Whitby Lifeboat Museum

About the museum

Lifeboats crewed by people from Whitby have helped those in trouble at sea since 1802, and 36 RNLI Medals for Gallantry have been awarded to Whitby crew members. The museum is housed in a custom-built double boathouse that the RNLI used as its lifeboat station from 1895 until 1957.

The museum is centred on the lifeboat RNLB Robert and Ellen Robson, built in 1918 and displayed on a Victorian launching carriage. Around it are models, paintings, medals, photographs, crew kit and personal mementos from wrecks and famous rescues, including those led by Coxswains Henry Freeman and Thomas Langlands.

The museum stands at the end of Pier Road and is operated by the RNLI. A virtual tour and a history of Whitby lifeboat station can be viewed online before a visit.

Highlights

• Pulling lifeboat RNLB Robert and Ellen Robson (1918) on a Victorian launching carriage
• Medals, photographs and crew kit from famous rescues
• Stories of Coxswains Henry Freeman and Thomas Langlands
• Paintings and models of Whitby lifeboats
• Historic double boathouse used by the RNLI from 1895 to 1957

Permanent exhibition

• Whitby lifeboat history – The 1918 lifeboat Robert and Ellen Robson on its Victorian launching carriage, with models, paintings, medals and photographs from famous Whitby rescues.

Founded

1958

Operated by

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at the end of Pier Road. Public car parking is available in the town.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit