Venture inside a series of caves and caverns and learn about the exploits of the smugglers who once operated on the Sussex coast.
Smugglers Adventure is a popular interactive attraction that reveals tales from the smuggling trade’s heyday, when swashbuckling gangs transported contraband goods into Britain through the isolated bays of the Sussex coast. Explore atmospheric underground caves and discover more about the shady goings-on that took place here in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The adventure takes place in St Clements Caves, a series of caverns and tunnels formed around 14,000 B.C. In the past, these caves have functioned as a home, a hospital, an air-raid shelter and even a ballroom. Visit them now to experience the Smugglers Adventure attraction.
Make your way through the dimly lit underground passages and chambers. Along the way are various life-sized characters, displays and voice-overs, which relate exciting tales of smuggling from times past. Let kids experiment with the hands-on, interactive displays.
Hear about the local “tubmen,” who were paid to transport barrels of brandy, rum and tea from the beach to hiding places along the coast. The exhibit also explains how exorbitant taxes prompted the illicit smuggling trade. Learn about the gangs who ran the lucrative operations as well as the grim punishments that smugglers were subject to if caught.
Rumours of ghostly happenings in the caves are common, so watch for any unusual occurrences and listen for strange noises while here. The eerie chapel, in particular, is only for the truly brave. It is said to be the most haunted section in the caves.
Smugglers Adventure is located on the West Hill. Take the West Hill Cliff Railway up from George Street or make the ascent on foot. Limited on-site parking is available for a fee, but the parking lot at the seafront is much easier to access and museum officials recommend parking here. Tickets are required for Smugglers Adventure. Purchase tickets separately or as part of a package deal providing access to Hastings Castle and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
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