![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_LH_DL_300125GoldenHind.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIts future remains unclear<\/p>\n
09:06, 15 Feb 2026Updated 10:34, 16 Feb 2026<\/p>\n
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The Golden Hind at Brixham Harbour(Image: English Riviera BID)<\/p>\n
A beloved tourist attraction in Devon has closed with immediate effect. The owners of the Golden Hind pirate ship<\/a> in Brixham announced its closure via social media on Saturday (February 14).<\/p>\n The ship, a replica of the vessel Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world during the late 16th century, has been one of Torbay<\/a> town’s main draws for nearly sixty years.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s been an amazing 8 years at the helm, more ups and downs than Thorpe Park.”<\/p>\n Owners of the Golden Hind Mary and Sean Twomey with their children Jude and Fern.<\/p>\n Although it has mainly operated as a museum, since 2022, Mr Twomey and his wife, Mary, have even offered wannabe salty sea dogs the chance to stay on board<\/a> the world-famous ship<\/a>. They converted two storage rooms into bedrooms.<\/p>\n The Golden Hind plays a central role in Brixham’s renowned annual Pirate Festival<\/a>, which gives people an excuse to dress up and spend the day drinking rum. Its closure will be a significant blow to Brixham, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.<\/p>\n Mr Twomey’s announcement of the closure prompted an outpouring of grief from locals on social media.<\/p>\n Linda said: “So sad to read this, I hope it’s not a permenent closure. It’s part of Brixham<\/a>, would be soo missed.”<\/p>\n Phillip added: “This is really sad news. The Golden Hind is so iconic and a symbol of Brixham harbour, and given so much joy, fun and learning to so many people and families. I really hope that this can be somehow reversed.”<\/p>\n The decision to close the Golden Hind appears to be a sudden one; as recently as February 5, its owners had been posting adverts on social media seeking part-time staff for 2026.<\/p>\n Want to see more of the stories you love from DevonLive?<\/p>\n Making us your preferred source on Google means you\u2019ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add DevonLive as a preferred source, simply click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_twomeyJPG.jpg\")
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