Are we all mad hutters? There’s been a 20% rise in Londoners booking beach huts this winter

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The popularity of the traditional British beach hut has boomed in recent years and their average value has soared by over 100% in some areas. Even so, a 20% rise in winter bookings by hardy Londoners is unexpected. A leading holiday expert says it’s easy to see their cosy, out-of-season charm, no matter what the weather.

Beach huts soared in value by 100.5% between 2022 and 2023 in some coastal areas, costing around £123,000 on average. However, holidaymakers can book a week in a hut at, for example, Dorset’s beautiful Branksome Chine from as little as £49 a day in July. That’s makes a summer beach hut holiday amazing value.

However, most of us would imagine that their appeal is far more limited in the cold winter months. Relaxing by the sea, sipping tea or something a little stronger, walking the dog and enjoying a picnic is all very well in August. Surely, though, on a February day, with the temperature just above freezing and a bracing sea breeze, a beach hut’s charm loses its appeal?

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That’s not the case, says Lily Smith, a travel and holiday expert from the specialist booking service BeachHuts.com: ‘Winter and spring lets have actually boomed in recent years, as more people want to experience the coast in all weathers. Londoners in particular seem to want to escape town at this dreary time of year. We’ve seen a 20% rise in out-of-season beach hut bookings from people living in Greater London.

A beach hut is the perfect winter seaside haven away from the grime of London. This charming hut is on the seafront overlooking Friars Cliff beach, near Christchurch.A beach hut is the perfect winter seaside haven away from the grime of London. This charming hut is on the seafront overlooking Friars Cliff beach, near Christchurch.
A beach hut is the perfect winter seaside haven away from the grime of London. This charming hut is on the seafront overlooking Friars Cliff beach, near Christchurch.

‘Dog owners and younger people, in particular, are discovering the unexpected delights of a cosy winter beach hut holiday. There’s nothing better than a brisk beach walk followed by a hot cuppa, blankets and board games.

‘As many staycationers have discovered, there’s actually a lot to be said for visiting the seaside at this time of year. The crowds have all gone but on a sunny February day the cliffs and sands are just as beautiful as they are in summer. Many people love watching and listening to the turbulent winter waves. Having your own hut also gives you a secure base for your things while your dog takes you for a walk or you head out in search of fish and chips or a warm seaside pub.

‘There are also a number of activities that beach hutters often enjoy in the winter months. Birdwatching is very popular as our shores are visited by waders from Arctic breeding grounds or birds passing through on migration.

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‘Kite flying is also a very popular beach activity in winter and spring. Winter often brings strong, consistent winds along the coast, perfect for keeping a kite aloft! For the even hardier, kite surfing, rather than kite flying, is very popular in winter months when the winds and waves are at their height.

‘Outdoor swimming is another popular winter water sport. It boomed in popularity by over 300% during the Covid pandemic, when pools were closed. Many people have retained their love for it and 60% of outdoor swimmers continue to enjoy sea swimming during the winter months. Cold water swimming activates endorphins, known as the "happy hormones". As soon as your body hits the water, you start feeling the effects of this natural high.

‘Of course, many people with memories of 1970s seaside holidays assume beach huts are all open-fronted and sparsely furnished. In fact, these days many have electrical power, cooking facilities and all kinds of modern conveniences.

‘One of the advantages of hiring a hut out of season is that they are even better value than during the summer. For example, Towan Beach Hut in Newquay costs just £20 a day this February. That’s cheap as (fish and) chips for a winter seaside bolthole. It’s a pretty hut facing a landmark house on the rock and is equipped with everything you need to keep cosy, including chairs, kettle, mugs, tea and coffee and even a fridge/freezer.

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‘Ideal for a winter stay is The Cabin, Holland-on-Sea beach, Essex. This delightful hut is available for hire throughout the year. Immaculately presented, The Cabin has beautiful, panoramic sea views and is located 5 metres from the sand. It also boasts an insertable windowpane so you can sit cosily inside. It’s fully equipped with a 2-ring gas hob and grill, sink, kettle, teapot, deckchairs, fishing rod, crab lines, windbreaks and blankets, to make it a winter haven. It’s available from just £35 a day this February.

‘If even that doesn’t sound quite as toasty as you’d like for the winter, some “huts” are more of a proper building, built for overnight stays. For example, Lark’s Nest is a spacious, modern beach bungalow nestling in a quiet spot within Riviere Towans, Hayle, Cornwall. With three bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin and bunk beds), kitchen/breakfast room and separate lounge, Lark’s Nest is the perfect holiday bolthole for families and is a great location from which to explore St. Ives Bay and the surrounding sights of West Cornwall. You can stay for two nights in comfort very near to the beach for £464 this February.

‘For more information about the huge range of beach hut locations available across the UK, see www.beachhuts.com/beach-huts-for-rent-by-area.html

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