Golden Hinde
St. Mary Overie's Dock, Cathedral Street, London, Greater London, SE1 9DE
Board the Golden Hinde for a chance to step into naval history. Moored at the edge of the River Thames, this replica ship brings to life the wooden galleon that took Sir Francis Drake around the world between 1577 and 1580—sails, rigging, and all. Stride a gun deck lined with cannons, learn about life on board a 16th-century ship, and hear about the age of exploration.
The Basics
The Golden Hinde’s round-the-world voyage was a triumph of the Elizabethan era. The galleon also took part in the unsuccessful battle against the Spanish Armada in 1589, an expedition also captained by Drake. The ship was deconstructed in 1668—some of the ship’s timbers were used to make a chair that sits in the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
The Golden Hinde, a full-size reconstruction of the original galleon, was made in the 1970s. It also traveled around the world, sailing more than 140,000 miles (225,310 kilometers) and visiting San Francisco, Japan, and the Caribbean along the way. Now docked, the ship welcomes visitors to climb aboard and follow an interactive self-guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Golden Hinde is a must for history buffs.
Entry to the Golden Hinde is via paid ticket.
Discounts are available for children.
Purchase your tickets in advance online to avoid waiting upon arrival.
The ship is not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Golden Hinde is docked at St Mary Overie Dock in Southwark. The closest Underground stop is Borough (Northern Line). Many public buses stop nearby, including 17, 21, and 40. The ship is easily accessible on foot along the Thames Path riverside walkway.
When to Get There
The Golden Hinde is open daily during daylight hours. It’s typically busiest on the weekends, especially in the early afternoon, so plan your visit during the week for a quieter experience. London in general is busiest in late spring and summer, so consider visiting in early spring or fall for relatively smaller crowds.
Enjoy the Food Stalls at Borough Market
Just around the corner from the Golden Hinde is Borough Market, one of London’s oldest remaining produce markets. You’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables to gourmet sausages on sale here, and there are many different street food stalls offering an array of delicious lunch options.
Ways to explore
Explore the Golden Hinde at your own pace using the audio guides included with admission. (There are also QR codes available to scan throughout the ship.) It’s a good idea to book tickets online, as the museum ship does have timed entry; at busy periods, the most popular times may fill up in advance.
You can also visit the Golden Hinde on some tours of London, from walking tours that pass by the ship to Harry Potter-themed tours—the Golden Hinde is said to have inspired the Durmstrang ship from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Accessibility
The Golden Hinde is not wheelchair accessible; the ship has steep stairs and low ceilings that may make access difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Smartphone (for QR codes and audio guide), umbrella, transit card
What to wear
Sturdy, soft-soled shoes for exploring the ship
Not allowed
Smoking, drones
Amenities
Nearby bike parking, private bookings
Address
The Golden Hinde is located at a dock on the south side of the River Thames, between London Bridge and Southwark Bridge. The ship is easily accessible on foot along the Thames Path riverside walkway.
Driving
While it’s possible to arrive by car, limited parking and congestion charge fees mean many visitors opt to use public transit instead. If you do drive, paid parking is available (and can be prebooked) at Kipling Street.
Public transportation
You can travel by tube, mainline train, bus, and river boat. The closest tube station is London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines). Also nearby are the Borough (Northern line) and Monument (Circle and District lines) tube stations.
Best times to visit
Sunset offers beautiful lighting to take in this spot by the River Thames. Don’t get too distracted, though; last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Best days to visit
The Golden Hinde is open daily, and it’s typically busiest on weekends. Come on a weekday for a quieter visit.
Best months to visit
Visit in July and August for the warm, dry summer weather, which is ideal for exploring both the indoor and outdoor spaces on the Golden Hinde.
Special events
The ship hosts regular events, from meet-the-crew days to wine tastings and themed family tours. Check the website for event schedules.
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