Bonkers About Beach Huts

By: Natalie Young
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast. The show all about beach huts

    Whether you are thinking of buying a beach hut and don’t know where to begin or if you have had a beach hut in your family for generations this podcast is for you.

    Across the country, I will be creating the UK's first beach hut map. I will give tips on where and how to buy a beach hut. And share everything you need to know about beach hut maintenance plus advice on hiring a beach hut.

    There will be a new show every week. We will be chatting to special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers.

    If you don’t own a beach hut but would love to or just love the coastal lifestyle, you can live vicariously through our podcast as I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives.

    Beach huts are finally getting the appreciation they deserve, if you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will be a little bit bonkers about beach huts.
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • A New Year’s Reflection: The Joys of Beach Hut Life

    A New Year’s Reflection: The Joys of Beach Hut Life
    Jan 8 2025

    In this episode, Natalie reflects on her unique Christmas experience spent by the coast, highlighting her visits to beach huts in Portland, Dorset, and various locations in Sussex. Despite her usual lack of enthusiasm for the holiday season, Natalie shares how the warmth of community and the beauty of the UK coastline made this Christmas particularly special. She discusses the benefits of visiting the coast during winter, including easier parking, lower costs for beach hut rentals, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Spending time at beach huts fosters a sense of community, as experienced during Christmas gatherings with fellow beach hut enthusiasts, highlighting the positive impact on well-being.

    • Visiting the coast during winter offers advantages such as easier parking, lower accommodation costs, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an appealing time to explore beach huts.

    • Beach huts provide a cozy retreat from winter weather, allowing visitors to enjoy the seaside in comfort, equipped with hot drinks and blankets, while avoiding the harsh elements.

    • Engaging in cold water swimming can boost mood and health, with research supporting its benefits, including potential weight loss and improved mental well-being, especially when done safely with a group.

    • Natalie's podcast journey has led to unexpected rewards, including meeting wonderful people and growing a supportive listener community, with plans for future episodes featuring notable guests and topics related to beach huts.

    BEST MOMENTS

    "I was lucky enough to visit beach huts on Portland in Dorset and Seaford, Hove and Eastbourne in Sussex."

    "One thing I do appreciate is the bank holidays. It means time to get to the beach."

    "With fewer crowds, you can sometimes feel it's like your own private beach as well."

    "There's growing research about the benefits of cold water swimming and its ability to boost mood and banish those winter blues."

    "One of the hidden benefits is the people that you will meet and the community you will instantly become part of."

    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 bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too!

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following
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    11 mins
  • A Heartwarming Conversation about Cold Water Dips and Community Spirit

    A Heartwarming Conversation about Cold Water Dips and Community Spirit
    Dec 23 2024
    In this festive episode of the Bonkers About Beach Huts podcast, Natalie Young welcomes Nikki Cavell, a Portage Officer and member of the Blue Tits, a global community of cold water swimmers. As Christmas approaches, they discuss the unique experience of wild swimming along the stunning Dorset Coast, particularly on Christmas and New Year's Day, some of the busiest times at the beach. Nikki shares her journey into cold water swimming, the emotional and physical benefits she has experienced, and offers practical advice for those considering a dip in the sea during the holiday season. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Blue Tits is a worldwide community of cold water swimmers that encourages individuals to enjoy the sea at their own pace, promoting the motto "swim your own swim," which emphasises no pressure to participate beyond one's comfort level. Engaging in cold water swimming can lead to improved mental health, providing feelings of relaxation and invigoration. Regular dips can help alleviate feelings of restlessness and enhance overall well-being. For those considering cold water swimming, it's essential to prepare adequately. This includes bringing layers of clothing for warmth, a hot drink, and a buddy for safety. It's also important to listen to your body and not set strict time limits for how long to stay in the water. Recognising signs of when to exit the water, such as a pins-and-needles sensation or shivering, is crucial for safety. Swimmers should prioritise getting warm quickly after exiting the water to prevent hypothermia. Anyone can join the Blue Tits without a membership fee, making it an accessible option for those interested in trying cold water swimming. Local groups can be found through online searches. The Blue Tits fosters a welcoming environment for newcomers. BEST MOMENTS "The motto is swim your own swim, which I think is lovely because there's absolutely no pressure on anybody to even get in the water, let alone swim." "I just really want to go. It's almost like a mental or emotional stretch, if you like. So yeah, I've definitely noticed the benefits." "If I do yoga and I don't do yoga for a long time, I really need to go and have a good yoga session and really stretch." "Christmas Day and New Year's Day are some of the busiest days at the beach." "I think the health benefits of cold water swimming are becoming more understood." LINKS https://thebluetits.co/https://stylist.meamora.co.uk/nikkichttps://www.facebook.com/share/1DYhA6mpJ4/?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.portage.org.uk/about/what-portage Buy the Dry Robe https://amzn.to/4gNjMtf 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 bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following PODCAST DESCRIPTION Welcome to the Bonkers about Beach Huts podcast, the show that's all about beach huts! Whether you are thinking of buying a beach hut and don’t know where to begin or if you have had a beach hut in your family for generations this podcast is for you. As I travel across the UK exploring these coastal retreats and sharing personal stories of how the humble beach hut has shaped lives, I will also be creating the UK's first beach hut map. I will give tips on where and how to buy a beach hut. And share everything you need to know about beach hut maintenance plus advice on hiring a beach hut. We will be chatting with special guests from estate agents to lock specialists, beach hut associations to beach hut builders, and artists to interior designers. If you don’t know what all the fuss is about, join us every week and you too will become a little bit Bonkers about Beach Huts.
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    27 mins
  • Beach Hut Bliss: The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Coastal Enthusiasts

    Beach Hut Bliss: The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Coastal Enthusiasts
    Dec 18 2024

    In this festive episode, Natalie shares a list of top Christmas gift ideas for beach hut enthusiasts. Whether you're an early shopper or a last-minute gift-giver, Natalie has something for everyone, from the kids and foodies to party animals and bookworms. Natalie explores a variety of unique gifts, including cookbooks, portable speakers, beach-themed toys, and cosy winter essentials, ensuring that no beach hut lover is left out. With practical suggestions for adults and kids and delightful home decor items.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Gift Ideas for Beach Hut Enthusiasts: The episode provides a variety of Christmas gift suggestions tailored for different types of beach hut lovers, including foodies, children, party animals, bookworms, and beach hut themed home decor.

    • Foodie Gifts: Recommended gifts for food lovers include a cookbook titled Favourite Beach House Recipes, beach-themed chopping boards, portable blenders, and cool boxes to keep food and drinks fresh.

    • Children's Gifts: Suggestions for kids include beach-themed books like The Enchanted Beach Hut, Lego sets, and interactive toys such as Bluey's Beach Cabin Playset, which features fun elements for imaginative play.

    • Gifts for Relaxation and Comfort: For those who enjoy a cosy beach hut experience, gifts like stylish portable lights, power banks for charging devices, and heated blankets are highlighted as great options for winter use.

    • Fun and Quirky Gifts: The episode concludes with lighthearted gift ideas, such as beach-themed socks and silly slippers just for fun during the holiday season.

    BEST MOMENTS

    "I have scoured the earth, well virtually the entire internet universe, to provide you with the top Christmas gifts for Beach Hut lovers."

    "If you are gifting a budding chef, you could gift a cookbook compiled by J Salmon called Favourite Beach House Recipes."

    "The dry robe is quickly growing in popularity, and the makers would have you believe that they are great coats for any outdoor adventure."

    "If you want to enjoy a sandwich with your cuppa, Rick Stein has a gorgeous melamine range of plates and bowls called the Coves of Cornwall."

    LINKS

    J Simon Favourite Beach House Recipes https://amzn.to/3VVQCj

    Makita Cool Box https://amzn.to/408pYXh

    Andy Kemp The Lonely Beach Hut https://amzn.to/4iJVoe5

    Retrolife, portable record player https://amzn.to/4fP3hwd

    Brighton Water Shoes. https://amzn.to/408VJj4

    Dry Robe https://amzn.to/3VXKUhh

    Stoov Heated Blanket https://amzn.to/40cszzO

    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 bring me huge joy. I hope this podcast will bring you smiles, laughter and joy too!

    Natalie would love to hear from you if you have a beach hut story to tell.

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559730024536&sk=about

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/103555627/admin/feed/posts/?feedType=following

    Support with a small donation:

    https://ko.fi.com/bonk
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    19 mins

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