Cornwall, with its rugged cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and beautiful beaches, has an intriguing history tied to smuggling. This corner of England has been both a sanctuary and a stronghold for those seeking to evade authorities, bringing in contraband goods from exotic locations. Today, you can explore the remnants of these smuggling routes, many of which intertwine with Cornwall’s breathtaking coastal paths. In this article, we will guide you through some of the best towns in Cornwall that provide an insight into the area’s smuggling past.
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely beach walk, go fishing, or simply immerse yourself in the local culture, these places offer an intriguing blend of history, beauty, and adventure.
St. Ives: A Historic Smuggling Hub
St. Ives, a coastal town in Cornwall, is renowned for its art scene, vibrant harbour, and beautiful beaches. However, this idyllic town also has a deep-rooted connection to smuggling. In the 18th and 19th centuries, St. Ives was a thriving hub for smugglers who used the numerous coves and secluded beaches around the town to land their contraband goods, mostly spirits and tobacco.
Today, you can explore the winding streets that were once teeming with smugglers. Visit The Sloop Inn on the harbour front, reputed to be one of the oldest inns in Cornwall, where many a smuggler would have drunk their illicit wares. A walk along the beach at low tide reveals the labyrinth of caves and tunnels that were used to hide contraband goods — a chilling reminder of the town’s illicit past.
Polperro: A Smuggler’s Paradise
Polperro, another coastal town in Cornwall, is best known for its quaint harbour and characteristic Cornish cottages. This charming village was once a smuggler’s paradise, where contraband goods were brought in under the cover of darkness. The narrow, winding streets of Polperro, designed to confuse any authorities, are a testament to its smuggling past.
Begin your day in Polperro by exploring the Polperro Smuggling Museum, which gives an in-depth insight into the smuggling activities that took place in the area. Then, head to the harbour and take a walk along the coast to discover secluded coves and secret tunnels. The coastal path offers stunning views, and the history hidden in its cliffs brings a unique perspective to your visit.
Fowey: The Smuggler’s Gateway
Located on the south coast of Cornwall, Fowey is a bustling town that was once a key point in the smuggling routes. The Fowey estuary provided a perfect natural harbour for smugglers’ ships, making it easier for them to evade capture.
You can get a glimpse into Fowey’s smuggling history by visiting Readymoney Cove, a small beach that was once a hub of smuggling activity. A walk around the town will reveal many ancient buildings and alleyways that have their own tales of smuggling to tell. Furthermore, local boat tours provide an opportunity to explore the estuary, immersing you in the town’s maritime history.
Penzance: The Smuggler’s Haven
Penzance is not just a gateway to the Isles of Scilly, but it also has a fascinating smuggling history. The town was a haven for smugglers due to its location and the intricate network of caves along its coast.
A visit to Penzance is incomplete without a walk along the coastline. The Penlee Point and Mousehole are particularly popular among hikers, offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse into Penzance’s smuggling past. Local tales of smuggling are still alive in the town, and a visit to the local pubs will surely yield many stories.
Looe: The Smuggler’s Den
Looe, a fishing town on the south coast of Cornwall, has a rich smuggling history. The town is divided by the Looe River into East and West Looe, both of which were active smuggling centres.
In Looe, the Smugglers Cott is a must-visit. This 15th-century cottage was a known den of smugglers and is now a popular tourist attraction. The harbour is also worth a visit, as it was a central point for smuggling activities. Walking along the coast, you may come across remnants of smuggling activity, adding an element of adventure and mystery to your visit.
Cornwall is not just a place of stunning natural beauty. Its towns are steeped in history, much of it linked to smuggling. From St Ives to Looe, each town offers unique insights into this fascinating period in Cornwall’s past. So why not plan your next visit to one of these beautiful Cornish towns and explore the intriguing and thrilling world of smugglers?
Prussia Cove: The Smuggler’s Hideout
Situated on the south coast of Cornwall between Porthleven and Penzance, Prussia Cove is a secluded and tranquil spot that was once a hotbed for smuggling activities. Famous for its leading smuggling character John Carter, known as the "King of Prussia", this cove was a strategic location for evading the law.
Exploring the cove will lead you to the Pisky’s Cove and Bessy’s Cove, both reputed to be among the most active smuggling spots in Cornwall. The narrow and concealed paths, which were used by smugglers to transfer their contraband, are a significant part of the South West Coast Path. This path is easily accessible and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Just a short distance from the car park, you can also visit King’s Cavern, a cave that John Carter used to store his smuggled goods. It’s an awe-inspiring spot that holds many hidden stories of Cornwall’s smuggling past.
Tintagel: The Smuggler’s Stronghold
Located on the north coast of Cornwall, Tintagel is a village famous for its links to Arthurian legend and its medieval castle, Tintagel Castle. But apart from its rich mythological heritage, Tintagel also has a lesser-known history tied to smuggling.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Tintagel’s rugged coastline and inaccessible coves offered the perfect cover for smuggling activities. The village’s location, perched on the west coast, made it a hub for inbound contraband goods from Europe.
A road trip to Tintagel offers the perfect opportunity to explore this smuggling heritage. Discover the secret paths and hidden caves along the coast path that were once used by smugglers. The Rocky Valley, located between Tintagel and Boscastle, offers a challenging yet rewarding walk, where you can discover ancient labyrinths engraved in stone, thought to be used by smugglers as secret markers.
Cornwall’s rich history is deeply intertwined with smuggling, and its beautiful coastal towns are a testament to this past. From the narrow streets of St. Ives and Polperro to the estuary in Fowey, the intricate network of caves in Penzance, the smuggler’s den in Looe, the hidden coves of Prussia Cove, and the rugged coastline of Tintagel, each location offers a unique insight into Cornwall’s smuggling past.
Whether you’re planning a road trip in Devon and Cornwall or are simply looking for a unique way to explore Cornwall’s sandy beaches, these coastal towns provide an intriguing blend of history, beauty, and adventure. Amidst the beautiful fishing villages and stunning coastal paths, you’ll discover a world of secrets hidden within the cliffs and narrow streets of Cornwall’s towns.
So pack your bags and embark on an adventure, exploring the charming villages of Cornwall, their stunning coastlines, and their thrilling smuggling past. Remember to visit the Cornwall tourist attractions, such as the Eden Project or St Michael’s Mount, and immerse yourself in the local culture. There’s no better way to experience Cornwall than by walking the same paths that smugglers once used, and who knows, you might even encounter the ghost of John Carter on your travels.
