Holidaymakers this year have been urged to stick to the UK where possible, as travel restrictions still remain in place for many parts of the world.
Last year was mostly the same, which turned British beach huts into big business.
One in Devon even sold for more than the price of the average house, making it the most expensive of its kind in the country.
If you want to dip your toe into owning or renting a beach hut, you’ve got competition.
Researchers from money.co.uk recently looked into the most searched-for beaches with huts available.
Poring through the most popular between 2018 and 2020, they also found out how much it costs to rent or buy a beach hut there.
1. Barry Island, South Wales
You probably know Barry Island best from Gavin and Stacey, watching the Shipmans and Wests enjoy their ice creams on the beach.
If you get a chance to go, though, you’ll think of it as more than a sitcom location, with sandy beaches and plenty of options for the whole family.
A beach hut hire won’t set you too far back here, either, with the maximum price being £32.50 for a large hut all day, or £16.50 for a half day. You’ll also get money off out of season.
2. West Wittering, Chichester
The sandy beaches of West Wittering are perfect for those who like to spot wildlife, and is managed by the National Trust.
It’s also just a few miles from Chichester cathedral if you fancy a change from the seaside.
Most of the huts here are privately owned, or rented out to long-term tenants at a price of £1837.50 a year.
3. Sandbanks beach, Dorset
Sandbanks is famed for its high house prices, with the homes of footballers and celebrities dotting the coastline – as well as these sweet beach huts and miles of sand.
Prices start at £349 to rent a beach hut here for four weeks in peak season, or £499 for a 25-week winter season.
4. Camber Sands beach, East Sussex
With a Pontins and a Parkdean holiday park nearby, Camber Sands has long been a favourite with families.
As far as beach huts go, these appear to be holiday lets set just back from the beach, so you can stay as well as using it as your seaside base.
5. Hastings beach, East Sussex
From the many museums and attractions centring around the Battle of Hastings, to the seaside restaurants and bars, you’ll won’t be bored in Hastings.
Beach huts to rent here start from £474 a year, although they book up fast.
6. Woolacombe sands, North Devon
This small town is home to some serious surfing, so bring your wetsuit if you’re planning a day by the Woolacombe shores.
The huts here are just £100 for four days, so it’s also pretty great value compared to others nearby
7. Bournemouth pier, Bournemouth
Ziplining, visiting Peppa Pig World, and exploring the Swanage Railway are just a few of the things to do in Bournemouth once you’re done with the beach.
Like the beaches of Sandbanks, prices start at £349 to rent a beach hut here for four weeks in peak season, or £499 for a 25-week winter season.
8. Boscombe beach, Bournemouth
This beach is a real hub of activity during peak times, with everything from yoga to surfing to professional sandcastle making popping up on the sand.
You’ll pay the same here as you will for a hut across the rest of Bournemouth.
9. Avon beach, Dorset
Avon Beach is located in just beside the village of Mudeford, which embodies everything great about the British seaside (including a spot to go crab fishing).
Prices to rent a beach hut here range from £25 to £40 a day for smaller ones, and £40 to £50 for one of the larger options
10. Southwold beach, East Suffolk
The home to George Orwell for around 20 years, Southwold is an unspoilt gem and boasts beautiful horizons.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t kitschy amusements, which you’ll find if you head to the pier.
A week’s rental at a beach hut here will cost from £344.
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