Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK

Set in the stunning surroundings of Pannett Park, Whitby Museum is Whitby’s treasure trove.  Here you can explore stunning collections of local fossils, natural history, model ships, carved jet, toys, costumes & social history. In fact there’s something for everyone!

The museum was founded almost 200 years ago by the Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society, a registered charity, which still runs the museum today and rely on the dedicated work of its’ volunteers to help upkeep this stunning collection. Our collection of over 80,000 artefacts, donated over 2 centuries is of local, national & international interest. As well as our permanent collection we have special exhibitions:

Our exhibition room has a changing programme of stunning exhibitions; recent exhibitions have included “The Life of St Hilda” & “Whitby and the Cosmos: The Search for Dark Matter”. The costume gallery has a new exhibition each year to highlight differing aspects of the collection; recent exhibitions have included “Piers, Promenades and Picnics”; “From Fancy Shoes to Fishermens Boots: Footwear Through the Ages” and “The Cost of Fashion: The Impact that the Fashion Industry has had on our Environment”.

Children will be fascinated by the massive wall mounted marine reptile fossils & everyone is sure to want to see the gruesome Hand of Glory! Discover how leeches helped predict the weather in Victorian times & marvel over the intricate hand carved jet models & jewellery. Find out about Whitby’s maritime past from the adventurous Captain Cook to the famous Scoresby whaling family. Did you know that mammoths & rhinoceros wandered these parts during the Ice Age?

Take a look at the Kirkdale Cave exhibit to find out more.

General accessibility information

Whitby Museum offers level access entry to the rear of the building – there is an entryphone at the rear door with an intercom to alert the museum assistant.

Accompanying carers are admitted free.

For further information please contact us or view the accessibility guide on the museum’s website.

Disabled parking

There are four dedicated parking spaces for blue badge holders at the rear of the building – to get to them it is necessary to take the St Hilda’s entrance to Pannett Park.

Disabled toilet facilities

There are three accessible toilet facilities, one on each floor.  These can be accessed via a lift.

Wheelchairs available

Manual wheelchair available for rental – whilst booking is not essential for this, the museum do advise that it is advisable to reserve it in advance.

Assistance dogs allowed

Guide/assistance dogs are welcome.