One of our favourite local attractions has closed with immediate effect, leaving the community stunned and saddened. The Golden Hind pirate ship in Brixham, a familiar and much-loved feature of the harbour for decades, confirmed the news over the weekend.
In a statement shared on social media, owner Sean Twomey said: "Unfortunately the Golden Hind is now closed with immediate effect,"
Sean Twomey, who bought the boat in 2018 after falling in love with it during a visit with his family, wrote on Facebook. "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."
The announcement that the landmark Golden Hind pirate ship has closed has sent shockwaves through the town. The Golden Hind pirate ship in Brixham has closed with immediate effect as of Saturday 14 February 2026 with locals and tourists alike left devastated.
The Golden Hind has long played a central role in Brixham’s annual Pirate Festival and stands as a proud symbol of the harbour. Its sudden closure is expected to deal a significant blow to the area’s tourism industry, which draws thousands of visitors each year and supports numerous local businesses.
The ship is a replica of the vessel Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe in the 16th century. For nearly 60 years, it has served as a primary tourist draw for the Devon town, welcoming generations of families aboard to explore its decks and learn about maritime history.
Since purchasing the ship in 2018, Mr Twomey and his team revitalised the on-board museum and introduced distinctive overnight accommodation in converted storage rooms, offering visitors the chance to sleep within the historic surroundings. Reflecting on the journey, he previously remarked that the last eight years had brought more “ups and downs than Thorpe Park.”
The timing has added to the surprise. Only days before the announcement, the attraction had been actively recruiting part-time staff for the 2026 season, suggesting that the decision developed rapidly and under unforeseen circumstances.
For many residents, the Golden Hind is more than a tourist attraction — it is part of Brixham’s identity. As one of our favourites, its absence will be keenly felt along the waterfront. All eyes will now turn to Tuesday’s promised update, as the community hopes this closure may yet prove to be temporary rather than the end of an era.