Mike Laycock has a taste of what life was like aboard an 18th century man o'war.

WHAT AND WHERE? The Grand Turk, Whitby harbour.

WHY? It's an excellent re-creation of an 18th century man o'war, built of mahogany and oak by craftsmen in Turkey almost a decade ago. The 152ft frigate, which has 8,500 square feet of sail when fully rigged, has been to ports all over Europe but sailed earlier this month into Whitby harbour, where she will remain for the winter.

The Grand Turk is a bit of a film star, having featured in the first series of Hornblower, Longitude and To The Ends Of The Earth. I visited on the day she arrived in Whitby. A woman I chatted to said she had seen the ship sailing into Whitby through the mists and "thought I was seeing things".

I walked the deck, visited the captain's cabin and dining area, spacious and full of light, and then descended steep steps into the grimmer crew's quarters, with its hammocks and cots for the men, long dining tables. Lying on one table was a cat o' nine tails, used to punish the men if they misbehaved.

It was claustrophobic but not quite as bad as 18th century reality, as the ceilings are made specially high to accommodate actors and film crews during filming.

Hatches down into an even lower level were closed. I asked a crew member what was down there.

He said we weren't allowed down because it would spoil the illusion, being full of mod cons. This ship is well worth a visit if you're going to Whitby over the next few months.

REFRESHMENTS? Cafes and takeaways nearby.

FAMILY FRIENDLY? Enjoyable for both kids and adults.

OPENING TIMES? From 10am to 6pm.

HOW MUCH? £4 adults, children £2.

DISABLED ACCESS? No, steep and narrow gangway down to ship.

PARKING: Available at nearby station.

DIRECTIONS: Take A166 to Whitby and head for railway station. Harbour is nearby.

INFORMATION: 07703 208098.