The Golden Hinde
Experience the life of a 16th century explorer aboard the Golden Hinde II.
A full-sized reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe between 1577-80.
Golden Hinde is located in historic Bankside, with stunning views of the Thames. Here you can join on a tours or a programme with actors in period dress.
Whether you want to explore the decks for hidden treasures, have a go at raising the ship's anchor, or simply soak in the atmosphere of an Elizabethan expedition on the high seas, a visit to the Golden Hinde II has something for everyone.
Visiting The Goldne Hinde II is also a perfect attraction for children. They can learn best through a living history and with a help of actors.
All tours are led by professional costumed actors, and the children are entertained with tales about Sir Francis Drake, his voyages, and adventures out at sea.
The story of the Golden Hinde II
Golden Hinde II was the dream of two American businessmen, Albert Elledge and Art Blum, who, in 1968, wished to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Sir Francis Drake’s landing on the west coast of North America.
As there were no plans of the original ship, Loring Christian Norgaard, a Californian naval architect, spent three years researching manuscripts about Drake’s voyage, Tudor shipbuilding techniques, and the journals compiled by crew members.
The precise measurements of the vessel were determined from plans for a wooden covering that was built around the original ship while it was berthed in Deptford as a maritime museum during the sixteenth century.
With all of this information, Norgaard was able to design a fully working reconstruction. The actual task of building the galleon was undertaken by J. Hinks & Son, a respected firm of shipbuilders in Appledore, Devon, with over 100 years of experience in traditional craftsmanship.
They began the time-consuming process of sourcing the authentic materials of oak, elm, pine, and fir needed, as well as researching traditional hand-building methods and tools used to create the original vessel.
The internal and external decorations were also meticulously planned, including the Hinde figurehead, the lion’s head on the stern, long-barreled guns, cooking utensils, and tools of the period.
Golden Hinde II launches after two years of devoted work, Golden Hinde II was officially launched from the J. Hinks & Son shipyard by the Countess of Devon on 5th April 1973.
Two years later, the ship sailed to San Francisco to commemorate the anniversary of the completion of Drake’s circumnavigation.
In 1979 she crossed the Pacific to Japan to film the TV series "Shogun", and in 1980 was the centrepiece of celebrations in Plymouth to mark the end of the voyage, while filming "Drake’s Venture" starring the late John Thaw.
After a tour of Britain and Ireland, the Golden Hinde II sailed to Canada to appear in Expo ’86, and a year later began a 4-year expedition along the East and West Coasts of North America, returning to the UK in 1991.
Following another successful tour, she finally settled down in her current home at St Mary Overie Dock in 1996, leaving only for a brief visit to the Southampton Boat Show in 2003.
Experience the life of a 16th century explorer aboard the Golden Hinde II.
A full-sized reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe between 1577-80.
Golden Hinde is located in historic Bankside, with stunning views of the Thames. Here you can join on a tours or a programme with actors in period dress.
Whether you want to explore the decks for hidden treasures, have a go at raising the ship's anchor, or simply soak in the atmosphere of an Elizabethan expedition on the high seas, a visit to the Golden Hinde II has something for everyone.
Visiting The Goldne Hinde II is also a perfect attraction for children. They can learn best through a living history and with a help of actors.
All tours are led by professional costumed actors, and the children are entertained with tales about Sir Francis Drake, his voyages, and adventures out at sea.
The story of the Golden Hinde II
Golden Hinde II was the dream of two American businessmen, Albert Elledge and Art Blum, who, in 1968, wished to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Sir Francis Drake’s landing on the west coast of North America.
As there were no plans of the original ship, Loring Christian Norgaard, a Californian naval architect, spent three years researching manuscripts about Drake’s voyage, Tudor shipbuilding techniques, and the journals compiled by crew members.
The precise measurements of the vessel were determined from plans for a wooden covering that was built around the original ship while it was berthed in Deptford as a maritime museum during the sixteenth century.
With all of this information, Norgaard was able to design a fully working reconstruction. The actual task of building the galleon was undertaken by J. Hinks & Son, a respected firm of shipbuilders in Appledore, Devon, with over 100 years of experience in traditional craftsmanship.
They began the time-consuming process of sourcing the authentic materials of oak, elm, pine, and fir needed, as well as researching traditional hand-building methods and tools used to create the original vessel.
The internal and external decorations were also meticulously planned, including the Hinde figurehead, the lion’s head on the stern, long-barreled guns, cooking utensils, and tools of the period.
Golden Hinde II launches after two years of devoted work, Golden Hinde II was officially launched from the J. Hinks & Son shipyard by the Countess of Devon on 5th April 1973.
Two years later, the ship sailed to San Francisco to commemorate the anniversary of the completion of Drake’s circumnavigation.
In 1979 she crossed the Pacific to Japan to film the TV series "Shogun", and in 1980 was the centrepiece of celebrations in Plymouth to mark the end of the voyage, while filming "Drake’s Venture" starring the late John Thaw.
After a tour of Britain and Ireland, the Golden Hinde II sailed to Canada to appear in Expo ’86, and a year later began a 4-year expedition along the East and West Coasts of North America, returning to the UK in 1991.
Following another successful tour, she finally settled down in her current home at St Mary Overie Dock in 1996, leaving only for a brief visit to the Southampton Boat Show in 2003.
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You can choose among different guided tours. But for exact schedule and prices visit their official web page.
Tickets
Average price for Adults is £7 and £20 for family