Staithes Museum

Staithes Museum is a small museum in the coastal village of Staithes, North Yorkshire, England. It occupies a historic former Primitive Methodist chapel and tells the story of the village and of its best-known historical resident, Captain James Cook. It is also known as the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre.

What is this place?

The museum stands on the High Street, in a Grade II listed building. The chapel was built in 1880. An earlier, smaller chapel dating from 1858 sits lower down the hill; it proved too small for the congregation, so a new one was raised and the original building became school rooms. Today that older chapel is used as holiday accommodation rather than as part of the museum.

Who created the museum?

The collection was begun by Reg Firth and his wife Anne. After Reg died in 2018, his family wanted his legacy to remain an asset for the community, the village and the surrounding area, and the museum has continued as a landmark of Staithes.

What can you see inside?

The displays focus on Cook's links with the village. Visitors learn about his youth and his apprenticeship in Staithes, before the voyages that made him one of history's most famous navigators. Alongside that story, the museum paints a wider picture of regional life:

• fishing, for centuries the mainstay of local livelihoods,
• ironstone mining in the surrounding area,
• alum quarries, an important part of Yorkshire's past industry,
• lifeboat stories,
• maritime models and timepieces.

Within a compact space, the exhibition helps explain everyday life on this rugged stretch of the North Sea coast.

Who is it for?

The museum suits maritime history enthusiasts, anyone curious about James Cook, and families looking for a relaxed stop while exploring Staithes. A visit is not long, but it complements a stroll along the narrow lanes and the harbour. The building is itself a point of interest: a Victorian chapel whose interior has been turned into an exhibition space.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Staithes Museum?

In the village of Staithes, North Yorkshire, on the High Street on England's northeast coast. The coordinates are roughly 54.559 N, 0.792 W.

Is the museum linked to Captain Cook?

Yes. The exhibition covers his connections with the village, the apprenticeship he served there, and his later voyages.

What building does the museum occupy?

A former Primitive Methodist chapel dating from 1880, protected as a Grade II listed building.

Should I check opening times before visiting?

Yes. Hours can vary by season, so it is worth confirming current information before you travel.

Who founded the museum?

Reg Firth and his wife Anne. After his death in 2018, his family worked to keep the legacy going for the community.

In short

Staithes Museum is an intimate place where the history of a small fishing village meets the story of James Cook. A listed chapel, a collection devoted to the sea, fishing and mining, and the personal story of its founders make for a coherent local narrative that is well worth discovering on a visit to Staithes.