Popular UK tourist attraction closes ‘with immediate effect’ in pretty seaside town | UK | News
Much-loved Devon tourist attraction in Brixham closed without warning (Image: Getty)
A much-loved tourist attraction in a beautiful Devon seaside town has closed without warning. Brixham’s Golden Hind, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous galleon, has been one of the port’s biggest attractions for nearly 60 years. However, the ship’s owners announced over the weekend that the ship was closed “with immediate effect.”
The news was shared on Facebook by owner Sean Twomey, who bought the ship in 2018 after visiting it with his family and “falling in love” with it. The statement said: “Unfortunately, the Golden Hind is currently closed with immediate effect. This is not a decision we have made but we have greater authority to respond. We will be publishing an update on the ship’s immediate future at 18:00 on Tuesday. My wonderful 8 years at the helm have had 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 the centerpiece of the annual Brixham Pirate Festival and is one of the first sights people notice when they arrive at the harbour.
Although the Golden Hind operates primarily as a traveling museum, Mr. Twomey and his wife, Mary, have increased its appeal by offering overnight stays in 2022.
Two storage rooms have been converted into unique bedrooms, allowing visitors to spend the night in one of the country’s best-known tourist attractions.
Citizens around immediately reacted to the announcement. One person said: “So sad to read this, hope it’s not a permanent closure. This is a part of Brixham, it would be sorely missed.”
Brixham attracts visitors with its character and charm (Image: Getty)
Another added: “This is really sad news. The Golden Hind is so iconic and a symbol of Brixham harbor and has brought so much joy, fun and learning to so many people and families. I really hope this can be turned around in some way.”
The closure seems to come out of nowhere. As recently as February 5, the owners were advertising part-time staff for the 2026 season, indicating that plans for next year are still in progress.
But The Golden Hind isn’t the only place that attracts tourists visiting Brixham.
According to Visit South Devon, the town is not only a working fishing port but also a place known for culture, food and history.
The organization says Brixham attracts visitors because of its “character, charm and combination of tradition and enthusiasm for contemporary styles”.
There are art galleries, an artists’ corner, beach tours and fishing excursions, giving people a real taste of the maritime and creative culture of the region.
Brixham Museum also showcases local history, while seafood lovers can visit the harborside restaurants and food shops serving fresh local produce.
