🏴☠️ Ahoy there, shipmates! ⚓️
Set sail for Rye on 9th August for a day of high-seas hijinks, treasure hunts, and tales of pirates, smugglers, and secret passageways…
The Rye Pirates & Smugglers Family Fun Day is back — and it’s the perfect day out for salty seadogs of all ages 🏴☠️✨
TL;DR: On 9 August, Rye transforms into a pirate playground. The day kicks off with a costumed muster and parade through town, then spreads out across pubs, inns and quays with treasure hunts, smugglers’ markets, story‑telling, live music and competitions for best‑dressed pirates. Plan your day with our guide below and make a weekend of it by staying at our cottages by the sea.
Rye’s Swashbuckling Past 🏴☠️
Wander the cobbled lanes and atmospheric waterfront of Rye — a town with tales to tell. Once a key player in the ancient Cinque Ports, Rye’s close ties to the sea (and France!) made it a hot spot for smuggling during the 17th and 18th centuries.
From wool to brandy, tea to tobacco, daring locals (nicknamed “Owlers”) snuck goods across the Channel, dodging customs men and growing rich in the shadows. Hidden passageways, secret cellars and twisting alleys sheltered these cheeky traders — and none were bolder than the notorious Hawkhurst Gang, who ruled the town with their own brand of seaside mischief.
Fast forward to today, and Rye’s legendary pirate past comes alive with festivals, family fun and a chance to walk in the footsteps of smugglers — no blindfold required.
Ready to uncover some secrets of your own? ⚓️
What is Rye Pirates & Smugglers Day?
Rye’s Pirates & Smugglers Day is an annual festival celebrating the town’s colourful history of privateers, smugglers and seafaring legends. Expect costumes, drumming, flag hoisting, storytelling and plenty of hands‑on activities for all ages. It’s a unique way to step back in time and experience the raucous spirit of old Rye.
Morning muster & parade
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10:00 AM: Costumed pirates and smugglers gather in Gun Garden by the Ypres Tower.
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10:25 AM: The Mayor and town crier officially open the day with a proclamation.
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10:35 AM: Drums roll as Ryebellion and Drumskullz lead a “beat to arms.”
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10:40 AM: A ceremonial hoisting of the Rye Pirates & Smugglers flag to the top of the tower.
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11:00 AM: The parade sets off, winding through Church Square, West Street and Mermaid Street to the Mermaid Inn, then along Mermaid Passage and up High Street before looping down Market Road, Cinque Ports Street and Wish Ward to finish at The Strand.
Keep your eyes peeled for tricorn hats, striped shirts and perhaps even a parrot or two.
What’s on & where
Gun Garden & Ypres Tower (TN31 7HE)
This is parade central. Come early to watch the muster, proclamation and flag hoist. Collect your treasure hunt clues here, then explore the battlements of Ypres Tower.
Rye Castle Museum / Heritage Centre (TN31 7AY)
The Heritage Centre runs a tombola and Smugglers in the Attic exhibition all day, plus a 1:00 PM “Harbour Herrings” talk. At the adjacent Rye Castle Museum, learn more about the town’s defences and notorious smugglers.
The Mermaid Inn (TN31 7EY)
The historic Mermaid Inn hosts multiple events:
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11:45 AM: Harbour Herrings talk.
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12:00 PM & 3:00 PM: History tours of the inn.
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2:00 PM: Children’s best‑dressed pirate competition. Bring your little buccaneers!
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All day: Meet Ursula and The Mermaid.
The Queens Head (TN31 7LH)
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2:00 PM: Harbour Herrings talk for adults.
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4:00 – 7:00 PM: Live music with The Hastings Folk featuring Holly Sheldrake.
Kino Rye (TN31 7LD)
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6:00 PM: Screening of Treasure Island. Grab some popcorn and end your day with a classic pirate tale.
Ethel Loves Me (TN31 7JE)
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12:30 PM & 1:00 PM: Storytelling sessions with Pirate Belle. Perfect for families with young children.
Cinque Ports Arms (TN31 7AN)
The pub hosts a smugglers market, DJ Kenny spinning tunes, and a hog roast throughout the day.
Strand Quay (TN31 7AY)
This is the hub of outdoor activities:
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Smugglers Market with local traders.
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Sheppey Pirates and Day of Syn performances.
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Rye Bay E‑Bikes for hire and rickshaw rides.
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The Crazy Captain making mischief.
The Crown Inn (TN31 7DJ)
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Pirate‑themed cocktails all day.
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4:00 – 7:00 PM: Live music by Completely Scuppered.
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5:00 PM: Best‑dressed adult pirate competition.
Make a weekend of it
Rye’s Pirates & Smugglers Day isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of the town’s wild past. Our Camber Sands cottages are just minutes away, giving you a comfortable base to enjoy the festivities and explore the marshes and coast. Book a stay with us, pack your tricorn hat and walking boots, and prepare for a day of swashbuckling fun.
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