with our staff and volunteers. East side walked through Cook’s Whitby, and the skies held off just for us. Lunch at @RustyShears : excellent food, even better company. Thinking about volunteering? Contact Denise Murphy at volunteers@cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk

“Fascinating! Enjoyed so much, and many thanks to Mal for all she told me about Captain Cook.” – Visitor from Scotland, 16 July 2025. Grateful for Mal and all our amazing volunteers and staff who make the museum so welcoming #cookmuseumwhitby #volunteering #Museums #Whitby

Lovely sunny day at Ryedale Folk Museum with our volunteers and staff from Whitby. Great to explore local history and connect through the Northern Volunteer Pass. Proud to be Yorkshire ambassadors! If you’d like to be part of our team, email volunteers@cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk

Captain Cook held court, Mrs Cook ruled the roost and Mary Prowd? Too busy patrolling to be photographed! Thanks to all who joined us for Talking Portraits today—more history coming soon! #TalkingPortraits #CaptainCookMuseum

Review form Jun 29, 2025 A gem of a museum! Loved learning about Captain Cook and his voyages. Volunteers were brilliant. Special exhibit on 18th-century expedition medicine vs future space missions = fascinating. Tip: use the Park & Ride! #Whitby #CookMuseum #Tripadvisor

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Volunteer Recruitment Evening—great conversations, shared stories, and a warm welcome to those getting involved. Missed it but curious about volunteering? Call 01947 601900 or pop in for a chat. We’d love to hear from you.

Limited Spaces Available! Secure your place today! Scan the QR code, visit our website under "Events", or call 01947 605815 to book your spot. We look forward to meeting you on the day! #VolunteerWhitby #MakeADifference #JoinOurTeam #captaincookmuseum #SupportLocalHeritage

A special thank you to Dr Edwin Rose for sharing his insights at the launch of his book, Reading the World, at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Limited signed copies of Reading the World are available in our museum shop at a 10% discount An opportunity not to be missed!