About Us

The Golden Hinde is a full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s Elizabethan galleon – the first British ship to circumnavigate the globe.

Today, she operates as a museum and living heritage space, welcoming visitors of all ages aboard to explore Britain’s maritime history.

Our vision is for generations of children and adults to be inspired by the spirit of global endeavour aboard The Golden Hinde.

Our mission is to:

  • share the story of The Golden Hinde and her circumnavigation,
  • engage visitors in the Age of Discovery to inspire future generations of innovators, and
  • protect the future of the ship as an educational, cultural and heritage asset to Bankside, London and the UK.

National Historic Ship and icon of Bankside

The Golden Hinde, built in 1973 and moored in Southwark since 1996, is now a National Historic Ship in her own right and a cultural heritage icon on London’s Bankside.

Following her construction, the ship sailed extensively around the world as a travelling museum, bringing maritime history to international audiences before her permanent home was established on the Thames.

From her circumnavigations of the globe to her starring roles in movies, learn about The Golden Hinde’s history, and our ambitious refit to restore her to her full shipshape glory.

These ongoing works ensure the ship remains accessible and inspiring for future generations of visitors.

Pearl of Bankside

2026 marks 30 years since The Golden Hinde first arrived at St Mary Overie Dock in 1996. Since then, millions of visitors, schoolchildren, and families have stepped aboard to experience life at sea, discover the story of Sir Francis Drake’s famous circumnavigation, and take part in living history on the Thames. Millions more know the ship as an iconic feature of their Southbank walk.

To celebrate our Pearl Anniversary on Bankside, we are launching a year-long programme of events, workshops, and community projects, including a weekend of celebrations marking the arrival of the ship sailing into the dock on 14 September 1996.

Alongside celebrating the past 30 years, the Pearl of Bankside programme looks firmly to the future - supporting the long-term preservation of the ship and her role as a museum, learning space, and cultural landmark for generations to come.