1. Yorkshire
  2. North Yorkshire
  3. Whitby

About Whitby Museum

Whitby Museum has something for all ages with collections covering Fossils, Natural World, Social History, Costume, Whaling, and local history. The Cabinet of Curiosities, lovers of the strange and unusual should check out the gruesome Hand of Glory and the Tempest Prognosticator. Entertain the kids with our family activities designed to help kids interact with the collection. The awe inspiring fossils and marine reptiles on display will entrance any fossil lover. Explore Pannett park around the museum to find the Jurassic garden and journey through time. Discover Captain James Cook and Whitby's famous explorers and inventors. Find out what vessels they sailed in with our stunning model ships - including one made of bones by French prisoners of war!

A treasure trove of curiosities.

Whitby Museum is unusual and quite wonderful! Revealing the life of our historic coastal town from the Jurassic era to the present day, our collections are fascinating – even quirky. Come and see our fossils, costumes, model ships, the gory hand of glory! Whatever your age, whatever your interests, Whitby Museum is a precious treasure trove.

Unique fossil skeletons and ammonites.

Icthyosaurs, plesiosaur, dinosaur foot prints and very special local ammonites are on display to please every fossil lover. Found within the locality of Whitby, discover what Yorkshire coast fossil hunters have found over the years - you'll be amazed!

See the UK's only known surviving Hand of Glory!

Shrouded in folklore mystery Whitby Museum's famous Hand of Glory draws visitors from around the world. Reputedly the preserved hand of a hanged felon the hand is said to have put people into a deep sleep unpon the lighting of the fingers...

Tick Icon

Facilities

  • Toilets iconToilets
  • Free Wifi iconFree Wifi
  • Gift Shop iconGift Shop
  • Accessible Toilets iconAccessible Toilets
  • Baby Changing iconBaby Changing
  • Food Available iconFood Available
  • Wheelchair Friendly iconWheelchair Friendly
  • Pushchair Friendly iconPushchair Friendly
  • Card Payments Accepted iconCard Payments Accepted
  • Wheelchair Hire iconWheelchair Hire
Timer Icon

Opening Times

Regular Times
  • Monday, Closed
  • Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:30
  • Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:30
  • Thursday, 10:00 - 16:30
  • Friday, 10:00 - 16:30
  • Saturday, 10:00 - 16:30
  • Sunday, 10:00 - 16:30

Tuesday to Sunday 10 - 4:30 (last admission 4pm)

The museum closes in December and January - please check website for exact closure dates.

Ticket Icon

Pricing & Tickets

General Admission
  • Child (4-17) : Free
  • Adult (18+-18+) : £8.50

Carers go free. Art Pass holders free. Discount for Blue Light holders. British military veterans go free.

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to Whitby Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.

Timer Icon

Plan Your Visit

Stopwatch IconTypical visit time 1 - 2 hours

Tick IconSuitable for Kids and Adults too

Question Mark Icon

FAQs

Parking Icon

Parking

Toilets Icon

Toilets

Family Icon

Family Friendly Options

Food & Drink

Accessibility Icon

Accessibility Information

Ticket Icon

Tickets & Bookings

Party Icon

Private Hire & Birthday Parties

Transport Icon

Public Transport

Pin Icon

Contact Details

Whitby Museum
Pannett Park
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 1RE
England

Find us up the hill from Whitby swing bridge. Or catch the yellow Tourist bus and get off at the Pannett Park/Museum stop. What three words location: dictation.commented.lurching

Tel: 01947602908

Visit Website
Pin Icon

Transport Information

Train, Bus, Tour Bus, Park and Ride.

Tick Icon

Verification

Verified Status:Verified

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Whitby Museum Reviews

Recent blog posts

UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 17th July 2026 - Image
Paige HoltJuly 17, 2026
UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 17th July 2026

The Summer holidays have well and truly ARRIVED and there’s plenty of up and coming summer events kicking off to get excited for! Read on to find out what’s going on near you… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent Ready for a Wild Summer? That’s exactly what’s…

Family Fun
Things To Do
Top Recommended Activities
TUI Family Resorts for Little Explorers: Kids' Clubs, Splash Parks and Fun - Image
JamesJuly 16, 2026
TUI Family Resorts for Little Explorers: Kids' Clubs, Splash Parks and Fun

Explore TUI family resorts made for little explorers, from kids’ clubs and splash parks to pools, mini discos and family entertainment in Spain, Greece and Turkey.

Travel
TUI
Best Holidays for 4 to 7 Year Olds: Spain, Greece and Turkey Guide - Image
JamesJuly 21, 2026
Best Holidays for 4 to 7 Year Olds: Spain, Greece and Turkey Guide

Find the best holidays for 4 to 7 year olds, with kids’ clubs, splash parks, sandy beaches and easy family-friendly resorts in Spain, Greece and Turkey.

Travel
TUI
Where Can You See Capybaras in the UK? - Image
JamesJuly 13, 2026
Where Can You See Capybaras in the UK?

Looking for places to see capybaras in the UK? Discover family-friendly zoos and wildlife parks where kids can spot, meet or learn about these gentle animals.

Things To Do
Zoos and Wildlife
UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 10th July 2026 - Image
Paige HoltJuly 10, 2026
UK Family Days Out Weekly Round Up 10th July 2026

For many, the last week of term is upon us and more importantly that marks the beginning of the six weeks of Summer holidays! Say goodbye to routines and hello to epic new adventures. With major summer events kicking off next weekend, it’s time to gather the troops, clear your diaries, and get ready for…

Family Fun
Things To Do
Top Recommended Activities
Baby's First Holiday: Everything Parents Need to Know Before Booking - Image
JamesJuly 10, 2026
Baby's First Holiday: Everything Parents Need to Know Before Booking

Planning your baby’s first holiday? Discover where to go, what to check before booking, flight tips, packing essentials and baby-friendly facilities.

Travel
TUI
Sky Kingdom: A Dragon Drone Light Show , The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Family Experience! - Image
JamesJuly 9, 2026
Sky Kingdom: A Dragon Drone Light Show , The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Family Experience!

Prepare for Sky Kingdom: A Dragon Drone Light Show! Hundreds of drones light up the night sky in this outdoor spectacle. Find tickets, dates, and locations now!

Things To Do
Best Holidays for Babies and Toddlers: Where to Go and What to Know - Image
JamesJuly 16, 2026
Best Holidays for Babies and Toddlers: Where to Go and What to Know

Planning a holiday with a baby or toddler? Discover the best destinations, hotel features, flight tips, packing essentials and booking advice.

Holidays Abroad
Tips and Advice
Travel
TUI