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United Kingdom
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South East England
Kent
Thanet
Broadstairs And St Peters

Smugglers' Caves

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Smugglers' Caves

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    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.
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    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.
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    Details

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    Elevation 50 m

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    Wednesday 8 April

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    8°C

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    Max wind speed: 32.0 km/h

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    Location: Broadstairs And St Peters, Thanet, Kent, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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