Golden Hinde

#71

A working replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon, launched in 1973, moored at St Mary Overie Dock. Unlike most replicas, she earned her salt at sea: transatlantic voyages, Pacific crossings, and a full circumnavigation. On board, cramped decks and low beams turn ‘Age of Discovery’ romance into timber, tar and logistics. Families can explore freely; schools often book living-history sessions. Plan 20–40 minutes for a self-guided look (longer with kids’ activities).

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Opening Hours

Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00

Monday: 10:00 – 18:00

Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00

Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00

Thursday: 10:00 – 18:00

Friday: 10:00 – 18:00

Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00

What's not to miss inside?

Gun Deck

Where trade met teeth

Compact iron guns and tight crew space show why discipline—and earplugs—mattered.

Stand between a gun and the hull; imagine reloading while the ship rolls.

📍 Lower deck amidships

Captain’s Cabin

Command in a cupboard

Charts, a small table, and a bed barely long enough for legend—leadership with splinters.

Trace a route on a reproduction chart with your finger: weeks, not hours.

📍 Aft, upper deck

Fo’c’sle & Crew Berths

Forty men, zero privacy

Hammocks, barrels and hardtack—smell the history in the timbers.

Count the paces from bunk to ladder; now imagine a storm.

📍 Forward, below deck

Rig & Ropes

The ship’s real engine

Miles of line and canvas made or broke a voyage long before cannon spoke.

Find three different knots and guess their jobs before you read the labels.

📍 Main deck & masts

🤓 Fun Facts

This replica completed a full circumnavigation in 1979–80, logging ocean miles few museum ships can claim.

The original Golden Hind returned to England in 1580 so laden with Spanish treasure that Drake’s investors reportedly saw returns exceeding 4,000%.

The name honours Sir Christopher Hatton—whose crest featured a hind—Drake’s powerful court patron.

Similar Museums

Maritime

Museum of London Docklands

Weekend Fun

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