For the summer, a group of Britons waited in freezing rain and cold for 24 hours to get a beach hut.
There were only 12 available cabins for rent in summer and all year at Avon Beach in Christchurch (Dorset), so the staycationers did everything they could to secure one.
The huts weren’t available for booking until 8AM today. However, staff arrived at the Beach Shop at 7.30 AM to see several people who were already battling the elements.
Coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions have caused a boom for the staycation sector. The British holiday market has seen a surge in accommodation over Christmas and New Year.
Even though most people don’t have running water and toilets, beach hut prices have skyrocketed in certain regions.
In July one hut in Mudeford near Bournemouth in Dorset went for a whopping £320,000 – the same price as a four-bedroom home in Shropshire.
The queue in Dorset grew throughout the day. There was a lot of people queuing up overnight, and there were around 50 waiting when the admin office opened.
Only 12 cottages are available to rent at Avon Beach, Christchurch, Dorset. Pictured: A crowd of dedicated holidaymakers waited overnight to reserve a cabin for rent
Picture: Margaret Davis (and her daughter Nicola) arrived in the morning at 4am and were among the fortunate few to be able secure a hut.
Although the huts could not be booked until at least 8 AM today, staff reached the beach shop at 7.30 am to discover that several braved the elements.
The mostly 6ft by 4ft huts, which cost £3,570 to rent out for the year, are typically booked up within minutes of opening.
Avon Beach boasts 130 huts along its quiet, sandy beaches. This beach is very popular among dog owners, tourists, and water sports enthusiasts.
Some of the huts change hands privately for as much as £80,000 and have gas-powered fridges and gas hobs inside.
For different times of the year there were 40 huts available, while 12 are for whole summer or the entire year.
Ken Ryder (72) and Jan Manton (77) were among the first in the line.
The waiting list grew over the course of the day. Hundreds waited overnight, while around 50 people remained in line by the opening time at the administration office.
Many people line up early in the morning to try and secure one of those sought-after beach homes.
The mostly 6ft by 4ft huts, which cost £3,570 to rent out for the year, are typically booked up within minutes of opening
Ken stated, “This is my 6th year of waiting to be able to rent a beach house – it’s been 28 hours.”
You read books, chat, and that is all you do for entertainment.
“Fortunately, we are undercover beneath the canopy at the ice cream kiosk. The first dozen people go under the canopy while the others remain out in open.
“My wife came down yesterday from 8am to 10 yesterday morning, so that I could get breakfast. Then she returned from 12 noon until 2pm. I then stayed the night.
“The main reason that we moved here was to be near the beach, and having a cottage is the cherry on top.”
Nicola Davies, who arrived this morning at 4:45 AM, is among the few lucky ones to have a hut.
Some of the huts change hands privately for as much as £80,000 and have gas-powered fridges and gas hobs inside
Ken Ryder (72), and Jan Manton (77) were the first to arrive in line. They waited for 28 hours before finally getting on the plane.
Laura Huxtable White, manager of the beach huts said that they are highly sought-after and people will queue for hours to get in.
Avon Beach boasts 130 huts along its quiet sandy beaches. This beach is very popular among dog owners, tourists, and water sports enthusiasts.
Mother of two, 38 year olds said that her grandfather promised to buy one for my family. However, he died in November at 93. So it never happened.
“He enjoyed watching his eight great-grandchildren play at the ocean.
“It is a lovely, safe beach. The wait was worth it.
Laura Huxtable White, manager of the beach huts said that they are highly sought-after and people will queue for hours.
“We asked those queuing for assistance to consider social distancing and tried to be prudent.
Ken commented, “This is the sixth year that I have waited to get a beach-hut. It has been 28 hours.” “You can only read and talk – that’s all it takes to get through the day.”
Pictured: A group of people walk on the beachfront past Avon Beach’s colourful huts.
“Avon Beach has beautiful views of the Isle of Wight. We have our wonderful restaurant, cafeteria, and soon to be new deli.
“I think this year’s pandemic is making people even more eager to have one.
“In lockdown this year, phones were busy. Yesterday, we got a lot of phone calls from people wanting to confirm that the date is correct.
Jill Taylor, who owns South View Lodges in Exeter, Devon, said: ‘We have been booked for Christmas and New Year for six months. However, we had a cancellation two weeks ago as the guests were coming from South Africa and we haven’t yet managed to book it.’
According to experts, this will be filled by rising UK demand.
James Starkey, of holidaycottages.co.uk, said: ‘Demand has been really strong over the past few weeks, with a lot of people looking to get away from it all with family and friends over Christmas.
‘We expect this level of demand to continue into 2022 as travel plans may need to be put on hold with the potential of restrictions.’