Aboard the Golden Hinde, exchange the 21st century for the 16th as this four hundred and forty one year old Elizabethan galleon transports you back in time.

Although The Golden Hinde is permanently docked near London Bridge, it is best known for being the first English ship to sail around the world, and go on extended expeditions to the South America between 1577 and 1580. The vessel contains artifacts from the original ship and circumnavigator Sir Francis Drake. On board, you will me able to view Captain and Officers’ cabin, weapons, , cannons, and plenty of other tools used on the open sea. 

This unique ship was originally  known as Pelican, but was renamed by Drake mid-voyage in 1578, in honour of his patron, Sir Christopher Hatton, whose crest was a golden ‘hind’. Because the ship was the first to sail around the world, the air of mystery and adventure on the ship is undeniable. In the  primitive quarters of the Golden Hinde, you will get to experience just what life was like aboard the ship on it’s 3 year and 36,000 mile journey.  History only lightly touched upon in most schools will come to life before your very eyes beneath the deck of this classically maintained wooden vessel. At first a home for 70 sailors, Only 56 men survived with Francis Drake, after returning to England from the Americas. With them, the spoils of a vast treasure worth hundreds of millions of pounds in today’s money. It is said that in exchange for knighthood and a title, Sir Francis drake delivered the treasure to Queen Elizabeth, which paid of her debts with surplus. The legendary Queens influence is apparent throughout the ship, as she commissioned the original to be built and appointed Drake to be its captain.

At the turn of the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I, requested that the ship should be preserved “for all posterity” and thankfully, much of it has been, making for a wonderful trip beloved by tourists and Londoners alike.

To book a tour of this historic vessel be sure to click here!