What can I say a favourite on rainy days during the holiday. The museum has been extensively refurbished over the past 5 years and now includes a really good cafe in the basement which serves fantastic homemade cakes and scones. (If you are a scone lover like me you need to visit this cafe!!)
Although the museum has changed over the last couple of years it still a fascinating place which as a child thrilled me with strange objects such as the ‘Rock Crab’, pictures of a shed made out of whale bones and many interesting items from the South Seas brought back home by Captain Cook and those who sailed with him.
There is a large collection of items made from Whitby Jet including some beautiful examples of Victorian Jewellery and many hand carved items such as a model of the Abbey and a fantastic chess board. Other items on show include costumes, fossils, natural history items including a sea turtle and photographs of how Whitby used to be.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and are always happy to answer any questions you might have.
My top three things to look out for at the museum –
The Rock Crab (it scared me as a child but is a must see for me!!)
The picture of the Whale Bone Shed from the 1930’s (something which you will never see in person, Whale Bones where used for allsorts of things including making sheds!!)
The Hand of Glory (yes it’s a real hand and the Museum most popular item!!)
Thanks for all that wonderful information Helen. The museum sounds truly fascinating and I can't believe I haven't been before (but then I think we perhaps only set out to Whitby when its sunny!)
Ian's brother too has been telling me how interesting the museum is - we must be sure to go next time we are there (I might not even wait for rain!)
