The Golden Hinde

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.

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.

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

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.

No

We have staff trained in First Aid on the site.

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.

We have team members who have experience working with special educational needs groups. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

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.