A new survey has revealed that the way Brits enjoy their seaside holidays has significantly transformed over the past four decades. From the once-popular traditions of suntans, cockles, and Dandy Summer Specials, today’s beachgoers are opting for kayaking, Kindles, and a glass of Pinot.
With staycations booming, the survey conducted by Beachhuts.com—Britain’s longest-established beach hut rental company—has highlighted the changing preferences of holidaymakers. According to the data, 271 million Brits visited a UK beach last year, mirroring the footfall seen during the height of the Great British seaside holiday in the 1980s.
Lily Smith, a travel expert at Beachhuts.com, stated, “Our latest survey reveals the top seven activities for beach hut staycationers today, and it’s a very different list compared to those enjoyed by our parents in the 1980s.”
The top activities today include:
- Relaxing by the water—reading on Kindles, playing on gaming consoles, and sunbathing.
- Socialising—enjoying picnics and sipping wine from cool boxes.
- Walking, particularly with dogs.
- Swimming and paddling.
- Canoeing, kayaking, surfing, and kitesurfing.
- Photography and painting.
- Bird and nature watching.
Smith noted, “These activities reflect rewarding ways to spend a beach holiday and emphasise why modern beach hut vacations are one of the most relaxing ways to unwind.” This stands in stark contrast to a survey from the early 1980s, conducted for the now-defunct magazine Coaster – What’s On!, which revealed that beachgoers primarily focused on sunbathing, visiting arcades, and indulging in traditional seaside treats like fish and chips and cockles.
The change in attitudes towards sun exposure is particularly notable. Today, the dangers of skin cancer are widely understood, leading to a decline in the pursuit of bronzed skin. Instead, contemporary beachgoers tend to use beach huts for shade, moving away from the tradition of lying in the sun for hours.
While swimming and paddling remain timeless beach activities, the rise of kayaking and kitesurfing has replaced the once-popular surfboards. The survey also highlighted a significant shift in food preferences. Traditional seaside fare, such as whelks and donuts, has diminished, with many now opting for healthier options like pasta salads and chilled wines.
Organised beach sports, like dodgeball, which were a staple of the 1980s, did not make the cut in today’s preferred activities. Similarly, traditional penny arcades and end-of-the-pier shows have largely disappeared, though some resorts still feature arcades.
Interestingly, beach huts, once considered outdated, have experienced a resurgence, with values soaring by 100.5% between 2022 and 2023 in certain coastal areas. Beach huts are now available for as little as £20 per day, with many holidaymakers returning to the same location year after year, attracted by both the nostalgia and convenience of hut rentals.
As the popularity of beach huts continues to grow, they are increasingly being seen as an affordable option for “glamping by the sea.” With modern amenities and proximity to the beach, these huts are perfect for both relaxation and active seaside experiences.
For more information about beach hut rentals across the UK, visit Beachhuts.com.