The Staithes Heritage Museum

Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre

Staithes is world-famous as the place where Cook made his first contact with the sea, which started his incredible maritime career. He was employed in William Sanderson's shop, an excellent (and the world's only) recreation of which is found here. This museum, which opened in 1993 after six years of development, truly is a hidden gem.

This treasure trove over two floors has a 1745 life-size street scene of Cook's time in Staithes - and rooms on Staithes' families, heritage, fishing and Cook prints. Themes also include alum, ironstone and railways. But pride of place goes to the huge collection of exhibits from Cook's life, with over 200 books dating from 1773, 61 original Webber engravings from Cook's third voyage, letters, glassware, porcelain, medals, coins, a South Seas shilling, models of ships... and copies of Harrison's H4 and Kendall's K3 maritime timepieces. You really should seek out this fantastic visitor attraction.

There is a new Artisan Gift shop, with a wide range of locally handmade gifts, including paintings, textiles, glass, driftwood and honey.

The museum is open every day from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free.

Accessibility

Disabled parking in High Street. Steps outside (ramp provided). One flight to 1st floor with 12 steps.

Public toilets in car park at top of bank and on sea front.

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North York Moors

The Staithes Heritage Museum

Accessibility

Facilities

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