Burgh Island Hotel to host annual Tom Crocker Day event
Commemoration of the life and death of notorious Devon pirate Tom Crocker who is said to haunt the island’s historic pub, The Pilchard Inn
On Thursday 14 August 2025, the Burgh Island Hotel will be hosting its annual Tom Crocker Day community event. The event will pay tribute to legendary pirate, Tom Crocker, who is famously said to haunt the island’s caves and historic pub, The Pilchard Inn. Both hotel guests and day visitors are welcome to join the festivities, with plenty of food, music, and fun for all ages.
Burgh Island has a rich history and heritage. Famously, the island is home to the luxury Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel and remains a secluded haven for its guests, but it also has a distant past steeped in lawless pursuits and piracy.
Once referred to as ‘Burr Island’, it was a known hotspot for smuggling. Most notorious of all was Tom Crocker, who is rumoured to have inhabited the island’s southern caves. He made Burgh Island his base and the Pilchard Inn was his favourite haunt – and the scene of his untimely end. Local legend says his ghost still wanders the island, causing trouble and looking for his lost treasure.
The day will be packed with entertainment, including a DJ set from Emma Carter (12–2pm), live music from five-piece band KUDU (2–4pm) and a full line-up of family-friendly activities throughout the day. A highlight of the festival is a treasure hunt across the island to track down Crocker’s lost hoard where the winning adventurer will receive complimentary midweek bed and breakfast night stay at the Burgh Island Hotel. Guests can also join a sandcastle competition to see who can build the mightiest fortress fit for a pirate.
The event will raise money for The Wave Project, a UK‑based surf‑therapy charity offering fully funded six‑week courses for young people in the local Devon area who face mental health difficulties, anxiety, or social isolation. Founded in 2010 with NHS support and now active across the UK, its volunteer surf mentors guide participants in the water, helping build confidence, emotional wellbeing, and social skills through surfing.
A variety of food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, including a barbecue prepared by the Pilchard Inn’s chef, running from 11.30am right through to 4.30pm. There will also be an ice cream hut, and rum samples provided by LWC Drinks, the hotel’s drinks supplier, for those wishing to indulge what undoubtedly would have been Tom Crocker’s drink of choice.
Additional entertainment includes face painting and Burgh Gin, puzzles, classic works of literature, and Pilchard Inn merchandise available for purchase. Whether you're here for the thrill, the challenge or just to soak up the atmosphere, Burgh Island offers a unique backdrop for a memorable day out.
The celebrations will begin at midday on Thursday 14 August 2025, and all are welcome.
Speaking on the event, Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said:
“When we acquired Burgh Island Hotel, we inherited not just the glamour of Roaring Twenties parties or visits from icons like Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill, but also a rich heritage of seafarers, pirates and smugglers who add to island’s mystery and mystique. We are delighted to be hosting a day of festivities that celebrates a singularly unique aspect of the island’s history, and we’d love for visitors and hotel guests to join us in celebrating Devon’s very own Treasure Island”.
