Why Cornwall’s Cosy Beach Huts Might Be the Answer to Our Holiday Let Crisis

As demand for holiday lets reaches record highs, pressure mounts on local housing — but could beach huts offer a guilt-free alternative?

With protests erupting in Spain over holiday rental pressures, Cornwall may be heading in a similar direction. A new report from the Government’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows bookings for short-term lets across the UK hit 90.1 million guest nights last year, with Cornwall second only to Westminster in total stays.

In August alone, the county saw a peak of 803,920 guest nights, placing further pressure on available homes and pricing locals out of the market.

Cornwall Housing Feels the Strain

Lily Smith, travel expert from BeachHuts.com, explained:
“Demand for a short stay base in Cornwall has ballooned in recent years. In the summer months, Cornwall has the highest number of bookings in the UK… The number of residential homes being turned into holiday lets is one reason why Cornwall’s median house price is now 8.85 times the yearly average earning for the area.”

In mid-2023, Cornwall’s population stood at 578,342, but in peak summer, the number of visitors swells significantly. With more homes being bought up as holiday lets, the pressure on locals trying to find somewhere to live continues to grow.

Beach Huts: A Low-Impact Alternative

Unlike traditional holiday lets, beach huts don’t take homes off the market. Many of them are available for day use or even overnight stays — offering a seaside base without contributing to the housing shortage.

“Beach huts need very little infrastructure, they don’t deprive anyone of a home and their bright appearance often adds character to an area,” Lily said. “We’d love to see more local authorities grant freehold tenures for beach huts with no night-time occupancy restrictions.”

Beach huts can be a great way to enjoy a beach day without booking expensive accommodation. Many are well equipped with cooking facilities, seating, and sea views. Some even offer overnight stays.

Stay the Night, Skip the Guilt

In Cornwall, the Sea Angel vintage beach chalet in St Ives is one such example. With Cath Kidston-style décor, a double bedroom, bunk beds, microwave, fridge and TV, it’s just a three-minute walk from Gwithian Beach. Prices start at £125 a night, rising to £150 in August.

For something larger, Lark’s Nest in Riviere Towans holiday park is a stylish beach bungalow with three bedrooms and space for six. It’s currently priced at £464 for a three-night stay — again, around £150 per night.

While not all beach huts allow overnight stays, they’re still a cost-effective option for a long day by the sea. Hut 821 at Boscombe Beach in Dorset, for example, comes with cooking equipment, reclining chairs, cutlery and a parasol, all for £55 per day in August.

Could Cornwall Follow Spain’s Lead?

With tensions rising abroad and locals feeling the squeeze, it’s not far-fetched to imagine similar demonstrations happening here. The contrast between tourists enjoying holiday lets and locals unable to afford homes is becoming harder to ignore.

Whether or not protests reach Cornwall, beach huts might just offer a small but meaningful solution. As Lily puts it, they’re “the perfect ethical alternative to holiday lets and hotels.”

For more on overnight hut rentals across the UK, visit BeachHuts.com.