Tips
Cathrin
January 1, 2026
Hiking
A Notorious Smuggler's Favorite Spot
Due to its proximity to mainland Europe and its remote, cave-riddled bays, smuggling was a livelihood and a vital economic activity for many people along the Kent coast throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Thanet's smugglers openly carried weapons, defied the authorities, and forced locals to supply them with fodder and fresh horses. During the Battle of Botany Bay, informed tax collectors clashed with the notorious smuggler Joss Snelling and his gang. Machetes, knives, and boat hooks were used in the bloody battle, in which Snelling lost 15 of his men.
Due to its proximity to mainland Europe and its remote, cave-riddled bays, smuggling was a livelihood and a vital economic activity for many people along the Kent coast throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Thanet's smugglers openly carried weapons, defied the authorities, and forced locals to supply them with fodder and fresh horses. During the Battle of Botany Bay, informed tax collectors clashed with the notorious smuggler Joss Snelling and his gang. Machetes, knives, and boat hooks were used in the bloody battle, in which Snelling lost 15 of his men.
Translated by
•
•Cathrin
January 1, 2026
Hiking
When the later Queen Victoria visited Broadstairs, Snelling was so notorious that he was introduced to her as “The Famous Smuggler”!
The cave entrance is easily accessible in the rear curve of the rock face and goes slightly uphill. There are a total of 3 smaller caves, lined up like a string of pearls. There used to be an upper exit that no longer exists. The way there is also the way back. Between the individual caves are low passages. If you don’t mind a bit of dust and lime, it’s fun to go on a discovery tour.
The cave entrance is easily accessible in the rear curve of the rock face and goes slightly uphill. There are a total of 3 smaller caves, lined up like a string of pearls. There used to be an upper exit that no longer exists. The way there is also the way back. Between the individual caves are low passages. If you don’t mind a bit of dust and lime, it’s fun to go on a discovery tour.
Showing Translation•
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Smugglers' Caves
4.8
(35)
308
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard
4.7
(20)
134
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard
4.4
(10)
177
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Moderate
Details
Informations
Elevation 50 m