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The Golden Hinde, London

The original Golden Hinde was the first maritime museum and on display in Deptford, London for almost 70 years before she was broken up.  The replica was built in Appledore, Torridge, using traditional skills and has spent most of her life being on show to the public.  Like the original ship, she has also circumnavigated the globe.

Conservation Project

Since the launch in 1973, The Golden Hinde has sailed over 100,000 miles, with a full circumnavigation, and two more Atlantic crossings to its name.  In 2017, knowing that the necessity of a major conservation project was looming, a full survey was commissioned and the marine surveyor confirmed that the ship was a solid build and it would last well into the future, providing a rigorous routine of regular conservation work was adopted.

The team's plan is to replace "like for like", returning Golden Hinde to the condition when launched.  This results in tasks taking longer and costing more, but with such a stout little ship displacing 300 tons, anything less would be an insult.

They anticipate the refit taking a further two years and thereafter there will be an ongoing plan to conserve her into the future.  The anticipated total cost is around £1.5million.

In addition to the refit, the team are poised ready to build a new visitor centre in the dock.  This will enable them to expand their educational activities and also to create a collection of Drake artefacts to have on show.

Conservation Work

The challenge has been to carry out the refit whilst still being open to the public.  As a totally self-funded operation, it is vital the team carry on delivering the educational programmes and being open to the general public.  The vast majority of costs have been covered by operational income, and they have managed to cover the shortfall so far from other internal sources.  

Other challenges have been finding skilled shipwrights prepared to live and work in London and to create a fully functioning wooden boatyard beneath the ship.  Although these took almost a year and half, the refit is well underway with a team of 7 shipwrights at work.   In March 2017, Toby Millinder joined the team as head shipwright and has been working with this small but skilled team, carrying out the work whilst the ship remains open to the public – no mean feat!

The water in the dock was drained to enable the team full access to every part of the ship in need of their attention.  The work list is long and varied, calling mainly on the shipwright and riggers skills. 

Find out more about The Golden Hinde here .

Find out more about our UK Replica List here .

Latest News

February 2023 The Golden Hinde has launched its 50th Anniversary Fundraising Appeal Full Story

February 2022 Conservation work has begun to bring back the Golden Hinde to its full glory. Full story . 

April 2021  £29,000 has been awarded from the second round of the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.

National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors

• The Registers
• Shipshape Network

The Golden Hinde is the highest peak on Vancouver island at 2195 meters (7201 ft). Ironically, the mountain is almost in the geographic centre of Vancouver Island, as well as near the centre of Strathcona Provincial Park (2 450 km 2  605 408 acres). It is located 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of the community of Gold River. The mountain was first ascended in 1913 and has become a popular place for experienced hikers.

The mountain took its name from Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the  Golden Hind , by an early fur-trading captain, who was reminded of Drake’s ship as sunset hit the mountain (which is visible from the west coast of the Island) and in honour of Drake’s reputed presence off the coast of the future British Columbia during the explorer’s circumnavigation of the globe from 1577-80 (see New Albion). The present name was not officially conferred until 1938, but this was done after a reference to the peak in a fur-trader’s log. The alternative name “The Rooster’s Comb” was used by early alpinists because of the mountain’s appearance. The mountain is made of basalt which is part of the Karmutsen Formation.

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The Golden Hinde

Experience the life of a 16th century explorer aboard The Golden Hinde , a full-sized reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe between 1577-80.

Located in St Mary Overie Dock, London Bankside, The Golden Hinde is a full-sized authentic reconstruction of the original ship. Built in the 1970s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Drake claiming California for Queen Elizabeth 1st, 17th June 1579. She was a working ship which has travelled much further than the original.

Explore the different decks to learn how the crew lived and worked on the ship. Envisage a voyage full of drama and adventure, from the mutiny and execution of Thomas Doughty to becoming the remaining ship out of five to continue the journey after passing through the Magellan Straits.

The Golden Hinde returned to England after three years at sea, laden with treasure looted from Spanish ships. It was enough to pay off the national debt and make Drake and his sponsors very rich, any surviving crew members got their share as well.

It’s Drake’s pirate side that fires the imagination of children and adults alike. Drake was considered to be a privateer, authorised by the Queen to plunder Spanish ships, even so, The Golden Hinde does tend to bring out the pirate in all of us.

The Golden Hinde offers fantastic educational programmes for schools. During weekends and school holidays discover guided tours, fun family activities, and sleepovers led by the friendly costumed crew. In the evenings, enjoy a range of events from live music, rum tasting, to talks and storytelling.

Free Entry to Golden Hinde with The London Pass

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

Look out for…

• The great view of the Thames from the half deck, where you can also visit Drake’s Cabin which has the only bed on board the ship.
• Knights’ Heads on the Main Deck – these two wooden carved heads were believed to keep ghosts out of rigging and bring good luck if touched.
• Gun Deck – this deck has very low headroom which was needed to keep the centre of the gravity low. More weight above the waterline increases the chance of the ship rolling and sinking. Apart from the main armament being on this deck, it served as living quarters for sailors.

Did you know?…

• The Golden Hinde was originally called the Pelican. She was renamed during the voyage after one of the main sponsors, Sir Christopher Hatton, his family crest featured a hind (female deer).
• Sir Francis Drake was knighted aboard the Golden Hinde at Deptford Dockyard after returning from the circumnavigation. The ship was open to the public until the 17th century when she rotted and was broken up. Timbers from the ship were made into a chair which was presented to the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

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Wheelchair Access

Photography

All information is drawn from or provided by the museums themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

© Copyright 2014—2023 Museums London (unless stated otherwise). Information believed to be correct at the time of publication.

Golden Hinde

Step aboard this replica of privateer Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde , the warship that circumnavigated the globe in 1577–1580. Kids will love exploring all the decks and cabins, but mind your heads adults (the average crew member was just 1.6m tall). It's hard to believe that approximately 60 crew members would have been crammed in such a tiny space.

This ship, dating from 1973, has sailed over 100,000 miles itself. Golden Hinde also runs a number of events designed for children, including puppet shows, storytelling and singing. Check the website for the schedule.

St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral St. SE1

Get In Touch

020-7403 0123

https://​www​.goldenhinde​.co​.uk​/

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• Educational programmes
• Overnight programmes
• Education resources
• The circumnavigation 1577 - 1580
• The new voyages
• Sir Francis Drake
• The building of the current ship
• Conservation
• The Hinks' Shipyard

Escape from The Golden Hinde

Can you escape a Tudor galleon? Children under 10 play for free. £33 upwards

Parrot Puppet Show

Meet Pirate Squawk and their outlandish sidekick Captain Thomas Moon. Adult: £6 | Child: £6 | Group of 4: £18

Pirate Takeover

It is time for our ultimate pirate take over event.  Adult: £6 | Child: £6 | Group of 4: £18

Pirate Training

Learn how to be a pirate aboard The Golden Hinde.  Adult: £6 | Child: £11

Shipshape Story Time

Come aboard the Golden Hinde for story time. £1 tickets for Southwark residents.

Old Operating Theatre Object Handling

Join The Old Operating Theatre at The Golden Hinde £Included in admission

Craft Rum Tasting by Rum Cask

Craft Rum Tasting by Rum Cask £20

Object Handling With Southwark Heritage

Join Southwark Heritage Centre at The Golden Hinde. £Included in admission

Relaxed Opening at The Golden Hinde

Relaxed opening on the last Sunday of the month.  Adult: £6 | Child: £6

Summer Shipyard Tours

Follow us behind the scenes in this captivating shipyard tour. £10

Heritage Open Day at The Golden Hinde

Visit The Golden Hinde for free on Saturday 7 September as part of Heritage Open Days. Adult: £Free | Child: £Free

Live at The Golden Hinde

Step aboard the Golden Hinde for a day filled with music and activities!

Totally Thames double bill: Shama Rahman x Daughter of the Water

A night of eclectic third culture melodies and British folk tunes on a pirate ship The Gol… £From £11.50 + bf.

Golden Hinde Ltd St Mary Overie Dock Cathedral Street London, SE1 9DE

Tel:   0207 403 0123 Email:   [email protected]

More Activities

The golden hind.

The Golden Hind is a full sized replica of one of the most iconic ships from the age of exploration.

It has a long history of screen appearances in film and television.

See & feel the Captain's and Officers' cabins, how up to 60 men slept below decks, the weapons, tools, cannons, artifacts from the age of discovery, the ropes hauled by the sailors, the creak of the timbers, the voices of the crew, treasure and pirates.

Come aboard and explore the ship that was home to Drake and his crew of 70 for almost 3 years. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life aboard a Tudor ship.

Feel the romance of the seas in the great age of sail.

• Telephone: 01803 856223
• Website: The Golden Hind

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Posted on 28th September 2023 Categories London History

By: Author Alastair Reid Schanche

The Hidden Secrets of The Golden Hinde

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We explore the history of The Golden Hinde and what makes it so special. 

You must have seen that stunning galleon docked near London Bridge. You know, just on from Winchester Palace . That’s The Golden Hinde, a replica of the ship that Sir Francis Drake, England’s most famous seafarer (read: pirate) used to make his circumnavigation of the globe. 

There is, as with pretty much all these weird and wonderful things you can find in London, a fantastic story to go with it. It’s one that involves danger, political intrigue and an unhealthy amount of ambition. Let’s get stuck in.

Why Visit The Golden Hinde?

You should visit because the story behind this boat, or more specifically the boat that this one is a very accurate replica of, is up there with some of the best in history. And besides, where else are you going to see the inside of a 16th-century galleon? 

The History of The Golden Hinde 

The back story .

It’s the 1500s. Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne and war is brewing with the Spanish. The cause? Trade. Gold. Spice. Riches beyond your wildest imagination. 

All this had come about through the Age of Discovery, a period when European explorers, thanks to advancements in navigational technology and shipbuilding, went out into the world seeking new routes to the spice-rich regions of Asia and the gold-laden hills of the New World. 

England was late to the party, spurred into action by the vast wealth pouring into Spain and Portugal. It was a time of intense competition and it produced England’s most notable seafarer: Sir Francis Drake.

Drake’s Voyage 

Setting out .

By 1577 England was now well in the game, but the nation still hadn’t completed a full circumnavigation of the globe. Not that circumnavigation was on their minds. They wanted to get rich. 

Queen Elizabeth got to devising a plan. She would partly sponsor a mission for a small fleet to pass through the Straights of Magellan in South America, and up the Pacific coast. 

The fleet of five ships set out from Portsmouth in 1577 under the ruse of taking a trading mission to Egypt so that Spain wouldn’t get wind of their real plan: to raid and pirate Spanish colonies in The New World. Among those was a ship called The Pelican that would go on to be very important to this story. 

The Crossing 

And now the going gets tough. The fleet made it across the Atlantic with no small amount of drama. Half way they ran out of water – something that would be a problem later in the voyage too – and Drake was forced to put down a mutiny and break down two ships to consolidate his force. 

Despite problems, the fleet made it to the Straights of Magellan and passed through them in a record 14 days, dodging whirlpools and shallow water only to run into a storm that destroyed one of the remaining ships and separated The Pelican from The Elizabeth. 

The latter ship returned to England but the Pelican Pressed on alone. It was here that Drake renamed the ship The Golden Hinde in honour of his patron, Sir Christopher Hatton, whose crest was a red deer, otherwise known as, you guessed it, a hind. 

On the Run 

With plenty of wind in his sail (literally and metaphorically) Drake made his way up the Pacific coast of the Americas raiding towns and ships he encountered along the way until he reached either California or Oregon (the correct location is highly disputed) and settled with some natives for a while to repair The Hinde and stock up. 

He now had a problem. The Spanish were after him for what he’d done in the south so he couldn’t really turn back the way he came. There was no Panama Canal back then, so Drake was faced with one choice, to cross the Pacific. 

This he did, ripping off a couple of local warlords in South East Asia and docking into port on the coast of Sierra Leone with only eight pints of water left for 56 men, before getting safely back to England with his booty three years after setting off.

To the Victor, the Spoils

Drake’s voyage put him in the history books. He became the third man to successfully circumnavigate the earth, though arguably the first to make it all the way round as previous missions ended in death for their captains long before the fleet made it home. 

He also became enormously rich, from one Spanish galleon alone he’d taken the equivalent of £480m in today’s money. Queen Elizabeth’s share of the treasure was enough to pay off the entire government’s debt and then some.  

The boat that made this all possible was docked in Deptford and never sailed again. Until now…

The Replica Ship 

The Elizabethans weren’t as hot on preservation as we are today. The original ship rotted away many many years ago. Some smart person though, had the idea to build a replica, and it’s not without a story of its own.  

The one you’ll see docked near London Bridge was built from plans and was the result of three years of research and construction. The fact that you see it docked is somewhat misleading, this ship has clocked up over 140,000 miles of sea travel, even circumnavigating the globe once herself. 

Her maiden voyage was in 1974, arriving in San Francisco about six months later on the 8th of May 1975. She spent several years there before sailing to Japan, and on home, in 1979. 

The Golden Hinde: Practical Information

Address: St Mary Overie’s Dock, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm daily

Tickets: £6 for adults and children over three, or £18 for a family of four.  

The Golden Hinde: Map 

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Golden Hind

• [email protected]
• Brixham, Devon, TQ5 8AW
• 01803 856223

Step aboard a historic ship replica for a voyage through maritime history, exploring cabins, weaponry, and tales of daring voyages.

Indoors Attraction

Family Friendly Attraction

Inaccessible Attraction

Dogs Not allowed

Opening Times

Open Spring & Summer only (late March to October): 10am to 4:30pm

Please check the timetable on the website before travelling.

Adult: £8.95

Child: (age 3 and over) £6.95

Family Ticket: (2 adults & 2 children) £24.95

More Information

Embark on a maritime journey aboard the Golden Hind Museum Ship in Devon, where history comes alive on the decks of this iconic vessel. From the moment you step aboard, you're transported back in time to the era of exploration and adventure. Explore the intricately recreated cabins, imagining life at sea for Sir Francis Drake and his crew as they circumnavigated the globe.

Delve into the ship's rich history through interactive exhibits detailing the voyages, encounters, and challenges faced by its intrepid crew. Learn about the fascinating weaponry and navigation techniques of the Elizabethan era while soaking in the salty breeze and panoramic views of the harbor. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a maritime aficionado, or simply seeking an immersive experience, a visit to the Golden Hind Museum Ship promises to ignite your imagination and ignite a passion for seafaring adventures of old.

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Access and Facilities

We welcome families, groups and those visiting alone.The attraction is a life size authentic replica ship, there are therefore some steeper than normal staircases (there are no lifts) and access is via a wooden gangplank.The ship also has some uneven wooden floors & restricted headroom, meaning that for some visitors with impaired mobility, the Golden Hind may not be the most suitable of attractions to visit.

The ship offers very limited access for wheelchair users and those with severely restricted mobility.If we are notified in advance, we will arrange for a personal guide to share information about the ship in the most appropriate way from the entrance deck for those unable to access other parts of the ship or from the Harbour Side, if a visitor is unable to board the ship.

Our team are on hand to help people getting on and off the ship. For any visitors with mobility restrictions we will discuss their needs and help any visitors who decide that they are able to board the attraction with some assistance. We can also offer a fast-track service to get on board where a visitor is unable to stand in a queue, please contact us in advance of a visit to arrange this.

There are public benches adjacent to the ship but no designated seating areas on board, a member of the team will help where necessary if a seat is needed whilst on board.

We ask visitors to take notice of the signs on board, some of which contain important safety information. For visually impaired visitors, a member of the team will talk them through the safety information where required.

Assistance and all other small well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on board.

As part of the visitor experience, lighting is atmospheric which includes low but adequate display and floor lighting. There is no strobe lighting and there are no areas in total darkness.

The Safety and Hazard information  may also be helpful as it contains detailed information about areas of the ship such as the entrance and decks.

We are fully committed to ensuring that children visiting are protected and kept safe from harm and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The ship is not suitable for pushchairs.Pushchairs may be left with a member of the team at the kiosk whilst on board. Visitors are responsible for supervising their children at all times and are reminded of the safety requirements particularly when carrying babies or young children. Any children who become separated from their adults can go to the onboard shop where a member of the team will help to reunite them with their parents/guardians.

Due to space restrictions and the nature of the attraction, there are no toilet facilities, hand washing or baby changing facilities on board. The nearest public toilets are 100 metres from the entrance.

There are a number of cafes and restaurants in the near vicinity to the ship. The nearest of which is the 'Old Market House' next to the entrance to the ship which has ramp access and toilets with wheelchair access on the ground floor. There is also a lift for wheelchairs up to the first floor restaurant area.

If you are considering hiring the ship for a private function, please contact us to discuss any special needs and if / how these can be accommodated.

Happy to Help

We deal with enquiries about access and facilities, by telephone and email.We will be happy to discuss visitor’s special requirements and to give an honest appraisal of the ship’s suitability for any visitors with special needs and, what help can be provided.

Prices and Tickets

Ticket prices and how to buy tickets.

See a map and the different ways of getting to us.

Opening Times

Shows the times of opening and a calendar showing the days open.

Stay Aboard the World Famous Golden Hind!

For the first time in our 55-year history we will be giving guests the opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience of sleeping onboard The Golden Hind.

What to look forward to on your visit to the ship.