Rye Pirates & Smugglers Day 2026
A pirate procession, sea shanties, the Smugglers' Market on The Strand and best-dressed competitions take over Rye for one Saturday each August.
- When
- Where
Rye town centre, with the Smugglers' Market on The Strand
- Info
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Rye's smuggling history runs deep — the Mermaid Inn was the 18th-century stronghold of the notorious Hawkhurst Gang, and the town's twisting cobbled lanes still feel made for clandestine dealings. For one Saturday each August the pirates and smugglers come back: a procession through town, sea shanties, treasure hunts, the Smugglers' Market on The Strand and a best-dressed pirate competition. Dogs in eyepatches especially welcome.
Stay just five minutes from the procession — book a riverside room at The River Haven and roll straight out of bed onto The Strand.
Stay at The River Haven
The Strand is a five-minute walk from The River Haven. Stay riverside and start your pirate day with a riverside breakfast.
