Staithes Museum — Attraction in Great Britain

My granddaughter was excited when I said I would take her to Staithes and the Heritage Centre because she is studying Captain Cook as a topic at school. I looked online to confirm opening times because some Cook attractions are closed in February. Information and descriptions were available but there was no reference to charges.

So we drove 40 minutes and walked into the village and went into the Centre and the surprise of a £3.75 entry fee. There is a lot material, so much stuff it is a bit overwhelming to decide what you want to pass bye and what you want to see.

Captain Cook was the purpose of our visit and we tried to focus on that as we entered the various rooms. Upstairs she found some items of interest and took some photographs to show her teacher and was really excited. Then an elderly woman appeared through the door from the back stairs and somewhat sharply snarled "you are not allowed to take photographs!" and went off through the other door without another word and just as quickly as she arrived.

That was it. My granddaughter was so upset she couldn't wait to get out of the building. She wouldn't look at anything else on the way downstairs or enter the shop that I assume the woman came from to give her rebuke. We were the only visitors in the building and we weren't there long as my granddaughter was so uncomfortable. A 15 minute visit costing £3.75 and the next day she is still talking about the Heritage Centre to her mother, not because of the Captain Cook exhibits but about the way the woman spoke to her.

Yes, I went back and found a sign saying 'No Photography' but only after quite a search. In the entrance about about 6x1.5 inches and lost among a wall full of notices at a point on entry when you are focussed on the entry kiosk. A bigger more obvious sign would be useful. A different tone and attitude when talking to paying visitors would also be good. Will we be going back? To Staithes, yes, its lovely. To the Heritage...

It’s a strange museum - full of “stuff” with very little to explain it. If you immerse yourself in it and take the time you can get a general understanding of it, but I did find I needed to look things up for more context. It’s a great example of why most museums only show about 5-10% of their collection! We were the only people in the museum in the hour or so we were there which made it a slightly odd experience!

Some parts feel like you’re just rummaging through a hoarder’s house, but some is genuinely interesting, especially the parts specific to Staithes. I found the parts related to Cook less interesting, and perhaps more in need of explanation to give them context.

It’s not bad value - but expect to work a bit to find what...

Unfortunately didn't get any pictures of the hotel but here's one from the staithes museum and another one which overlooks staithes. The room was comfortable and clean the price was affordable and the staff was always happy to help. The only reason I could give a 5 star review is because on the weekend we stayed the hotel was extremely busy on one of the nights and we couldn't get a table indoors. On the other hand the food was very good and breakfast is also very good this is why we was disappointed to miss out on a table because it's the best place to eat...