The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park, explores the life and voyages of the 18th-century explorer James Cook. Opened in 1978, the museum stands near the site of Cook’s birthplace, marked by a granite urn. It provides insight into Cook’s early life, his maritime career, and his impact on global exploration.
Cook was born in October 1728 in Marton, now part of Middlesbrough. He spent his early years in North Yorkshire before joining the merchant navy and later the Royal Navy. Between 1768 and 1779, he led three major voyages across the Pacific, mapping unknown territories and encountering indigenous cultures. His expeditions contributed significantly to European knowledge of the Pacific region.
The museum examines both Cook’s achievements and the lasting effects of his voyages on the places he visited.
![The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum provides an excellent account of the life and legacy of James Cook. It is in Marton, around 5.5km (3½ miles) south of Middlesbrough town centre. (Photo: John Yeadon [CC BY-SA 3.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/captain-cook-birthplace-museum-middlesbrough-1.jpg)
What to see at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
The museum’s exhibitions cover different aspects of Cook’s life and voyages. Displays include maps, ship models and artefacts from the regions Cook explored. Interactive exhibits provide insight into 18th-century navigation and the challenges faced during long sea voyages.
A section of the museum focuses on Cook’s early years in Yorkshire, with details about his family and education. Another area explores his career in the Royal Navy, including his cartographic work and the scientific aims of his voyages.
The museum also examines Cook’s interactions with indigenous peoples and the consequences of European exploration. Some exhibits present perspectives from the societies encountered by Cook and his crew.
Outside the museum, visitors can see the granite urn that marks the approximate site of Cook’s birthplace. Stewart Park itself provides walking trails, a lake, and a small animal enclosure.
Visiting the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
The museum is in Stewart Park, 5.5km (3½ miles) south of Middlesbrough town centre. It is accessible by car and public transport. Parking is available within the park. The nearest railway station is Marton, about a 10-minute walk away. Bus services also run from Middlesbrough town centre.
The museum is only open during the summer school holidays.
If you enjoyed this museum, you may also want to visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby.
Allow around an hour for your visit.
There are no comments yet.