Enter now to become the UK’s Beach Hut of the Year!

The British seaside wouldn’t be the same without our beloved beach huts. Evolving from bathing machines (essentially a beach hut on wheels) during the Georgian and Victorian era, the first purposely built beach hut was erected as early as 1909 along Bournemouth seafront. Now they range from traditional red and white stripes to whacky, vibrant designs, and provide the perfect coastal haven to those who own them. To celebrate these characterful cabins lining our seafronts, the UK’s Beach Hut of the Year competition has returned for a second season along with Ryan’s Insurance, looking for stories on how beach huts have made a difference to people’s lives.

More than just a beach hut

The competition is now open to entries and invites the 20,000-plus beach hut owners in the UK to compete for the ‘Ryan’s Beach Hut of the Year 2021’ title. Rather than being judged on aesthetic alone, the use of the beach hut is what’s most important. It can be a restoration project, wedding venue, or just somewhere to escape from the daily stresses of life – however grand or small they might be, every owner is encouraged to enter by explaining how much their beach hut means to them.

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Joining Ryan’s Insurance on the judging panel will be the owner of Millie’s Beach Huts in Walton-on-the-Naze, Vicky Gunn as well as bestselling author and scriptwriter, Veronica Henry.

‘The beach is one of my favourite places to be and the beach hut is a wonderful haven to relax and unwind, recuperate and get creative’, says Veronica, whose new book named A Day at the Beach Hut is a collection of short stories about Everdene Sands. ‘I’m really delighted to be joining the team of judges at Ryan’s and Millie’s Beach Huts and I can’t wait to get stuck in to reading about all the amazing uses people put their huts to, especially over the past year when finding a place where we can see that life is still happening all around us has been so much more important.’

Beach hut sales boom

As staycations continue to grow, beach hut sales and rentals have also seen a huge boost in popularity ahead of another summer on the British coast, with prices increasing by 40% over the past year. Vicky has seen her beach hut holiday lets sell out in record time, even during off-peak dates. ‘Demand for a day out at a beach hut is higher than ever due to the pandemic and dates are being snapped up as soon as they’re released.

‘I bought Harley (one of her huts) four years ago for £10,000 and it’s now revalued at more than four times that investment. The joy and comfort that a beach hut can bring is in huge demand!”

Enter the competition

Owners are asked to write a 200-word entry explaining why their beach hut is the best, with up to four supporting images. The winner will receive a £300 prize, one year’s free insurance for their beach hut, £150 to go towards their Beach Hut Association or chosen charity, a luxury hamper plus a winner’s plaque. Second and third place will also receive a cash prize and a runner’s up plaque. Entries are open now and close on 6 September, with the winner announced on 27 September. For more details, terms and conditions and the entry form, go to ryans.co.uk