With the growing popularity of beach huts in Swanage, the town council is looking to support local charities and community groups by offering an opportunity to hire a hut for free.
In the past, Swanage Town Council in Dorset has sought to help organisations which benefit local people by offering its vacant beach huts at quieter times but with all year round bookings increasing, it’s now setting aside two of its huts for good causes.
The view from the Shore Road beach huts
Stunning view of Swanage Bay
The brightly coloured council owned beach huts in Shore Road have electricity and heating and of course a stunning view of Swanage Bay.
One beach hut on the lower level is being made available from Saturday 30th March 2024 to Friday 6th September 2024, and a second one on the upper level from Saturday 30th March 2024 to Friday 28th March 2025.
During the Swanage Folk Festival the beach huts are a popular place to take a breather from Morris dancing
“Increase access to even more people”
Swanage Town Council visitor services manager Culvin Milmer said:
“We know how much our beach huts are valued as a facility and we’d like to give a chance for a wider range of people to enjoy them.
“It’s always been the case that we’ve tried to accommodate community groups when we can, but we’re now formalising the process to make it as fair and transparent as possible.
“It’s always great to see people making good use of the beach huts and if we can increase access to even more people, then that has to be a positive move.”
The beach huts often provide a ringside seat for events on the beach
Benefit local people
Any organisation that wishes to hire a beach hut is being asked to fill out a form and submit it by 29th February 2024. Generally, preference will be given to organisations that benefit local people.
Requests may be made for any period within the timeframe from one day to a week or more. Generally, there will be no charge for the use of the charity huts.
The applications will be reviewed in March 2024 by the Swanage Town Council beach hut working party and all those who are successful will be contacted.
Shore Road is becoming a busy hub of activity all year round
Further information
- Swanage charity and community group beach hut 2024 to 2025 application form
- More about the scheme is available from the Swanage Information Centre via email welcome@swanage.gov.uk
