Discover the real-life secret tunnels used by smugglers right under this Yorkshire village
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Tucked away on the wild and dramatic North Yorkshire coast, this incredible fishing village is completely hidden from the sea by the massive cliffs that surround it.
The atmosphere is one of profound secrecy, where the houses cling impossibly to the steep hillside and practically stack on top of each other right down to the beach.
This ancient, complicated maze of streets feels utterly frozen in a forgotten era of pirates and smugglers.
This astonishing place owes its fame to its challenging geography, as its isolated position and steep terrain made it the perfect secret base for illegal operations centuries ago.
The narrow, winding paths and tiny alleyways are so confusing that they were specifically designed to throw off any customs officers trying to track down contraband. It is a genuine, hidden piece of Britain that every keen walker needs to explore to uncover its criminal past.
The village's most famous and thrilling secret is the vast network of alleged smuggling tunnels and hidden passages that run beneath the houses, connecting them right down to the shore.
Legend says that contraband like brandy and tea could be passed from the cliff top right down to the water without ever leaving the buildings.
This powerful history gives the whole village an eerie, preserved sense of stepping back into a dangerous time.
For visitors planning a holiday, be prepared for a very tough walk because the streets are ridiculously steep and very slippery when wet, meaning sturdy boots are absolutely non-negotiable.
You must use the official visitors' car park high up above the town, as driving into the lower part of the village is banned because the roads are far too narrow and dangerous.
Remember to pack light, because anything you carry down you will have to carry back up that colossal, winding hill later!
This perfectly untouched spot is a genuinely rare piece of British history, offering a thrilling escape from fast modern life and letting you literally walk the paths of legendary smugglers.
This amazing, hidden village that guards its criminal past is what we are finally revealing. The name of this secret Yorkshire gem is Robin Hood’s Bay.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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