Summer 2021 short-term (casual) beach hut letting FAQ’s
During the usual summer period, beach huts can be booked for a day, a week or a longer period. Some huts are much more popular due to their location. This means that they can often have a different family group in them each day or week throughout the summer. We also have many customers who book the same hut for the same week each year and have done so for many years.
Government restrictions due to COVID–19 mean the huts have to be isolated for 48 hours and then thoroughly cleansed. This means the Council is unable to honour our standard booking durations.
The good news is that we have been able to find a way that allows some customers to book and enjoy a beach hut this summer whilst also meeting additional government guidelines for this popular service.
What is the new service?
Beach huts can be booked for 4 weeks, 9 weeks, or 24 weeks periods for the following specific dates:
4-week periods
03/04/21 – 30/04/21 = £349
08/05/21 – 04/06/21 = £349
12/06/21 – 09/07/21 = £349
17/07/21 – 13/08/21 = £499
21/08/21 – 17/09/21 = £499
9-week periods
08/05/21 – 09/07/21 = £785
17/07/21 – 17/09/21 = £1125
Summer period (24 weeks)
03/04/21 – 17/09/21 = £2469
Winter period (25 weeks)
25/09/21 - 18/03/22 = £499
These periods are designed to minimise contact, allow cleaning and follow Government guidance to give customers reassurance that their hut has been cleaned, sealed and left empty for 48 hours before they arrive.
When do bookings open?
Bookings for the new periods open on Thursday 4 February at 10am and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Some of our operating practices have changed, so before you make a booking, please read our revised terms and conditions, even if you are a regular beach hut user.
How can I book?
Customers can book online or by phone.
Please note there are only a limited amount of Poole beach huts available.
Poole beach huts T: 01202 708181
Visit Bournemouth beach huts or T: 01202 123800
Can I book a beach hut for one day or one week?
No. Casual beach huts can only be booked for the periods and prices specified. This is a minimum of 4 weeks in order to minimise contact and meet government guidelines.
Can I extend my 4 week booking?
You can extend your 4 week booking to the 9 week period, subject to availability.
Why is there a week gap between the 4 weekly bookings?
Casual huts will be closed for cleaning during the weeks between the specified booking dates. This will also allow us to close each hut for 48 hours between different users as recommended by Government guidelines. This is not necessary for a continuous 9 week or 24 week booking.
Can I still book if the 4 or 9 weeks has already started?
Yes - subject to availability, casual beach huts can be booked at any time once they have opened. Please be aware that due to the discount on offer, the price will remain the same, even if you are only able to use one or two weeks of your booking.
My preferred hut is not available for the full 9-week duration. Can I book 2 different huts to cover the 9 or 24 week period?
No, only one hut can be utilised for each booking period.
Why are the date options so limited?
The dates have been chosen to give customers the best option to enjoy the beaches safely whilst ensuring the additional cleansing, maintenance and staffing resources needed are in place.
I have an Access to Leisure Card, can I get an additional discount?
Prices have already been heavily discounted. No additional discounts or offers apply.
Can I sub-let or share my beach hut rental with others?
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the need for cleansing and to meet government guidance, the terms and conditions of your rental do not allow you to sub-let or share your casual hire beach hut with others outside of your family or support bubble. Should you break these conditions, your booking will be terminated and no refund will be given. Government guidance and advice on social distancing is your responsibility and should be followed at all times.
If government COVID-19 restrictions mean I am unable to use my hut will I get a refund?
Yes. As this is effectively a holiday booking and to help customers book with confidence during the current COVID-19 outbreak, we will continue to follow the official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England. Should we need to make any changes to our services or restrict access to beach huts due to COVID-19 Government imposed restrictions, we will advise customers as soon as possible and provide a pro-rata refund.
If I or anyone in my family group have COVID-19 symptoms and need to self-isolate, can I cancel my beach hut booking?
Customers who fall ill due to COVID-19 or are required to self-isolate, please contact us as soon as possible. We have relaxed our booking policy so that you can cancel your booking up to one week before it is due to start. Please note that if your booking has started and then you fall ill, we are unable to provide any refund as we will be unable to re-let the hut.
What are you doing to enforce social distancing?
Please remember that social distancing and limiting contact with those outside of your household remains essential in controlling COVID-19. As a beach hut user, it is important you self-enforce social distancing.
In addition, if your beach hut is located on the promenade, you are required to use the beach area for any tables and chairs and not place these on the promenade itself. This will help to keep the promenade clear, aid social distancing and ensure your safety as well as the safety of other beach users.
The beach is too busy and I haven’t been able to use my hut. Can I have a refund?
No. As we have seen, people are keen to visit the beach and we expect a significant increase in visitors. This is why it is important that all beach users follow the social distancing measures. Advice to all beach users remains, if the beach is too busy, go home or to your accommodation. Please plan your visit carefully and if you are in any doubt, or feel you are unable to maintain social distancing then please do not use your hut.
What toilets are open?
24 blocks of toilets along Bournemouth and Poole’s seafront are open. Opening times vary depending on the season. Whilst additional cleaning takes place daily, all users must self-enforce social distancing when queuing for these facilities. If facilities become too busy or people are not adhering to the guidelines we will close them for a period of time. For an up to date list of open toilets and opening times please check the Council’s website.
What car parks are open?
All public car parks are now open. For an up to date list please check the Council’s website.
Please use your mobile phone to pay for parking where possible, by calling or using the relevant parking app. This is to avoid queues and touching the pay machines.
In Bournemouth this is PayByPhone.
In Poole this is JustPark.
If you have to pay using cash or card, please follow social distancing rules and clean your hands before and after using the pay machines.
Are Lifeguards on duty?
There are no lifeguards currently on any of the beaches between 1 October and 1 April. It is at your own risk if you choose to enter the sea during this time. Services start at different beaches at different times during the season. For up to date information visit BCP Council’s Lifeguards information.
What is open?
Advice for visitors is to plan ahead and know before you go.
See our websites for more information
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