The Golden Hinde is a full-scale reconstruction of the 16th-century galleon captained by Sir Francis Drake during his circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580. This museum ship is permanently moored at St Mary Overie Dock in Bankside, on the south bank of the River Thames in central London. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, accessibility information, what to see on board, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | November–March: 10:00–17:00 daily | April–October: 10:00–18:00 daily |
| Ticket prices | Adults: £6 | Children (3–16): £6 | Family of 4: £20 | Under 3: Free |
| Address | St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London, SE1 9DE |
| Nearest transport | London Bridge Underground (5 min walk)<br>London Bridge mainline station (5 min walk) |
| Time needed | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Last admission | 30 minutes before closing |
Golden Hinde opening hours
The Golden Hinde is open daily throughout the year. From November to March, opening hours are 10:00 to 17:00. From April to October, the ship opens from 10:00 to 18:00. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. The attraction occasionally closes for private events, so check the official website for closure dates before travelling.
Golden Hinde ticket prices
Adult tickets cost £6, and children aged 3 to 16 also pay £6. A family ticket for four people costs £20. Children under 3 enter free. Tickets can be purchased on the door or booked online, though an additional booking fee applies to online purchases. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
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- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
How to get to the Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde is located on the south bank of the Thames in Bankside, close to London Bridge. The nearest Underground stations are London Bridge (5-minute walk), Borough (7-minute walk), and Monument (8-minute walk). Mainline stations within walking distance include London Bridge, Cannon Street, Blackfriars, and Waterloo.
Several bus routes stop nearby. Thames Clippers river bus services call at London Bridge City Pier (6-minute walk) and Bankside Pier (8-minute walk). Use the TfL website or Citymapper app for the most accurate route planning.
Parking at the Golden Hinde
There is no dedicated parking at the Golden Hinde. On-street parking in central London is extremely limited and subject to restrictions. The nearest car parks are located at London Bridge and Southwark, operated by Q-Park and NCP. Public transport or river bus services are recommended for visiting the attraction.
How long to spend at the Golden Hinde
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to one hour on board the Golden Hinde. The ship has four levels to explore, connected by steep stairs and ladders. Self-guided visits allow you to move at your own pace. Visitors interested in the ship’s details or maritime history may wish to allow slightly longer.
Accessibility at the Golden Hinde
The Golden Hinde is a reconstruction of a 16th-century ship and retains authentic Tudor features, which limits accessibility. Access to the ship requires climbing five steps from street level, and there is no step-free entry. On board, the four decks are connected by steep stairs or vertical ladders. Expect narrow passages, low ceilings, and uneven wooden floors throughout.
There are no public toilets or changing facilities for general visitors. The attraction is not suitable for wheelchair users. Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact the Golden Hinde team in advance. A detailed accessibility guide is available on the official website.
What to see on board
The upper deck includes the captain’s cabin, the ship’s wheel, and cannons. The gun deck below shows where the crew lived and ate, with hammocks and replica Tudor-era equipment. The orlop deck contains storage areas for provisions, ropes, and ship supplies. The hold, at the lowest level, displays ballast and cargo storage areas.
Information panels throughout the ship explain the functions of different areas and provide context about Drake’s circumnavigation and life at sea in the 16th century. Visitors can handle replica navigational instruments and see how sailors slept, cooked, and worked during long ocean voyages. The ship’s dimensions and construction methods reflect historical accuracy.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Wear flat, sturdy shoes as the ship has uneven surfaces, steep stairs, and vertical ladders. |
| Be prepared to duck frequently due to low ceilings and beams throughout the ship. |
| Check the website for closure dates before travelling, as the ship sometimes closes for private events. |
| Allow extra time if visiting with children, as navigating the ladders and stairs takes longer with younger visitors. |
| Purchase tickets on arrival to avoid online booking fees unless visiting during peak times when advance booking may be advisable. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Golden Hinde suitable for children? | Yes, children generally enjoy exploring the ship. However, parents should supervise closely due to steep stairs, low ceilings, and vertical ladders. Children under 3 enter free. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, tickets can be purchased on the door. Online booking is available but includes an additional booking fee. |
| Is the Golden Hinde open on Sundays? | Yes, the Golden Hinde is open seven days a week, including Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed? | Yes, bags are allowed, though large bags may be difficult to carry through narrow passages and steep stairs. |
| How long does a visit take? | Most visitors spend 45 minutes to one hour exploring the ship. |
| Is there disabled access? | No, the ship is not wheelchair accessible. Entry requires climbing five steps, and all decks are connected by steep stairs or ladders. |
Things to do near the Golden Hinde
Shakespeare’s Globe is a five-minute walk west along the riverbank. The reconstructed Elizabethan theatre offers guided tours and performances. The Clink Prison Museum, located three minutes’ walk away on Clink Street, explores London’s medieval prison history. Southwark Cathedral, adjacent to the Golden Hinde, is a medieval church open to visitors daily.
Borough Market, a six-minute walk south, is one of London’s oldest food markets and suitable for combining with a ship visit. The Shard viewing platform is ten minutes’ walk east at London Bridge and offers panoramic views across London. HMS Belfast, a Second World War warship museum, is moored on the South Bank of the Thames, a ten minute walk away.
Head further west along the South Bank, and you’ll soon reach the Tate Modern, London Dungeon, London Eye and Florence Nightingale Museum. Those with a major interest in ships should try the Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, as well as the excellent Royal Observatory.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting Eltham Palace.
- A practical guide to visiting Kenwood House and the Freud Museum in Hampstead.
- A first time visitor’s guide to Kensington Palace.
- Plan your visit to the London Transport Museum.
- A first-time visitor’s guide to the Horniman Museum in London.
