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The North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby will host a new floating visitor attraction when HM Bark Endeavour, the full-scale replica of Captain James Cook’s ship opens next month.
The arrival of the vessel, on 1st June, which had been towed 40 miles down the coast from Middlesbrough to Whitby, marked the ship’s homecoming as the original Endeavour was built in Whitby in 1764, the town where Captain Cook also began his sea-faring career.
The opening of The Endeavour Experience attraction will mark 250 years since Captain Cook set out on his epic first expedition to the Pacific in command of the Endeavour.
The attraction is due to open on 1st July 2018 in time for the Cook250 Festival Whitby which takes place from 6th – 8th July.
What to expect from the attraction
Visitors will be transported back in time to life on-board the 18th century ship and will learn how Cook’s crew coped during the three-year voyage including how they staved off scurvy and overcame boredom during the long days at sea.
The attraction will also enable visitors to find out more about the expedition’s scientific discoveries, for example how the astronomical phenomenon of the Transit of Venus improved navigational accuracy.
The Endeavour’s journey began back in April as she was craned from Stockton-On-Tees; since then it has been undergoing an extensive repair and restoration programme in dry dock and will now undergo a further transformation before opening as a family-friendly attraction.
The owner, Whitby entrepreneur and ex-Naval officer Andrew Fiddler, commented: “It was fantastic to see the Endeavour coming through the harbour entrance in full glory and receiving a great Whitby welcome knowing she will be staying put in her rightful home.
“We can now look forward to the final stage in her transformation, from being a rundown function venue to becoming an engaging and entertaining attraction that will capture the imaginations of children and adults alike.”
Details of tickets and group bookings for the exhibition have not yet been revealed.
For more information, visit www.hmbarkendeavour.co.uk.
