The Golden Hinde
School Trips
The Golden Hinde team are dedicated to sharing the momentous circumnavigation of the world with schools and families alike. Building of the ship was completed in 1973 and our ship started it's own circumnavigation of the globe. The Golden Hinde has a rich maritime history itself as well as honouring the journeys of time gone by. Join one of our costumed educators for a tour of our ship, which uncovers just what life was like for our Elizabethan sailors. Be it pirates, explorers, Drake or Queen Elizabeth I, we have a tailored programme that will fit your specific curriculum requirements.
Why book The Golden Hinde for School Trips and Educational Visits?
The Golden Hinde is a magnificent reconstruction of Francis Drake's original Golden Hinde, docked in the very heart of historic London. Easily accessible through many transport links, the spirit of adventure blows in from the wonderful views of the Thames. School groups can really get a sense that they are stepping back in time as they board our ship, with educators in period clothing transporting them back on to the high seas during Drake's famous voyage on a tour of the site. The more adventurous students can become the crew of The Golden Hinde on one our Living Histories where they will work, eat and sleep like the sailors of old in a unique museum environment.
Which Curriculum Subjects do you cater for?
Tudors
The voyage of the Golden Hinde is at the heart of the Elizabethan ‘Golden Age’, an important turning point in the history of the Tudors and Stuarts. A visit to our ship provides students of this period with an invaluable opportunity to get immersed in the historical environment of the voyage, and consider the lived experience of those who took part – from the ordinary sailor, to Francis Drake himself. With a careful eye on the National Curriculum and an emphasis on interactivity and hands-on learning, our programmes variously cover the circumnavigation, the armada and broader Elizabethan life. Older students are also encouraged to engage with the central historical debates of the period, and consider the ship as evidence.
Elizabethans
Francis Drake’s circumnavigation, and the wider culture of seafaring, exploration and privateering which it exemplifies, is central to understanding the Elizabethan ‘Golden Age’. A visit to our ship provides students of this period with an invaluable opportunity to get immersed in the historical environment of the voyage, and consider the lived experience of those who took part – from the ordinary sailor, to Francis Drake himself. With a careful eye on the National Curriculum and an emphasis on interactivity and hands-on learning, our programmes variously cover the circumnavigation, the armada and broader Elizabethan life. Older students are also encouraged to engage with the central historical debates of the period, and consider the ship as evidence.
What activities are available during group visits?
Key Stages 1 & 2 Tours
Pirates (1 hour) - KS1 (also available for Reception classes)
The Voyage of the Golden Hinde (1 hour) - KS1/2
Blood, Bones & Bile: the art of the Barber Surgeon (1 hour) - KS2
Elizabethan Life (1.5 hours) - KS2
Key Stages 3 & 4 Tours
Drake's Circumnavigation (1 hour)
The Spanish Armada (1 hour)
Workshops & sleepover
Daytime Living History: a 3-hour hands-on workshop involving period costumes and role play with exclusive use of the ship - suitable for children between 6 - 11 years old
Overnight Living History Programme: immersive sleepover experience reimagining the famous circumnavigation including dinner and breakfast - suitable for children between 6 - 11 years old
Tudor Maritime Workshop: a 2-hour workshop to understand the workings of a 16th century ship with exclusive use of the ship - KS3
What size groups do you cater for?
Minimum booking for a tour is 15 students. Each tour can accommodate up to 40 in a group, we are able to run concurrent tours if your school has more than one class coming to visit. Group size varies for different programmes, please contact us to check.
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
No
Is there first aid on site?
We have staff trained in First Aid on the site.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
The ship is unsuitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility due to steep steps and there is restricted headroom on certain decks. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
We have team members who have experience working with special educational needs groups. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Anything else?
Posters, books, and other items are available to purchase at the ship, speak to staff. It is possible to book the gazebo for a 30 minute lunch break before or after your tour.
Reviews from Schools visiting The Golden Hinde!
Online Resources for School Groups
Educational Resources Available..
We're proud to offer The Golden Hinde Interactive Presentation. A free educational resource for #KS2. Discover Francis Drake's famous voyage with fun activities, handouts & quizzes! A PowerPoint-based class activity, perfect for school or home learning.
https://www.goldenhinde.co.uk/learning/education-resources
Teacher Checklist 
 | Risk Assessments | ||
| Inspection Visits | ||
| Free Places for Teachers |
UK Location 
Need more inspiration?
We are bursting with ideas on places that deliver first class teaching both outside the classroom and as in-school workshops. Below are a few similar suggestions to The Golden Hinde , or head to our tailor-made trip form and let us know how we can help you!
