Bathing Machines to Luxury Sheds: The History of Beach Huts
All of us dream of owning a beach hut by the sea. But today most are so expensive, they cost as much as a small house in the most desirable parts of England.
Things were not always that way. Back in Georgian and Victorian times, beach huts were created as ‘bathing machines’ that were wheeled down to the sea, to let people swim without having others see them undress!
Modesty laws also prevented men and women from swimming together, as exposed swimwear was forbidden. Not like today, where we have even a few nudist beaches!
At the coast, keep dogs away from nesting birds and seals (and never walk on sand dunes, to protect endangered species like natterjack toads). Learn more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
If using natural sun protection, always wash off skin before letting pets kiss you, due to toxic zinc oxide.
The old beach huts of ‘wooden huts on wheels’ have now been replaced by pretty huts on promenades, most have no electricity, just somewhere to boil a kettle, and stash a few belongings like deckchairs, to sit outside and watch the sun go down.
This happened when public atittudes towards swimming were more relaxed. So the wheels came off, and the huts were then set back aaway from the sea.
The first beach huts in England were built in popular coastal resorts like Bournemouth (Dorset) and Southwold (Suffolk). Soon towns were renting them out to make money, and also using them to store deckchairs.
The huts began to be painted in bright pastel colours, to encourage people to enjoy holidays by the sea. And apart from a short interruption during World War II (when most beaches were closed), they have been enjoyed ever since.
Beach huts dipped in popularity during the 1970s, when foreign holidays to Spain became popular, and some beach huts were left untouched. But in recent years with the rise of the ‘staycation’, their popularity has again boomed.
But even though most have nothing beyond the basics (not even running water), some can fetch as much as half a million pounds, a bit bonkers. But now almost a status symbol, like an expensive car. Which is a real shame.
The most expensive beach huts in England are unsurprisingly in Sandbanks (the most expensive property prices in England, near Bournemouth). These are a bit more luxurious, as you are allowed to sleep in them overnight!
What’s inside a typical beach hut?
As most of us could never afford one, what’s actually inside these tiny seaside temporary homes? Especially as there is no running water or electricity, and usually you are not allowed to sleep overnight, so there’s no bed?
Just like a tiny home, most are set up with a few space-saving essentials like:
- Foldaway tables and chairs (or built-in benches with lift-up lids for storage and cushions)
- A kettle and mugs, usually with a camping stove to heat water
- Shelves for books, board games and non-perishable food.
- Peg rails to dry wet swimwear, hang towels and store sun hats.
- Jerry cans filled with fresh water from local refill taps
- A dustpan and brush (or small room) to sweep out sand.
Luxury beach huts that allow sleeping may have mezzanine sleeping lofts with mattreses, plus solar panels and phone charging, with built-in fridges and hobs. And small toilets hidden away!
Are dogs allowed in beach huts in England?
Most beach huts are owned by local councils, so it entirely depends on the laws. Mostly yes, but remember that many beaches ban dogs (especially during summer months). So it pays to more look at the laws of the beach, as well as the beach hut nearby.
Many councils enforce Public Spaces Protection Orders from 1 May to 30 September, that restrict dogs during these times, others even ban dogs from being near beach huts in peak summer. If you rent your beach hut, look for dog-friendly filters before booking (some ban them due to allergies, others welcome them with water bowls and treats).
Walton-on-the-Naze (1000 more affordable beach huts)
The Essex town of Walton-on-the-Naze has over 1000 beach huts. They are still expensive, but more affordable than most. These are basic, with one reviewer writing of the town ‘you can’t get artisan bread or proper coffee – but that is it’s charm’).
Here, you are more likely to go get a veggie sausage sandwich at a local greasy spoon, and enjoy it with a flask of tea from your beach hut!
This is more akin to in Denmark, where beach huts are common ‘second homes’. These have doors at the side, and often are decorated with wallpaper, curtains and old crockery, proper little houses by the sea! You can’t rent or buy one, unless you’re Danish!
