A much-loved Devon tourist attraction has closed without warning in Brixham (Image: Getty)
A much-loved tourist attraction has closed without warning in a pretty seaside town in Devon. The Golden Hind in Brixham, which is a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon, has been one of the harbour’s biggest draws for nearly 60 years. But its owners announced at the weekend that the ship has shut “with immediate effect”.
The news was shared on Facebook by owner Sean Twomey, who bought the vessel in 2018 after visiting with his family and “falling in love” with it. The statement read: “Unfortunately the Golden Hind is now closed with immediate effect. This is not a decision we have taken but have higher powers to answer to. We will be posting an update on Tuesday 18:00 regarding the immediate future of the ship. It’s been an amazing 8 years at the helm, more ups and downs than Thorpe Park.”
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The Golden Hind is a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon (Image: Getty)
The sudden closure has caused disappointment in Brixham, where the ship is seen as part of the town’s identity, DevonLive reports.
The replica galleon is central to the annual Brixham Pirate Festival and is one of the first sights people notice when they arrive at the harbour.
Although the Golden Hind mainly operated as a walk-through museum, Mr Twomey and his wife Mary expanded its appeal in 2022 by offering overnight stays.
Two storage rooms were converted into unique bedrooms, allowing visitors to spend the night on board one of the country’s most recognisable tourist attractions.
Locals quickly reacted to the announcement. One person said: “So sad to read this, I hope it’s not a permanent closure. It’s part of Brixham, would be so missed.”
Brixham attracts visitors for its character and charm (Image: Getty)
Another added: “This is really sad news. The Golden Hind is so iconic and a symbol of Brixham harbour, and given so much joy, fun and learning to so many people and families. I really hope that this can be somehow reversed.”
The closure appears to have come out of nowhere. As recently as February 5, the owners were advertising for part-time staff for the 2026 season, suggesting plans were still underway for the year ahead.
However, The Golden Hind is not the only attraction available to tourists visiting Brixham.
According to Visit South Devon, the town is not just a working fishing port but a place known for culture, food and history.
The organisation says Brixham attracts visitors for its “character, charm and combination of tradition and an enthusiasm for contemporary styles”.
There are art galleries, artists’ corner, coastal tours and fishing trips that give people a real taste of the area’s maritime and creative culture.
Brixham Museum also showcases local history, while seafood lovers can visit restaurants in the harbour and food shops supplying fresh local produce.
