10 best smugglers' pubs

For secret staircases

The Mermaid Inn, Rye, East Sussex

This Elizabethan pub, hotel and restaurant played host in the mid-18th century to Rye's notorious Hawkhurst gang - who brazenly played with loaded pistols in the pub. Today, the guestrooms are named after famous smugglers: Dr Syn's bedchamber has a secret staircase behind a bookcase - many of the pub's other secret stairs have been turned into fire exits.
Open daily, 12-11pm. Book rooms well in advance (01797 223065, www.mermaidinn.com).

Photo: Visit Britain