Rye Pirates and Smugglers
Upcoming VerifiedReady to dive into a swashbuckling family day out like no other? At Rye Pirates and Smugglers family fun day, we invite you to relive the daring exploits of the high seas through an unforgettable celebration of laughter, treasure hunts, and hands-on excitement for all ages. From mischievous pirates to cunning smugglers, your whole crew will be swept into a world of mystery and adventure.
Join us and discover Rye’s hidden past, step into the cobbled streets and historic waterfront of Rye a town steeped in tales of piracy and smuggling from the 17th and 18th centuries. As one of the ancient Cinque Ports, Rye played a vital maritime role, yet its proximity to the French coast made it a hotbed for clandestine trade.
Local smugglers, known as “Owlers,” covertly transported wool, brandy, tea, and tobacco across the Channel, dodging heavy customs duties at every turn. Secret cellars, hidden passageways, and shadowy alleyways became havens for these elusive traders especially the infamous Hawkhurst Gang, who made Rye their stronghold for lawless enterprise.
Join us and discover Rye’s hidden past, step into the cobbled streets and historic waterfront of Rye a town steeped in tales of piracy and smuggling from the 17th and 18th centuries. As one of the ancient Cinque Ports, Rye played a vital maritime role, yet its proximity to the French coast made it a hotbed for clandestine trade.
Local smugglers, known as “Owlers,” covertly transported wool, brandy, tea, and tobacco across the Channel, dodging heavy customs duties at every turn. Secret cellars, hidden passageways, and shadowy alleyways became havens for these elusive traders especially the infamous Hawkhurst Gang, who made Rye their stronghold for lawless enterprise.
Event Info
- Dates
- 7–8 August 2027
- Time
- 10:00am – 5:00pm daily
- Location
- Rye town, TN31 7NU
- Region
- South East England
- Price
- Free
- Ticket Purchase
- Not required
- Refreshments
- Food vendors
- Event Size
- Medium
- Parking
- Parking in the town encouraged to use public transport where possible
Location
5-Day Forecast for This Location
Sun
11° 8°
11° 8°
Mon
13° 8°
13° 8°
Tue
14° 10°
14° 10°
Wed
12° 7°
12° 7°
Thu
14° 6°
14° 6°
Attending This Event
Coming soon — see which reenactment groups, living history societies, and performers (entertainers, singers, and more) are confirmed to attend, added directly by the groups themselves. Here's an example of what that will look like once the feature is live:
Example
Sample Reenactment Group
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