Unusual Beach Huts of the UK: A Journey from Sussex to Kent

Natalie celebrates the arrival of spring and the joys of beach hut culture along the British seaside. She shares her top five favourite unusual and extravagant beach huts, starting with the innovative Spyglass in Eastbourne, which rotates to follow the sun, and the artistic What Unearthed, inspired by local archaeological finds. The episode also highlights the quirky Crazy Golf 18 Holes in Folkestone, created from a repurposed crazy golf course, and a striking lighthouse-style beach hut by artist Pablo Branston. Finally, Natalie takes listeners back in time to Weymouth to explore a replica of the historical bathing machine used by King George III. This episode is a delightful exploration of unique beach huts that embody creativity and history, perfect for anyone planning a seaside getaway. KEY TAKEAWAYS Spring and Beach Hut Season: The arrival of spring brings longer daylight hours and the opportunity to enjoy beach days, prompting thoughts about holiday plans, particularly trips to the British seaside. Unique Beach Huts in Eastbourne: Eastbourne features two extraordinary beach huts, the Spyglass and What Unearthed, both designed as part of an initiative to create iconic beach hut designs. The Spyglass is notable for its ability to rotate for optimal views, while What Unearthed is inspired by local archaeological discoveries. Folkestone's Artistic Beach Huts: Folkestone is home to several remarkable beach huts, including Crazy Golf 18 Holes, created by sculptor Richard Wilson, which repurposes elements of a former crazy golf course, and a lighthouse-style hut by Pablo Branstein, which pays homage to 18th-century architectural styles. Historical Bathing Machines in Weymouth: Weymouth features a replica of a bathing machine, an early form of beach hut used by King George III. This wheeled structure allowed for modesty while bathing and represents a significant piece of seaside history. Exploration and Recommendations: The episode encourages listeners to explore these unique beach huts and historical structures during their summer travels, while also promoting other podcast episodes that delve deeper into specific topics related to beach huts and their history. BEST MOMENTS "The Spyglass is a unique beach hut because it was designed to move. It was mounted on a recessed turntable and the hut was designed to rotate 180 degrees to give you the best view." - Natalie Young "What's Unearthed is a striking geometric beach hut... inspired by local archaeological discoveries." - Natalie Young "He recycled an old crazy golf course, sawing it up into three sculptures in the shape of three beach huts." - Natalie Young "This fabulous hut is situated next to other brightly coloured huts along the waterfront and alongside the council's more mundane arrangements for parking maintenance." - Natalie Young "The bathing machine allowed the better off to enjoy the sea and at the same time protect their modesty whilst they took a dip." - Natalie Young Beach Huts Featured: https://jakstudio.co.uk/the-spy-glass/ https://www.foleyarchitects.com/case-studies/eastbourne-beach-hut https://www.richardwilsonsculptor.com/sculpture/18-holes-2008.html https://youtu.be/_w7u0suA7hI?si=1udIkiQLkL9Q09Up https://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/the-remarkable-tale-of-the-bathing-machine-258941 HOST BIO My name is Natalie Young. I bought a beach hut to bring joy into my life after escaping an abusive relationship and a difficult divorce.  Based in Christchurch, Dorset, my beach hut is affectionally called the Salty Seagull and is located on Friars Cliff beach with sea views to the Needles on the Isle of White. It is my slice of heaven.  Owning and hiring a beach hut is more complicated than I realised and I am on a constant mission to discover the best ways to manage and care for your hut. I have researched the pros and cons of renting and the best ways to market and host. The beach, the sights and the sounds of the sea brin