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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Beach day in winter?

24 replies

Needingachange · 04/09/2023 07:24

Firstly want to state that we have had a horrendous summer for reasons to outing to share. With that in mind we want to spend the next few months doing some nice things to make up for it in a way.

I’ve seen online about hiring a beach hut for the day and wondering if anyone has ever done it in the winter months knowing the weather could be shocking.

I'm thinking if we sort of just expect the rain wind etc then we can go fully
prepared and still make a day of it. We can’t afford to go on a proper holiday anywhere but am i unreasonable to think we could still make this fun? I’m thinking bring the dog and our waterproofs have a big long walk along the shore then back to the beach but as a base to play some games have some food. Stay for sunsets and drive home?

does this sound doable or will we be miserable. If you’d consider please hit me with suggestions of things to make it a cosy fun day! Don’t know if it’s worth mentioning that we only have one child who’s 10 so we wouldn’t be wrestling to contain a toddler in a beach hut.

OP posts:

Hufflepods · 04/09/2023 07:26

Of course there are people who walk their dog on the beach in winter.

It depends on the weather as to how pleasant spending the whole day in a beach hut is though, it’s basically a shed so it’s not going to be they pleasant to sit and eat in.

Papillon23 · 04/09/2023 07:28

Will the beach hut have a gas stove?

My relative used to have a beach hut and even in late autumn they would go, make tea before they got in the sea (teapot + cosy), swim in the sea, have the gas stove on in the beach hut warming it up, and then race back inside for tea and then make bacon sandwiches.

If it was that sort of thing I think I could make the most of it and have a nice time - but I would 100% want a way of getting hot drinks.

I also love sitting by a window watching the rain lashing down (and would definitely enjoy watching a fairly wild sea) - but I don't think most beach huts have windows? Not sure? If they didn't I think not being able to see the sea with the door shut or not being able to be warm with it open would probably be a deal breaker for me.

MotorwayDiva · 04/09/2023 07:36

Not hired a brach hut as live in a coastal town, but often go on a clear bright day in winter, wear appropriate clothes eg water/wind proofs.

Original poster

Needingachange · 04/09/2023 07:37

Sorry should have mentioned these beach huts have been “renovated” so they all have a heater and electricity so microwave kettle little fridge etc! So yes definitely could make a hot drink and I could take my little camping stove or toastie maker actually for some warm food

OP posts:

Lisheens · 04/09/2023 07:39

I prefer my favourite beach in winter, and go there all year round.

MarathonBarbie · 04/09/2023 07:39

I love beach days in the winter. I grew up in a very popular seaside tourist town which was taken over in the summer but the locals got it to themselves in the winter. Just be prepared for the weather and you’ll have a great time.

itsgettingweird · 04/09/2023 07:50

I live on the coast. I also live in England!

We have more winterly days down the beach than summer ones 🤣🤣🤣

Your plan sounds fab. We quite often walk along the front and sit outside of cafes eating bacon rolls and drinking coffee in winter.

If you're driving you can take everything you need and paddle, walk, play cards etc. whatever the weather.

Oysterbabe · 04/09/2023 07:52

What's to stop you doing it in early autumn before the weather gets too cold?

Skybluecoat · 04/09/2023 07:57

I live a few minutes walk from the beach and rarely go in summer because of all the tourists.

It’s lovely for a walk, but no, I wouldn’t spend all day sitting in a beach hut in winter looking out at the rain. An hour maximum!

andrainwillmaketheflowersgrow · 04/09/2023 08:00

I much prefer our local beach in the winter - I often take the dog and I'm the only person for miles

But, saying that, I'm not sure I'd want to spend the day there at that time of year - the wind can be absolutely freezing and if it rains it's throughly unpleasant.

At least if I'm with the dog I have a reason to be there, and can then go home for a nice hot shower and get cosy and warm inside.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 04/09/2023 08:02

I love the beach in winter for a walk but wouldn’t want to spend all day there !

Efacsen · 04/09/2023 08:10

A couple of hours on the beach in winter is great fun - and coffee/hot choc in a cafe to warm up afterwards

Driving horizontal rain is unpleasant and best avoided in exposed places like a beach - no matter what you are wearing

TheSandgroper · 04/09/2023 08:13

If that’s what you want to do and you are able to book after checking the weather forecast, then do it. Totally pissing down with rain, imo, would be pissing your your money into the wind.

I promise, fresh air, change of scenery, a bit of exercise and a bit of sun will do a power of good. A picnic basket of yummy, filling food and you’re all sorted.

Skybluecoat · 04/09/2023 08:15

If you can afford to rent a beach hut for the day, could you afford a cheap B and B near the seaside? Just for one night?

That would make much more sense.

Singleandproud · 04/09/2023 08:24

We spend more time at the beach in winter than the summer as its too busy, we are local so dont rent a beach hut but just take a flask of hot chocolate and soup. Good waterproofs, and a good hat that covers your ears properly.

If DC are going to want to do water play take wellies and a splash suit and a few changes of clothes incase they fall in.

Depending on where you are travelling from Great Yarmouth has a Premier Inn practically on the beach which will be fairly cheap - probably cheaper than hiring a beach hut. Some of the touristy things will be shut midwinter but you should also have arcades, cinema and possibly the Hippodrome circus open, walk in the Venetian waterways is nice all year giving you some options if the weather is really bad. Great Yarmouth town centre is rough with lots of shop closures but the seafront is still nice and you can day trip up to Horsey to see the seals are down to naice but quieter towns like Southwold and Walberswick or take a steam train at Sheringham.

Wtfnowseptember · 04/09/2023 08:24

Sorry should have mentioned these beach huts have been “renovated” so they all have a heater and electricity so microwave kettle little fridge etc

In these circumstances 100% yes! My dc would absolutely love this and it's a unique experience. I would love to live by the sea at winter and see the big waves. Some nice treat food, a few games and some heat- lovely!!!

Ps. How much is it??

CrepuscularCritter · 04/09/2023 09:22

Sounds like paradise to me. Especially with heating! We've done the same in autumn, and had a great day. Bring books or games, a rib-sticking picnic (or funds for chips) and have a fabulous time.

WhatWouldHopperDo · 04/09/2023 09:27

It's a great idea. The only thing I would say (from bitter experience!) is check how far the nearest public loo is and whether it is open 'out of season'

We live by the sea and some of the public blocks are only open April- September.

PlantDoctor · 04/09/2023 09:29

Beaches are nice in winter, if it's not bucketing it down! If you've got a beach hut that sounds ideal anyway!

BarbaraofSeville · 04/09/2023 09:36

Sounds great. There's some beach huts at the nearest coast to where I am and they're only £25 a day out of season.

You'd be able to check the weather forecast and book a day or two ahead and sometimes the weather is quite nice over winter.

A couple of years ago, I went to Whitby between Christmas and New Year and the weather was quite good, better than a lot of days we've had this summer. I had a wander round for a couple of hours and got fish and chips and ate them sitting on a bench.

You'd definitely be able to entertain a 10 YO for a few hours, as well as games and hot chocolate, you can fly a kite on the beach, go rockpooling, play beach cricket, save up coppers for the penny arcade etc.

Peabody25 · 04/09/2023 09:40

We had a lovely day in Blackpool one Boxing Day! Played football on the beach, lovely long walk from the tower to the pleasure beach, went on the amusements, took a picnic and flask of tea, fish and chips in the car for tea and home! 😊

Heronwatcher · 04/09/2023 09:43

I think it sounds great. We spend more time outside in the winter as fewer people and I love the changing seasons. Would it just be for the day? You’d be unlucky to get wall to wall rain and you can get some stunning days, even in December.

Original poster

Needingachange · 04/09/2023 10:48

£35 for an out of season day

it’s only about an hours drive from home also so I think worst comes to worst we could cut our losses and leave. But I’d rather be able to enjoy the day so be prepared as possible for all weather

OP posts:

Malapataraso · 04/09/2023 20:16

“am i unreasonable to think we could still make this fun?”

Your attitude and expectations are what will make it fun, and you have the right attitude and expectations.

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