Long before Ventnor became a polished Victorian health resort, our dramatic coastline served a much darker, wilder purpose. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the isolated, boulder-strewn shoreline of the Undercliff was a premier haven for smugglers—locally known as “Free Traders”. Operating under the cover of  night, these daring locals ran a sophisticated, illicit network right under the noses of the Revenue cutters.

The Secret Shortcuts

The very topography that makes Ventnor so enchanting today made it a smuggler’s paradise back then. Contraband like French brandy, tobacco, and fine silk would be landed in quiet spots like Steephill Cove or the rocky ledges below Bonchurch. From there, it had to be moved inland fast. The town’s famous steep pedestrian “chutes” and stone staircases—including the punishing incline of St Albans Steps—offered the perfect vertical escape routes to transport goods up the cliffside before the customs men could give chase.

Local Hidey-Holes

Smuggling wasn’t just a fringe activity; it was the lifeblood of the local economy. Rumours still linger of secret tunnels carved into the soft rock beneath the town, and historic local inns like the Buddle Inn at Niton were famous for having hidden cellars to stash casks. Even the oldest properties in the area, like the Old Smugglers Cottage in Bonchurch, stand as architectural witnesses to this rebellious era.

Your Coastal Sanctuary

Today, the dangerous war of attrition between smugglers and coastguards is long gone, leaving behind a peaceful walking paradise. Our guests can follow the clifftop trails with ease, and are perfectly placed to explore the historic town walkways where contraband was once quietly slipped through the shadows. You don’t have to smuggle yourself across the water to enjoy the hidden magic of the Undercliff. Plan your Island escape by booking directly through our website to unlock our best available rates and up to 50% ferry ticket discounts.