Golden Hind Brixham

Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind sits in Brixham harbour like a piece of maritime theatre - a full-size replica of the ship that circumnavigated the globe in the 1580s. You board via a gangway and wander the decks, ducking through low doorways and poking about the cramped quarters where Drake's crew actually lived. It's small, which is the point. Seeing how men spent months in these conditions makes you grateful for modern travel.

The museum works well for history enthusiasts and anyone with a passing interest in Tudor exploration. Kids tend to enjoy it - there's something tangible about clambering around an actual vessel rather than reading about it in a textbook. Allow 45 minutes to an hour, longer if you're thorough about the displays below deck.

Brixham itself is a proper working fishing port, which gives the whole experience authenticity. The harbourside location means you can grab lunch nearby or walk along the seafront before or after your visit. If you're staying at South Bay Holiday Park or Waterside Holiday Park, the Golden Hind is practically on your doorstep - walkable in minutes.

Admission charges a small fee, though exact prices vary seasonally. It's worth checking opening hours before you go, particularly in winter months. Not a full-day attraction on its own, but a solid hour well spent if you're exploring Devon's coast. The setting matters as much as the ship itself.