The monument was funded by local landowner Robert Campion of Whitby.
Captain James Cook attended the nearby Airy Holme Farm school as a child.
The obelisk is constructed from locally quarried sandstone.
The site offers clear sightlines to Roseberry Topping, a prominent conical hill located to the north.
Despite the name, the monument is a commemorative tribute rather than a grave or marker of a specific event location.
Captain Cook's Monument is a 51-foot tall gritstone obelisk situated on Easby Moor in the North York Moors National Park. It was erected in 1827 to commemorate the famous maritime explorer Captain James Cook, who was born in the nearby village of Marton. The structure stands at an elevation of approximately 320 meters, providing panoramic views across the Cleveland Plain and towards the North Sea. The monument is built from local stone and is listed as a Grade II structure. Access is primarily gained via walking trails that connect with the Cleveland Way National Trail. The site marks a high point in the local landscape and serves as a significant navigation landmark for hikers. It remains an outdoor site accessible to the public at all times.
Position yourself on the northern slope looking back toward the monument with Roseberry Topping visible in the background.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots as the moorland paths are frequently muddy.
Bring binoculars to take full advantage of the long-distance views toward the coast.
Pack extra layers; the exposed summit experiences significantly higher wind speeds than the surrounding valleys.
Do not attempt the walk in low-visibility or heavy fog, as the moorland paths can become disorienting.
Respect the fragile moorland environment by staying on marked paths; keep dogs on leads to protect ground-nesting birds.
