Opposite the historic church the Ship Hotel is another well-known smugglers inn, something of whose story is revealed in Russell Thorndyke’s books “Doctor Syn” and “Doctor Syn Returns”, for the author lived in Dymchurch for many years steeped himself in local colour and the tales of nightriders. The nearness if the inn to the little prison, meant thrilling adventures helping captured smugglers to escape. Reopened in 2017 the building had been left to deteriorate over the several years by previous tenants .before being purchased by a local entrepreneur and coming a free house The building has now been totally restored to a high standard to provide facilities expected in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the unusual carved and gilded ship on the high seas that ordained the front entrance had been removed during a previous owner and lost. The original accommodation area has been totally refurbished to provide six en-suite rooms and the bar areas rebuilt to offer two main dining areas, one of which can be used for functions, and a bar area where dogs are welcome. A good selection of local cask ales and the food is mainly sourced locally The Ship Inn is low beamed pub with an attractive staircase, open fires and one room in the hotel has an iron ceiling from when the Wealden ironworks that were still working in the eighteenth century.