CHRISTCHURCH was once known as a smugglers’ haven as criminals flocked to the area in the 18th and 19th centuries to escape prying eyes at major ports.

Its remote location, coupled with the hazardous harbour entrance ‘The Run’, double tides and proximity to France, made the area a hotspot for criminals trying to sell luxury goods such as brandy, tea, silk, and tobacco while avoiding paying heavy customs duties.

And now, a new immersive walking trail will put people in the shoes of these smugglers as they find out more about the real people and stories of Christchurch’s criminal past.

The new trail has been installed at Mudeford Quay and takes people on a 1.2km self-led walking trail featuring 16 illustrated signs – each telling the story of Christchurch’s most notorious smugglers.

The fully accessible, dog-friendly route begins and ends outside the Haven House Inn and Café.

Smugglers’ Run doesn’t just appeal to history buffs. Schools and colleges in the area are being encouraged to explore the trail with students, and it’s ideal for clubs and organisations like Scouts and Brownies to complete with their leaders.

Join John Streeter, the most notorious of the 18th century Christchurch smugglers, as he takes walkers on a fascinating journey through time by recounting his memories of old Mudeford and other local smugglers – reckless ‘Slippery’ Rogers, business-like Isaac Gulliver and his White Wigs, motherly Hannah Seller of Haven House, and spirited Lovey Warne.

READ MORE: Christchurch man, Jordan McClay, wanted by police

READ MORE: Sun shines as Christchurch River Pageant makes its debut

Amanda Barrie, director of commercial operations at BCP Council who created the project, 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.”

BCP Council worked with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), with signs hosting relief artwork created by AUB Modelmaking students, and the trail narrated throughout with audio clips created and performed by AUB Acting students, with a script by local writer and AUB Visiting Tutor, Alice Flynn.

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.”

This project is fully funded through a UK Government grant.

A digital version of the trail is available along with animated audio tracks which help bring the trail to life on the Explore BCP website: www.explorebcp.co.uk/smugglers-run