Golden Hinde

Climb aboard the historic English galleon captained by Sir Francis Drake, the Golden Hinde.

Enjoy access to Golden Hinde with The London Pass®

• Pay nothing at the gate – simply show your pass.
• Explore the reconstruction of a legendary, history-making ship.
• Discover Sir Francis Drake’s exploits and conquests.

Originally known as the Pelican, this amazing Elizabethan galleon ship was renamed by Drake mid-voyage in honour of his patron, Sir Christopher Hatton, who wore a 'golden hind' crest. Visit this living-history museum and find out what it was like to sail the mighty seas aboard an Elizabethan galleon during the adventurous days of the 16th century. Explore the full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s sixteenth-century flagship and interact with the crew of sailors as they tell tales of life aboard the Golden Hinde.

The Golden Hinde history

Sir Francis Drake, the captain of the Golden Hinde, was widely viewed as one of the greatest seafarers of this time, with an intuitive understanding of the treacherous nature of the sea. However, as a slave trader and pirate, his own nature was also shifting terrain. His expeditions allowed him to reach legendary status in England, but overseas, he was feared and despised, particularly by the Spanish.

His keen mind for strategy and tactics played an increasingly essential part in the hostile war between England and Spain leading to Drake setting off on the Golden Hinde with a fleet ordered by the Queen in 1585, headed towards Spain in an effort to cut off vital supplies to the Spanish Armada.

The English fleet, of which Drake was Vice Admiral, was aided by adverse weather conditions. This allowed them to go on to defeat the powerful Spanish Armada in 1588, which was on its way to invade England. The war ended in 1604 with the new King of England, James I, signing the Treaty of London to end military interventions.

The Golden Hinde highlights

• Enjoy living history lessons aboard this reconstruction of a truly historic ship.
• Explore the vessel to discover what life on board was really like.  
• Find out what it was like to sail the mighty seas on an Elizabethan galleon during the adventurous days of the 16th century.

The Golden Hinde facts 

• Drake’s skills as a naval commander were so feared that many of his enemies became convinced that he was a practitioner of witchcraft. Superstitious Spanish mariners whispered tales of how Drake possessed a magic mirror that allowed him to spy the location of all the ships on the sea, and there were rumors that he was in league with a demon or even Satan himself. 
• In the 17th century, the original Golden Hinde which was kept at the Deptford dockyard rotted and was broken up, the best remaining timber was made into a chair presented to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford.
• The current ship was designed by Californian naval architect Loring Christian Norgaard. 

Pass perk

Passholders are entitled to a 20% discount on the "Escape from The Golden Hinde" escape room experience using the promo code GOCITYSAVINGS.

Don't miss

Events at the Golden Hinde

For events and interactive elements hosted by the Golden Hinde, check the official site.