Immerse yourself in the Golden Age of Piracy…  

Join us for a weekend of living history as the Old Royal Naval College is overrun with pirates! 

Spend the day with our crew of mariners and discover life during the ‘Golden Age of Piracy’  – the period between 1650 and 1720 when more than 5,000 pirates were said to have sailed the seas. 

Learn to separate pirate fact from fiction, enjoy songs of the sea, witness small sword and cutlass fights, and hear the tale of a real 18th-century mutiny. The day culminates with a bang as we demonstrate the firepower of pirates and marines in the arena on the lawns overlooking the River Thames. 

In between, you can wander amongst the encampment and get a unique insight into the clothes and weapons of the early 18th century. Listen to live musicians play music of the time, and sample authentic food from the Taste of History period kitchen. A perfect event for families and history enthusiasts alike, you can choose to engage with the various activities or simply enjoy the atmosphere – the choice is yours! 

You will also have access to other areas on site including the Painted Hall.