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Plymouth Pirates Weekend returns on 17–18 May 2025, promising two days packed with nautical fun, family adventure, and swashbuckling entertainment across the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, Royal William Yard, and the Waterfront.
Whether you’re a seasoned buccaneer or a landlubber looking for a taste of pirate life, here are ten must-do experiences to make the most of your weekend in Britain's Ocean City.
Sign Up for the Jeremiah’s Journey Pirate Fun Run
Don your finest pirate attire and join hundreds of fellow pirates for the Jeremiah’s Journey Pirate Fun Run on Sunday 18 May. Choose between a 5k or 2.5k route along Plymouth’s historic waterfront, all in support of the local bereavement charity, Jeremiah’s Journey. It’s a fantastic way to start your day and raise funds for a great cause—pirate fancy dress is highly encouraged!
Take Part in the Best Dressed Pirate Competition
Bring your best Pirate Fancy Dress and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes in the Best Dressed Pirate Competition at Plymouth Pirates Weekend. To enter, simply take a picture of yourselves at Plymouth Pirates Weekend wearing your best dress pirate costume to be in the competition, and upload it online to confirm your entry.
Categories include Best Dressed Adult and Best Dressed Child. The winner of the Best Dressed Adult can get their hands on a £50 Love Plymouth Gift Card while a £20 voucher at Smyths toy shop is the prize in the child's category.
The winners will be contacted via email on Tuesday 20 May.
Watch Live Entertainment and Shanty Performances
From rousing sea shanty performances to pirate puppet shows, live music, and street entertainers, the weekend is brimming with entertainment to enjoy. Don’t miss the extensive range of Shanty Sing Songs, featuring local bands belting out maritime tunes that’ll have you singing along. Performers and musicians can be found throughout the Barbican, Sutton Harbour, and Royal William Yard, bringing the high seas to life.
Check out the full entertainment programme.
Check Out the Fun at Royal William Yard
Royal William Yard transforms into a pirate haven with treasure hunts, circus skills workshops, face painting, crafts, and live music. Try your hand at making ship biscuits, watch pirate films at the Everyman Cinema, and enjoy delicious food and drink from the Yard’s restaurants and pop-up stalls. It’s a perfect spot for families to relax and explore during the weekend.
Enter Your Dog for the Gables Dog Show
Bring your four-legged friend along and enter them into the Gables Dog Show on Sunday 18 May. With fun categories like Cutest Puppy, Waggiest Tail, and Most Talented Trick, there’s a chance for every pup to shine. Register at the Gables gazebo before 1.30 pm—rosettes and prizes await the winners, and all proceeds support the welfare of animals at Gables.
Step aboard the Tall Ship
Head to Sutton Harbour on Sunday 18 May and step aboard the tall ship Johanna Lucretia which will be sailing into Plymouth. You can step aboard the historic vessel for free between 10am and 4pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to walkaround her deck, pull on some ropes and pretend to steer her while dressing up in some pirate costume pieces for great photo opportunities. Find out more about the ship.
Discover Fantastic Exhibitors
Wander the event’s bustling stalls and meet exhibitors offering everything from handcrafted pirate hats and jewellery to maritime art, eco-friendly gifts, and local produce.
Learn about Plymouth’s maritime heritage, conservation efforts, and even get involved in interactive activities at educational stalls. Find out all the exhibitors at Plymouth Pirates Weekend.
Look Out for Captain Jack
The ever-popular Captain Jack will be making appearances throughout the weekend. Spot him parading the Barbican, posing for photos, and entertaining visitors with his roguish charm. He’s a highlight for kids and adults alike—don’t miss your chance to meet this lovable rogue.
Take Part in the Pirate Trail
Embark on the Pirates Weekend Trail, sponsored by Hays Travel, for a treasure-hunting adventure across the event zones. Pick up a map, solve clues, and collect stamps at key locations for a chance to win pirate-themed prizes. It’s a brilliant way to explore the area and keep the whole family entertained.
Enjoy Fun Activities for the Kids
From sword-fighting schools and cannon firing displays to arts and crafts, face painting, and pirate storytelling, there’s a treasure trove of free activities designed especially for younger pirates. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild as they immerse themselves in the world of piracy at every turn.
Plymouth Pirates Weekend 2025 promises unforgettable adventures for all ages. Mark your calendars, gather your crew, and set sail for a weekend of swashbuckling fun on the Plymouth waterfront.
For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.
In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner
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