Golden Hinde
- Maritime history enthusiasts
- History enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
Experience, imagine what it would be like to travel with pirate turned captain drake who circum navigated the world in this relatuvely smal saill shop. This is a replica built exactly like the original and it has sailed over 100,000 km visiting various ports of the world. One of the least expensive sites in London! Have a beer at the adjacent historic pub. And enjoy the view of London across the thames.
It’s an ok attraction albeit a very recognizable one because it’s been in that spot for decades and it’s impossible to miss while walking the south bank. Kids have good fun in the museum since they have some interactive experiences like feeding the cannon balls. Worth mentioning this is not the real ship but a replica.
Maybe I expect to find something more attractive, I do think this museum is meaningful but not very interesting. It offers detailed audio explanations to everything on that ship. But engagement with audience is indeed the next step they may want to take!
We had a lovely visit to this ship, helped by reading a book about a Spanish galleon beforehand. The staff were really friendly and we learnt about how the cannons were fired, what they used to cool the cannons(!), what it means to batten down the hatches and how courageous the original team of sailors must have been to circumnavigate the globe!
We recently rented for a charity event on the Golden Hinde and it was absolutely fantastic! The staff went above and beyond to support us — so kind, professional, and clearly passionate about what they do. The kids loved every moment; the workshops and demonstrations were fascinating and brought the ship’s incredible history to life. It’s such a hidden gem in London and a brilliant place to host an event. Highly recommended for groups, schools, or anyone looking for a memorable and educational day out! ⚓️
Highlights
Gun Deck
Where trade met teethCompact iron guns and tight crew space show why discipline—and earplugs—mattered.
Lower deck amidships
Captain’s Cabin
Command in a cupboardCharts, a small table, and a bed barely long enough for legend—leadership with splinters.
Aft, upper deck
Fo’c’sle & Crew Berths
Forty men, zero privacyHammocks, barrels and hardtack—smell the history in the timbers.
Forward, below deck
Rig & Ropes
The ship’s real engineMiles of line and canvas made or broke a voyage long before cannon spoke.
Main deck & masts
Opening Hours
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
Nearby Places
Clink Prison Museum
1 min 👣
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
3 min 👣
Rose Theatre Exhibition
4 min 👣
Science Gallery London
5 min 👣
The View from The Shard
5 min 👣
London Mithraeum
8 min 👣
HMS Belfast
8 min 👣
Tate Modern
8 min 👣
Bankside Gallery
10 min 👣
All Hallows-by-the-Tower Crypt Museum
10 min 👣