Go on a journey into Whitby’s past at the excellent Whitby Museum. Discover objects of both regional and national intrigue that have been donated over the previous two centuries. Whitby Museum is operated by a local charity called the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society. A nomadic lifestyle has seen the museum move from the upper floor rooms of a town center shop to its present location in Pannett Park.
A permanent exhibition on Whitby’s maritime and whaling traditions is a major attraction of the museum. Follow the exploits of the whaling magnate Captain William Scoresby and explorer Captain James Cook.
See examples of Whitby jet, a black mineral found in the North York Moors and commonly used to make chessboards, jewelry and ornaments. The fossil collection has everything from ammonites to dinosaur footprints and a crocodile skeleton.
Browse a taxidermy exhibition of birds and mammals native to the area, including the great gipsy shrike, ivory gull and other rare species. Displays of ancient knitting sticks, coins, medals, military weapons and toys celebrate social history.
Admire oil paintings and watercolors from the 1800s and 1900s that depict typical scenes from the town. Don’t miss the Hand of Glory, a curious mummified hand found concealed in the wall of a home in a nearby village.
Pannett Park is a stunning landscaped public park decorated with ornamental flowerbeds. It’s a great place to enjoy a summer picnic or to simply get away from the bustle of the town center. See masterpieces by the Weatherill family of artists and the Staithes group of impressionist painters at the Pannett Art Gallery, located in the park.
Reach the museum and park by walking for 10 minutes from the town center, harbor and Whitby train station. Free parking, with time limits, is available on the streets that surround Pannett Park.
Whitby Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and there’s an admission fee. Pannett Art Gallery is also open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Visit the museum’s official website for information about special exhibitions.
