I did not know much about Captain Cook so learned a lot from the many displays.
1 / 10

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

4.3
·203 reviews·Marton-in-Cleveland, United Kingdom

Explore the life and voyages of legendary explorer Captain Cook in his birthplace, set within the beautiful Stewart Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Special events often held

CrowdMedium
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I did not know much about Captain Cook so learned a lot from the many displays.

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

Best Time

Weekends

Special events often held

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the life and voyages of legendary explorer Captain Cook in his birthplace, set within the beautiful Stewart Park.

4.3
(203 reviews)

"Staff were amazing, very informative, helpful and kind. Can't wait to come back."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Combine with Park Visit

Explore Stewart Park's grounds before or after your museum visit for a full day out. :park:

📅 Check Event Schedule

Look out for special exhibitions and family events; they add extra fun! :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Captain Cook's Life & Voyages

Captain Cook's Life & Voyages

Main Galleries

Explore dioramas and artifacts detailing the life and global voyages of the famous explorer.

Reddit
Bottled Ocean Installation

Bottled Ocean Installation

Exhibition Space

An impactful underwater seascape created from thousands of recycled bottles.

Instagram
Stewart Park Grounds

Stewart Park Grounds

Surrounding Park

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Stewart Park, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Stewart Park Setting

The museum is nestled within the beautiful Stewart Park, offering a lovely natural setting for your visit. Consider combining your museum trip with a picnic or a stroll through the park's grounds. Instagram

Check for Special Events

The museum frequently hosts unique exhibitions and family-friendly events like 'Colourscape' or 'Big Science'. Check their schedule before you go to make the most of your visit. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Special events often held
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter for focused exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌈 Colourscape is coming to Captain Cook Birthplace Museum 3 & 4 August! ✨ Walk through beautiful tunnels of radiant colour and discover musicians and dancers in a unique journey of the senses. Perfect for all ages, Colourscape will be at the museum for two days only - book early so you don't miss out! 🎟 and more information: link in our bio
middlesbroughmuseums
15 likes • 604 views

🎯 Combine with Park Visit

Explore Stewart Park's grounds before or after your museum visit for a full day out. Instagram :park:

📅 Check Event Schedule

Look out for special exhibitions and family events; they add extra fun! Instagram+1 :calendar:

Bottled Ocean at Captain Cook Birthplace Museum (@middlesbroughmuseums) The exhibition uses over 4,000 bottles collected from organisations and households in Middlesbrough, which were then used to create this underwater seascape installation. 🐠 🪸 🌊 🐚 You have until Sunday to see this exhibition! 🎟️Ticket Info: Adult £4.00 Child / Over 60 / Student: £3.00 Under 3s are Free Family: 1 adult + 3 ...
hannah_museums
9 likes • 500 views
Just flying about in that there 'boro. At the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Stewart Park #FPV #FPVlife #FPVdrone #FPVflying #FPVfreestyle #FPVvideo #FPVpilot #FPVaddict #FPVcommunity #FPVlove #ReelDrone #DroneReel #FPVreels #ViralFPV #ExploreWithDrones #DailyFPV #DroneGoals #EpicDroneShots #CinematicDrone #CinematicFootage #FPVcinematics #CreativeFPV #FPVvibes #DroneArt #VisualVibes #FPVflow
collectivepicturesuk
13 likes • 100 views

♿ Accessible for All

The museum is accessible with level entrances and lifts. Reddit :wheelchair:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Cafe

Bring your furry friends to the museum's cafe. Reddit :dog:

Big Science Last weekend we went to a Big Science event at Captain Cook Birthplace Musuem in Middlesbrough. I highly recommend going to see a show! It is fun, engaging, interactive and educational, the boys absolutely loved it! It was a wonderful hands on experience for children, they followed instructions and completed experiments and a lovely activity for parents to share with their childre...
adventures_fun_northeast
242 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Combine with Park Visit

Explore Stewart Park's grounds before or after your museum visit for a full day out. Instagram :park:

📅 Check Event Schedule

Look out for special exhibitions and family events; they add extra fun! Instagram+1 :calendar:

♿ Accessible for All

The museum is accessible with level entrances and lifts. Reddit :wheelchair:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Cafe

Bring your furry friends to the museum's cafe. Reddit :dog:

💰 Good Value Tickets

Reasonably priced tickets with concessions and yearly passes available. Reddit :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(203 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum for its informative exhibits on the explorer's life and its engaging temporary installations. The friendly and helpful staff, along with the accessible facilities and dog-friendly cafe, are frequently highlighted as positives. Some reviewers suggest the museum could benefit from a broader perspective on the impacts of exploration.

"First time visitors here. Spotted the Colourscape Exhibition and thought we'd have a visit. We arrived to a little hiccup in communication but everything was sorted with ease, staff were friendly and polite. Our Colourscape tickets also included museum tickets so we explored both.
Situated in a huge Stewart's Park, the museum is small but full of great insight to the life of Captain Cook. The exhibition we visited has ended but I do hope they bring it back, although VERY warm out kids had a great time moving through and enjoying the space. A little claustrophobic for me but I did manage the length of our visit.
The museum has a dog friendly cafe and they have lifts for accessibility. The entrance is level so also accessible for wheelchairs, buggies and those not so confident on their feet.
Ticket prices we felt were good not too much, ours were for a single visit however yearly passes are available again at a good price. Concessions are available for the elderly as well as carers.
A lovely day out overall would recommend a visit and take advantage of the settings around the museum too we brought a picnic but as noted the museum does has a cafe."

Kay Thompson

"Enjoyed looking g around this museum, as a Teessider it was interesting to learn more about Captain Cook and was quite interactive. The Museum could benefit from an update, and to provide a better well rounded view on the impacts these explorers had on native environments and its people. But I am glad the museum is currently continuing to stay open."

Sarah Bullock

"We absolutely loved this place, clean toilets. The children absolutely loved the plastic ocean.

Museum had plenty of information to take in and outfits to try on.

Staff were amazing, very informative, helpful and kind.

Can't wait to come back."

Happy Mrs B

What People Like

Informative exhibits
Engaging temporary installations
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Broader impact perspective

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough. It's easily accessible by car with a free car park available right near the entrance. Instagram Public transport options are also available; check local bus routes for services heading towards Stewart Park. Reddit

Yes, there is a free car park located conveniently close to the museum entrance within Stewart Park. Instagram

While it's a bit of a walk, it is possible to walk from Middlesbrough town centre to Stewart Park. It's recommended to check a map for the best route, which will take approximately 30-45 minutes. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum features a level entrance, making it accessible for wheelchairs, buggies, and those with mobility concerns. Lifts are also available inside. Reddit

The museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes or holiday closures. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are considered reasonable, with concessions available for the elderly and students. Yearly passes are also offered at a good price for frequent visitors. Reddit Specific pricing details can be found on their website or at the entrance. Instagram

For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's recommended, especially if you plan to visit during special events like 'Colourscape' to ensure availability. Instagram

Yes, the museum offers concessions for the elderly and students. Carer tickets may also be available. Reddit

Yes, yearly passes are available and offer good value if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year. Reddit

While specific child ticket prices vary, the museum aims to be accessible for families. Check their official ticketing information for current child admission fees. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore galleries detailing Captain Cook's life and voyages with dioramas and artifacts. They also host temporary exhibitions, like the 'Bottled Ocean' installation, and often have interactive elements. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum is very family-friendly. Interactive exhibits, special events like 'Big Science', and engaging displays make it enjoyable for kids. InstagramReddit

Photography policies can vary, especially for temporary exhibitions. It's best to check signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted. Instagram

The museum often features interactive displays and opportunities to try on outfits, making the learning experience more engaging for all ages. Reddit

The 'Bottled Ocean' was a striking exhibition featuring an underwater seascape created from over 4,000 recycled bottles collected from the local community. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cafe that is described as quaint and dog-friendly, offering a pleasant spot to relax. Reddit

Visitors are welcome to bring picnics, especially to enjoy in the surrounding Stewart Park. The museum cafe also provides refreshments. Reddit

While specific menu details aren't widely published, cafes at museums often cater to various dietary needs. It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival. Reddit

Stewart Park offers a beautiful setting for picnics. Additionally, there are likely cafes and restaurants in the wider Middlesbrough area if you prefer to dine out. Reddit

The cafe is generally described as offering refreshments and a place to relax. Expect typical cafe fare like drinks, snacks, and light meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The museum itself, especially with its unique exhibitions like 'Bottled Ocean' or projection art, offers great photo opportunities. Instagram+1 The surrounding Stewart Park also provides scenic backdrops. Instagram+1

Drone flying is showcased in some content, suggesting it's possible in the park area. However, always check local regulations and museum policies regarding drone usage before flying. Instagram

While general photography might be allowed, flash photography or filming for commercial purposes may be restricted. It's advisable to check for specific signage or ask museum staff. Instagram

Visitors often capture images of the museum's architecture, the unique art installations, and the natural beauty of Stewart Park. Instagram+2

While the museum focuses on his life, capturing the artifacts and dioramas provides a historical photographic record. The museum's exterior and park setting offer a sense of place. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is a fantastic destination for families. Its interactive exhibits and engaging displays are designed to capture children's imaginations, making learning about history fun. Reddit Look out for special events like 'Big Science' days, which offer hands-on experiments and entertainment that kids absolutely love. Instagram

The museum is also accessible with level entrances and lifts, making it easy to navigate with buggies. Plus, the dog-friendly cafe means even your furry family members can join in the fun. Reddit Combine your visit with a picnic in the surrounding Stewart Park for a complete family day out. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum offers a deep dive into the life and achievements of a pivotal historical figure. The detailed galleries and artifacts provide a rich narrative of Cook's voyages and discoveries. Reddit The museum's setting in Stewart Park also provides a peaceful environment for reflection and exploration. Instagram

Consider visiting during weekday mornings for a quieter experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits without crowds. Reddit The museum's reasonable ticket prices and the option for yearly passes make it an accessible and rewarding destination for repeat visits. Reddit

♿ Visitors with Accessibility Needs

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is committed to accessibility. It features a level entrance, making it easy for wheelchair users and those with buggies to enter. Lifts are available within the museum to ensure access to all levels. Reddit The dog-friendly cafe also adds to the convenience for visitors who require assistance animals. Reddit

The surrounding Stewart Park is also generally accessible, offering pleasant walking paths. Instagram Visitors have noted the staff as being friendly, helpful, and kind, ready to assist with any needs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Captain Cook's Legacy

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is dedicated to the life and voyages of the renowned explorer, Lieutenant James Cook. Born in the nearby village of Marton, Cook's expeditions charted vast areas of the Pacific Ocean, including Australia and New Zealand. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and dioramas that vividly illustrate his journeys, the challenges he faced, and his significant contributions to navigation and cartography. Reddit

Visitors can delve into the details of his three major voyages, learning about the scientific discoveries made and the cultural encounters he experienced. The museum aims to provide an informative and engaging overview of Cook's remarkable career, making his historical impact accessible to a modern audience. It's a place where history comes alive, offering a glimpse into an era of exploration and discovery. Reddit

While the museum focuses on Cook's achievements, some visitors suggest it could benefit from a more comprehensive view on the broader impacts of exploration, including on native environments and peoples. Reddit This perspective adds a layer of critical engagement for those interested in a nuanced understanding of history.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

Beyond its permanent collection, the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is a dynamic venue that frequently hosts a variety of engaging temporary exhibitions and special events. These often cater to diverse interests, from art installations to science workshops, making each visit potentially unique. For instance, the 'Bottled Ocean' exhibition transformed the space with an impressive seascape made from recycled bottles, highlighting environmental themes. Instagram

Families often find these events particularly appealing. 'Big Science' events offer interactive and educational experiences for children, while immersive art projections like 'The Nature Takeover' transform the museum's exterior into a canvas of light and color. Instagram+1 Seasonal events, such as pirate-themed days, add a playful element to the visitor experience, ensuring there's something for everyone. Instagram

It's highly recommended to check the museum's schedule before your visit to see what special attractions are on offer. These events can significantly enhance your experience, providing unique photo opportunities and engaging activities that go beyond the standard museum tour. Instagram+1

Stewart Park: A Picturesque Setting

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is beautifully situated within Stewart Park, a large and picturesque public space in Middlesbrough. This setting provides a tranquil and scenic environment that complements the museum visit. The park itself offers ample opportunities for recreation, including walking trails, open green spaces, and picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for a full day out. Instagram

Visitors can easily combine their museum exploration with a leisurely stroll through the park's mature trees and gardens. The park's accessibility, with its free car park conveniently located near the museum, further enhances its appeal for day-trippers and families. Instagram The natural beauty of Stewart Park provides a refreshing contrast to the historical exhibits within the museum, offering a well-rounded experience. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk, a spot for a picnic, or simply a pleasant environment to relax in, Stewart Park offers a delightful extension to your visit to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum. Reddit