Activities for the Public



The Living History

The Living History programme provides a unique learning opportunity for children aged between 6 and 12 years to make an imaginary voyage aboard The Golden Hinde. Children and accompanying adults will be taken back in time by actors playing the roles of the crew members.

They will participate in the shipboard tasks including gun drills, setting sail, navigation skills and also hauling the anchor. Tudor meals are provided and the ‘overnight’ groups sleep on the lower decks under warm covers.

The different characters represent the differing levels of society that made Darkes crew, the children get involved in the drama as the voyage preparations begin.

Children learn about the many shipboard tasks, learning skills and the daily problems that faced the 16th Century seafaring life whilst also learning the attitudes and beliefs of the crew.

Groups are split into two ‘Schools, large groups or families’ and ‘Small groups and Individuals’.


The minimum amount of people required for schools, large groups or families is 20 children and the maximum is 35 children. Overnight stay costs £34 and the daytime stay £23.50. All prices are subject to VAT at the current rates.
There should be one accompanying adult for every 8 children, this maybe a parent, guardian or a teacher. No charge is made for accompanying adults.

Living History overnight runs from 3PM until 9:30 AM the following day.
Living History daytimes run from 10am until 4pm.

Period dress, meals and woollen blankets are included in costs; however you must provide your own sleeping bags.

The cost of an overnight stay for small groups and individuals is £34. The adventure begins at 5pm and finishes at 9am the following day.