The ship was transformed into overnight accommodation
(Image: Golden Hind)
The announcement the landmark Golden Hind pirate ship has closed
- The Golden Hind pirate ship in Brixham has closed with immediate effect as of yesterday (Saturday, February 14). The announcement was made on social media as locals and tourists have been left devastated.
- The ship is a replica of the vessel Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe in the 16th century. It has served as a primary tourist draw for the Devon town for nearly 60 years.
- Owner Sean Twomey said that the decision to close was not made by the owners but by “higher powers” they must answer to. A further update regarding the ship’s immediate future is expected on Tuesday (February 17) at 6pm.
- Since purchasing the ship in 2018, the owners transformed the museum by adding unique overnight accommodation in converted storage rooms. Mr. Twomey said the last eight has had more “ups and downs than Thorpe Park.”
- The ship plays a vital role in Brixham’s annual Pirate Festival and is considered a symbol of the local harbour. Its closure is expected to be a significant blow to the area’s tourism industry, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
- The news has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media from residents who view the ship as an iconic part of Brixham’s identity. Many locals expressed their hopes that the closure is not permanent and could eventually be reversed.
- The decision appears to be very recent, as the owners were actively recruiting part-time staff for the 2026 season just days prior. This sudden shift suggests that the circumstances leading to the closure developed rapidly.
Read the full story here: Beloved Devon tourist attraction closes ‘with immediate effect’
