The first ever Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day - an unforgettable celebration of laughter, treasure hunts, and hands-on excitement for all ages - from mischievous pirates to cunning smugglers.
Discover Rye’s hidden past as you 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.