The Golden Hinde

great for kids and adults. informative, easy to comprehend and so interesting. really great commentary and our guide was very happy to help answer more questions after. you get a sense of what being a pirate was like just by the descriptions, and the atmosphere. worth the £6 honestly.

Interesting replica, sadly in need of serious restoration as it seems to be in a bad way. They need your funds everyone. So much work needed doing on this amazing replica that has already sailed further than the original vessel. It's been around the world and it shows. So please pay the little fee to go aboard and have a look around and imagine what it would be like in a confined space in very basic living conditions. Please watch out for low wooden beams as it's very small inside . I shall be back next year . I recommend you go and have a look. It's cheap to get aboard . Once you've explored go and look at what's close like "The Clink " just around the corner. And some fine eating and bars. Just along the river is the Globe theatre too.

A walk along London’s South Bank is always a highlight, with its mix of history, culture, and stunning riverside views. On our recent stroll, we unexpectedly came across the Golden Hinde, a spectacular full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon. Docked near Borough Market, this ship is a striking sight, instantly transporting you back to the Age of Exploration. The original Golden Hinde was the first English ship to successfully circumnavigate the globe between 1577 and 1580 under Drake’s command. This replica, launched in 1973, has impressively sailed over 140,000 miles itself, retracing historic voyages before becoming a floating museum in London. Visitors can step aboard to explore the decks, see the cramped living conditions sailors endured, and learn about the challenges of 16th-century navigation. While we didn’t plan a visit, just seeing the ship from the riverside was a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. If you’re exploring the South Bank, keep an eye out for this hidden gem—it’s a great spot for history lovers, families, or anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to their London walk!

We just happened to arrive as a tour of the boat was occurring, this really made the boat come to life. The guide Patrick was enthusiastic, engaging and interactive which made it a very enjoyable experience for my son. The history of the boat, conditions of the sailors at the time and the distance it had travelled is utterly fascinating. I’d thoroughly recommend, especially the tour.

Steps away from Borough Market and London Bridge, this is quite the view when you enter that little area defined by twists and turns on cobbled stone walks and old passage ways. The ship itself is a replica of Francis Drake’s ship, and is sitting in dry dock. There is an admission fee to embark the ship. For those with little interest in ships, an outside view may be more than sufficient and it’s free. For those paying to embark, budget 30-45 minutes for your self guided tour. As the ship is small, add more time for those looking closely at the spectacular wooden work, furniture, lines and sails. Overall the ship is considered small and compact. There is very limited signage or museum-like mounted explainers so touring the ship is a breeze. It’s great for children as, unlike in a museum, they can pretty much touch or climb anything (except going up to the mast).

So cool! My Dad saw this replica of the original ship when it was sailing around the UK in the 80s, and was interested to see how it's aged and been restored since then. £6 per adult to climb aboard is cheap by London standards, and included access to audio guides via QR codes dotted around the boat. Captain Bluebird (apologies I didn't catch your real name) is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and fortunately breaks character enough to have a serious conversation if there aren't kids nearby. He told us that the replica has travelled more miles than the original Golden Hinde ever did, so it's a real piece of history in itself! A great alternative to the bigger, more expensive attractions in the City, and worth supporting.

I hired the Golden Hinde for my daughter’s birthday party (aged 9) and can’t recommend it highly enough. Such a wonderful venue- the party entertainer (Gary) was brilliant- so great with the kids. The feast with pewter tankards and plates was very atmospheric and everyone had a wonderful time. It was stress free for us parents too. Thank you for a wonderful experience. 🙏🏽

Lovely visit to the Golden Hinde following a trip to Borough Market. My little boy saw it and wanted to go on a real life pirate ship ! The cast were great in telling the very interested group of boys all about the trials and tribulations of life aboard back in the day. A nice break for the parents on a hot day too!