Discover the skilled craftsmanship behind the Golden Hinde with an immersive shipyard tour in London. Witness live restoration efforts and learn about maritime heritage in this unique experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors, no special fitness required
Wildlife
History
The Golden Hinde was built in 1973 as a ship replica, symbolizing Elizabethan maritime exploration, and now serves as a floating museum attracting visitors worldwide.
Conservation
The ongoing restoration highlights the importance of preserving maritime artifacts and promoting sustainable heritage tourism.
The Golden Hinde
Discover the skilled craftsmanship behind the Golden Hinde with an immersive shipyard tour in London. Witness live restoration efforts and learn about maritime heritage in this unique experience.
The Golden Hinde is a full-size replica of the Elizabethan galleon that carried Sir Francis Drake on his circumnavigation.
Located in London, Greater London near London Bridge, the ship operates as a living history attraction and educational venue. The Golden Hinde offers a wide range of experiences for families, schools, and groups, including general admission visits, guided tours, shipyard tours observing active restoration, themed workshops, overnight sleepovers, and children’s birthday parties. School programmes span EYFS through KS4 with curriculum-linked sessions such as Ship Ahoy! (EYFS), Pirates (KS1), The Voyage of the Golden Hinde (KS1/2), Daytime and Overnight Living History (KS2), and Armada and circumnavigation modules for KS3/4. Interactive activities include hands-on handling of replicas, role-play with costumed educators, weapons demonstrations, navigation exercises, and themed workshops like Barber Surgeon and Spanish Armada studies. The venue also hosts seasonal events, private hire options, pirate training sessions, and special attractions such as a Christmas grotto and Halloween programming. The Golden Hinde emphasises authentic settings and practical learning to make maritime history accessible and engaging. Visitors can explore the ship at their own pace or join facilitated sessions led by knowledgeable staff. The combination of a full-size historic replica, active conservation work, and curriculum-linked programming makes The Golden Hinde a distinctive cultural and educational resource in central London.
Location
London, Greater London
Near London Bridge
Tours Offered
16
Immersive public & school experiences
Replica Ship
Full-size replica
Elizabethan galleon linked to Francis Drake
School Programmes
EYFS–KS4
Curriculum-linked workshops
Reserve tickets, school workshops, overnight stays, private hires or birthday parties to experience Elizabethan maritime history in London.
Book in advance
Reservations are recommended as tours can fill quickly, especially during peak season.
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be walking through active work areas and historical parts of the shipyard.
Bring a camera
Capture the intricate details of restoration and historic ship elements.
Check weather forecast
Many parts of the tour are outdoors and depend on weather conditions.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking through the shipyard and outdoor areas.
Camera or smartphone
Great for capturing detailed shots of restoration work.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dress accordingly for outdoor weather conditions.
Notebook and pen
Optional for jotting down notes or questions.