Thu, 28 May 2026 | ADMINISTRATION
The opportunity to acquire a prominent tourist attraction in Whitby Harbour has hit the market after the operating company behind the site fell into liquidation. The replica of Captain Cook's HM Bark Endeavour vessel initially operated as an education-focused attraction, before being repurposed as a themed bar and restaurant venue.
The 33-metre long vessel, one of only two replicas of HM Bark Endeavour in the world, was built in Stockton in the early 1990s at a cost of £2.5 million. In 2017, it was sold at auction for just £155,000, before an extensive £1.2 million conversion.
Following the conversion, the vessel arrived in Whitby in June 2018, where it operated first as an educational attraction, prior to being sold again in 2022 and repurposed as The Whitby Endeavour bar and restaurant.
The company behind the venue, Endeavour Whitby Limited, fell into liquidation last month, following a petition to wind up the business. In a balance sheet dated August 31 2024, the company’s fixed assets were valued at slightly over £1 million, but liabilities totalled close to £107,000.
The business has now closed, with liquidators engaged to sell off its assets and distribute funds raised through the sale process. Liquidators have so far been unable to reveal how much creditors are currently owed, with the process of compiling the list still being undertaken.
Parties interested in acquiring The Whitby Endeavour have been urged to contact property agents engaged by the liquidators, with offers being invited.
The vessel is located in Whitby town centre in a prime location immediately adjacent to the almost-completed Whitby Maritime Hub. The steel-built vessel has two fully-equipped bars on the main and lower deck, full catering kitchen facilities and an open top deck area.
In total, the venue comprises 120 internal dining covers and has capacity for more than 70 covers on the top deck. The nature of the asset means that a new owner could either choose for it to remain in Whitby, subject to agreeing a new mooring agreement, or tow it to another suitable location.
One of the property agents engaged in marketing the asset for sale said: “The recent and unfortunate closure of The Whitby Endeavour presents a fantastic opportunity for new ownership of this iconic tourist attraction."
“The ship lends itself to a variety of potential uses, having operated most recently as a licensed premises, wedding and function venue, as well as an educational facility in the past.”
This impressive 3-star hotel, set in a stunning Georgian manor, offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, making it one of Pickering’s most esteemed tourist and events destinations.
LEASEHOLD
This is a rare chance to acquire an award-winning holiday let business perfectly positioned in the heart of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage City and major tourist destination.
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