A replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind has been a permanent feature in the inner harbour since 1963.

The original replica was built for the 1961/62 television series, The Adventures of Sir Francis Drake, which was filmed around Torbay and Dartmouth. It was constructed upon an old fishing boat keel and could still be sailed (in theory). It was purchased by a local family and turned into a moored tourist attraction.

The ship has featured in many films, notably that of Worzel Gummidge when an episode was filmed in the town featuring Barbara Windsor and John Pertwee.

In 1987, needing repairs, it was towed by sea to Dartmouth, where it promptly sank in the harbour. After much gnashing of teeth and many piratical oaths uttered by the Dartmouth harbour staff and councillors, it was towed back out to sea and sunk. A replacement replica was built the following year but this time featured a steel hull for stability and strength so no more sailing adventures.

In 2014 the ship was bought by Neil Worrell and his wife and partner, Jackie Robinson, seeking another challenge after their major televised restoration of The Fishermen's Church.

After much restoration and many plans for the future, the Golden Hind was sold in 2018 after the sudden death of Jackie. Neil Worrell turned down an offer of half a million pounds from a buyer in San Francisco because he wanted the ship to stay in Brixham as it was reknown as a major feature of the town.

As well as being a draw for tourists and providing education for school children on the life and times of Sir Francis Drake, you can even book to stay a night in the cabin onboard as a more unusual B and B.