Did you know?
The caves served as a home, a hospital, an air-raid shelter, and a ballroom – of which even the royal family and The Rolling Stones have visited!
St Clement’s Caves were formed around 14,000 BC, during the last known Ice Age. Since their creation, these mysterious and spooky caves have had a fascinating role to play in the history of the Hastings area.
Learn Even More
These ancient caves are steeped in so much history that no one is actually sure how long the caves have been used by man – or other creatures for that matter. The stonework is etched with so much mystery that researchers still continue to try and discover the clues that tell the story of this historic area’s secret past.
The caves provide the perfect location for a vivid recreation of the fascinating, dark, and often bloody stories of smuggling and piracy along the Sussex Coast. Ever wondered where buccaneers hid back in the 17th and 18th centuries? Well, look no further, because these caves have stories to tell and you’ll want to hear them!
Smugglers Adventure is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm until 1st November 2026!
Smugglers Adventure is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm until 1st November 2026!
Last Admissions 4:15
Smugglers Adventure Caves is located on Hastings’ West Hill, overlooking the Old Town and seafront. Visitors can reach us by the West Hill Cliff Railway, on foot via signposted paths, or by car via the A259 or A21. Parking is available on Priory Road and nearby residential streets. Hastings Station is around a 20-minute walk away, with regular train and bus services. Alternative walking and driving routes are available if the cliff railway is closed.
For more information about visiting Smugglers Adventure, check out our How to Get Here page.
There are 40 steps down to the entrance of the attraction. Due to the attraction being set inside a natural cave, there are many uneven floors, a low tunnel, and slippery surfaces, making the caves inaccessible by wheelchair. Pushchairs are not permitted inside but can be left in the buggy park. We recommend bringing a baby sling should you need one.
For full details, head to our Visitor Accessibility
