The golden age of piracy may have ended centuries ago, but the legend of swashbuckling pirates, hidden treasures, and daring sea battles still captures the imagination. While the UK may not have towering pirate galleons from the 17th century, it is home to historic ships, maritime museums, and pirate-themed attractions where you can explore the legacy of real and fictional pirates. Here are the best places in the UK to see and learn about pirate ships and maritime piracy.
1. The Golden Hinde – London
The Golden Hinde is a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake’s legendary galleon. Drake, once seen as a pirate by the Spanish, circumnavigated the globe in this ship while plundering Spanish treasure ships. Visitors can board the Golden Hinde and take part in immersive pirate-themed tours and interactive experiences.
đź“Ť Location: London
2. The Pirate Supply Store at the Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands has a fantastic collection related to London’s maritime history, including piracy in the Caribbean and along the British coast. The Pirate Supply Store exhibit lets visitors step into the world of smugglers and buccaneers, with hands-on experiences for families.
đź“Ť Location: London
3. The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Chatham Dockyard was once a hub for the Royal Navy, which fought to suppress piracy in the 18th century. Today, the dockyard houses historic warships, interactive exhibits on naval history, and insights into Britain’s fight against piracy.
đź“Ť Location: Chatham, Kent
4. Bristol Harbour and The Matthew
Bristol was once home to notorious pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard (Edward Teach). The city’s harbour is a great place to learn about its pirate past, and you can visit The Matthew, a replica of the ship that John Cabot sailed to North America. While not a pirate ship, it provides a fascinating look at the sailing vessels of the era.
đź“Ť Location: Bristol
5. Charlestown Harbour – Cornwall
Charlestown’s historic port is a filming location for many pirate movies and TV shows, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Poldark. The port often features tall ships that resemble pirate vessels, and the Shipwreck Treasure Museum showcases artifacts from shipwrecks and smuggling operations.
đź“Ť Location: Charlestown, Cornwall
6. The Smugglers Adventure – Hastings
While not a pirate ship, the Smugglers Adventure in Hastings takes visitors underground into a network of caves once used by smugglers and privateers. The exhibition tells the story of piracy, smuggling, and hidden treasures on the British coast.
đź“Ť Location: Hastings, East Sussex
7. The National Maritime Museum – Greenwich
This world-class museum features exhibits on piracy, naval battles, and privateers. You can learn about famous British pirates, including Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, and explore the museum’s collection of historical maps, ship models, and pirate artifacts.
đź“Ť Location: Greenwich, London
8. The Mermaid Inn – Rye
The Mermaid Inn was once a notorious haunt for smugglers and pirates on the Sussex coast. Dating back to the 12th century, the inn has hidden passageways and ghost stories linked to its history of smuggling and seafaring crime.
đź“Ť Location: Rye, East Sussex
9. The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship – Brixham
Brixham is home to a full-sized replica of a pirate ship, the Golden Hind, where visitors can experience life as a pirate and explore the decks of a historic vessel. The town also hosts pirate festivals, celebrating its seafaring history.
đź“Ť Location: Brixham, Devon
10. Pirate’s Quest Adventure – Newquay
For a fun and family-friendly pirate experience, Pirate’s Quest in Newquay offers an interactive journey through Cornish pirate history, featuring costumed actors, treasure hunts, and pirate lore.
đź“Ť Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Final Thoughts
The UK’s pirate history is filled with tales of daring raids, hidden loot, and notorious sailors. Whether you’re boarding a replica pirate ship, exploring a historic dockyard, or uncovering smuggling secrets in coastal caves, these destinations offer an exciting way to step into the world of piracy. Whether you’re a history buff or looking for a family adventure, these pirate-themed attractions and historic sites are sure to inspire your inner buccaneer!