Whitby Museums, The Best Museums To Visit In And Around Whitby

There are quite a few different Museums in Whitby and the surrounding areas. Here are our top picks you just have to visit.

Whitby and the North Yorkshire coast has a rich history which is detailed across a variety of museums and galleries in the local area. To fully immerse yourself in Whitby's past and present, we highly recommend you visit some of the local Whitby museums. People from all over come to visit these places to discover the fascinating things that can be found inside.

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Museum of Whitby Jet

Visit the Museum of Whitby Jet for an exciting exploration of the fantastic world of Whitby Jet. It’s fun for the whole family and presents the history of the industry alongside famous artefacts in a stylish and beautiful display.

After long years of painstaking and meticulous restoration, the Museum of Whitby Jet opened its doors in the summer of 2019. The comprehensive display has been curated by Whitby Jet expert, Rebecca Tucker, and is host to some of the finest examples in the world, including the world's largest piece of Whitby Jet ever found.  

This fantastic collection chronicles the history of jet in the town and shares the story of the rise in popularity thanks to Queen Victoria. Enjoy a delightful afternoon admiring this superbly executed restoration of an iconic Whitby landmark from the comfort of Alberts Eatery, the delicious on-site restaurant. 

It’s open now and is free to visit. Not to be missed!

Website: https://www.museumofwhitbyjet.com/

Address: Wesley Hall, Church St, Whitby YO22 4DE, United Kingdom

Whitby Pannett Park Museum

The Whitby Museum was first established back in the early 1800s for the purpose of displaying certain remarkable fossils that were transported from faraway lands by captains of Whitby’s sailing ships.

The beautiful and authentic Victorian aesthetic of this museum has endured throughout the years, providing visitors with a true sense of wonder and amazement. The new wing of this museum offers a more modern look for different exhibitions that are only available for a limited amount of time. Both the museum and art gallery feature a number of beautiful pieces of artwork as well as historical artefacts from well over 100 years ago.

Website: www.whitbymuseum.org.uk

Address: Pannett Park, Whitby, YO21 1RE

Whitby Lifeboat Museum

The Whitby Lifeboat Museum is based on the site of the old operational lifeboat station, which was in use from 1895–1957. This museum is run entirely by volunteers, and it offers visitors the chance to see a variety of beautiful paintings, photographs, medals, and various objects from famous shipwrecks and rescues throughout history. The double boathouse that houses this museum also features the D-Class lifeboat OEM Stone III.

Website: Click here

Address: Whitby Lifeboat Museum, Pier Road, Whitby, YO21 3PU

Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby

The Captain Cook Memorial Museum is a little gem on Grape Lane, based in the house where Cook served his seaman's apprenticeship. The museum is truly a treasure trove of discovery, which tells the story of Captain Cook's famous voyages of discovery. There are plenty of artifacts, paintings, and models which allow you to fully understand Cook's life at sea and the discoveries he made. Watch the video below to learn more about the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

Website: www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk

Address: Grape Lane, Whitby, YO22 4BA

The Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre

Located in Staithes, this heritage centre offers two whole floors of interesting and historically important items relating to Captain Cook. Some of the different items that you can expect to see in this museum include breathtaking models of ships, hundreds of books that date back to the 18th century, coins, glassware, medals, and much more. You will find that this museum will bring to life Cook’s maritime career in a way that will be sure to astound and impress.

Address: High Street, Staithes, Nr Whitby, TS13 5BQ

Click here for more information 

Robin Hood’s Bay Museum

The building that now stands as Robin Hood’s Bay Museum was first purchased back in 1891, but it was served as a reading room for local residents. This is a truly unique museum that is run completely by volunteers with an officially registered charity number. There are a number of interesting things that you will find inside this museum, including a variety of geology, fishing, and shipping displays. You will also learn about some of the different shipwrecks and most famous local rescues that have been recorded throughout history. The model of the smuggler’s house is something else you will want to see, as it demonstrates how contraband could be hidden. There is also a life-size model of a local fisher wife with some fun surprises to discover!

Website: http://museum.rhbay.co.uk/

Address: Fisherhead, Robin Hood's Bay, 4TQ, Whitby, United Kingdom

Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

If you want to have the experience of being in a real ironstone mine, the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum is definitely the place to go. When you visit this museum you will learn all about the various skills of these miners and what they would go through on a typical day. This is the only museum that rests on the site of an actual ironstone mine, lending legitimacy to it that attracts many tourists from all over.

The tour that you will take begins with a short film followed by displays containing everything from historic photographs to authentic miners' helmets and other interesting items. The total length of the tour is about 1 ½ hours, and it also features an underground workplace by candlelight.

Website: www.ironstonemuseum.co.uk

Address: Mill Ln, Skinningrove, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, TS13 4AP

Eden Camp Wartime Museum

Eden Camp Museum at Malton has won numerous awards over the years, and it is located on the grounds of an original World War II Prisoner of War Camp. This museum offers you the chance to be transported back in time to experience a very important and exciting part of history. A fun and educational experience for people of all ages, this museum offers a junior assault course as well as a wartime-themed puppet show, a Café that serves food and drinks, and a gift shop with a number of items that you can purchase to commemorate your trip here.

There is a children’s play area for those who plan on bringing kids, along with a canteen called Hut 17. This is definitely one of the more authentic and interesting wartime museums you will find in the entire area. It attracts people from all over with its exciting attractions and striking ambience.

Housed within 33 different huts, including a pre-fab house and 3 Officers Mess Huts, this museum is a must-see for people who are in the area and beyond.

Website: www.edencamp.co.uk

Address: Eden Camp, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6RT

Let us know your favourite Museum in Whitby in the comments.