A new, immersive walking trail which uncovers the dramatic history of 18th-century smuggling in Christchurch has been installed at Mudeford Quay by BCP Council.
Smugglers’ Run is a 1.2km self-led walking trail along Mudeford Quay, featuring 16 illustrated signs telling the story of Christchurch’s most notorious smugglers, and why the location became a smugglers’ haven.
The project was created in collaboration with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), with signs hosting relief artwork created by AUB Modelmaking students, and the trail narrated with audio clips created and performed by AUB Acting students, with a script by local writer and AUB visiting tutor, Alice Flynn.
During the 18th century, Britain’s global conflicts led to heavy taxation, sparking a thriving smuggling industry. Luxury goods like brandy, tea, silk, and tobacco were smuggled to avoid customs duties. Christchurch’s remote location, double tides, and proximity to France made it a smuggler’s haven – far from the watchful eyes of major ports.
The trail focuses on the real people and stories of Christchurch’s past, offering an educational retelling of local heritage.
The route is fully accessible via hard-surfaced paths. It begins and ends outside the Haven House Inn and Café. The trail is dog-friendly, with a mix of quayside and green park space, and there are public toilets close by.
The Smugglers’ Run trail was designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences from history buffs to families enjoying a stroll by the sea.
The trail is also being promoted to nearby hospitality venues as a way to enrich the visitor experience and connect people with Christchurch’s heritage.
Amanda Barrie, director of commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “Smugglers’ Run is a fantastic example of how we can bring local history to life in a way that’s engaging, educational, and accessible to all.
“This project not only celebrates Christchurch’s unique heritage but also showcases the incredible talent of our local students and historians. We’re proud to have worked in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth and our community to create something that will inspire curiosity and connection for years to come.”
Luna Ubide Holmes, BA (Hons) Modelmaking student from AUB, said, “I wanted to be involved with the project because I’m very interested in history and thought it would be an interesting challenge to portray an important historical figure through my work.
“Working with the council has been a very cool experience and I am so excited that my work is going to be on display for people to see and touch and learn about the local Christchurch history”.
Marten Sims, senior lecturer for BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Arts University Bournemouth (project development and trail design), said: “I grew up sailing on Mudeford Quay and always loved the stories of the local smugglers. It’s crazy to imagine that at one time, the coast from Poole to Christchurch to Lymington was the epicentre for smuggling in the UK.
“It feels great to have been able to finally bring these real people’s stories to life and show visitors what life was like for locals a couple of hundred years ago. At several points during this project I actually got choked up when reading about how these people lived and the hard choices that they had to make in order to survive. This project has been a year in the making, and it has involved a huge team effort, from working with local historians, to staff and students from multiple courses at AUB: Modelmaking, Graphic Design, Illustration and Acting.
“It’s been an incredible partnership and the talent on display speaks for itself. I am really proud of the team effort to bring these stories, this beautiful place and these fascinating real characters to life. I hope that people enjoy the trail as much as I’ve enjoyed working on it.”
