Celebrate July at Your Beach Hut by Heather Hilder on July 17, 2025 Celebrate July at Your Beach Hut Beach Hut Moon Landing and the ‘Mary Rose’ July is a month of warm breezes, sea sparkles, and gathering friends and family at your beach hut. It’s also a month rich in historical moments, two of which you can bring to life by the sea to celebrate July at your beach hut: 20 July: The First Moon Landing (1969) 19 July: The Sinking of the Mary Rose (1545) Celebrate these dates at your beach hut this July, creating memorable days filled with laughter, easy picnics, and moments of reflection, all while soaking up the seaside air. Beach Hut Celebration of the Moon Landing (20 July) I vividly remember standing behind my mum’s armchair on 20 July 1969, watching black and white TV when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, uttering, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Why not capture a sense of that wonder at your hut? Decoration Ideas Hang silver and white bunting for a lunar theme Place fairy lights in jars for a “moon glow” after sunset Set out a telescope or binoculars for some evening moon-gazing Moon-Themed Picnic Ideas Rocket Wraps: Wrap smoked salmon and cream cheese in soft tortilla wraps and cut into small pinwheels Meteorite Melons: Use a melon baller for watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew Galaxy Cake: A simple chocolate traybake with white icing swirls and edible glitter Moon Juice: Sparkling elderflower with frozen blueberries and mint, served in clear cups Beach Activities Let the children create “moon craters” in the sand using small buckets and water Play a playlist with space-themed tunes (“Fly Me to the Moon,” “Rocket Man”) Share stories with the family about where you or your parents were during the moon landing Beach Hut Remembrance for the ‘Mary Rose’ (20 July) The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s flagship, sank in the Solent in 1545. This piece of maritime history is the perfect reason to weave a nautical flavour into your beach hut day. Decoration Ideas Fly the St George’s Cross flag Place small model ships or rope knots on your picnic table Use navy, white, and red napkins for a maritime touch Tudor-Inspired Picnic Ideas Cheddar and Apple Pasties: A nod to simpler Tudor flavours, easy to bake ahead and serve cold Salted Almonds and Olives: Inspired by preserved foods from sea voyages Spiced Honey Cakes: A small treat using cinnamon and nutmeg Sailor’s Punch: Mix ginger beer, lemonade, and a splash of dark rum for the adults, with an alcohol-free version for the children Beach Activities Build sandcastles and imagine them as forts defending the coast Share the story of the ‘Mary Rose’ and how she was raised from the seabed after 437 years Have a “find the treasure” hunt with small shells or wrapped sweets buried in the sand Making These Days Extra Special The beauty of beach hut life is its gentle rhythm and the small joys it brings. By linking your summer days to these two historic events, you can: Bring family together for storytelling and shared meals Connect your children to history in a memorable, tactile way Make your beach hut experience richer without spending much, using simple decorations and thoughtful food choices Take wonderful photos of your lunar picnic or Mary Rose day to treasure for years to come Final Thoughts as July sails away… July is not just another summer month; it is a canvas for celebration, remembrance, and connection. Whether you’re gazing at the moon on 20 July, reflecting on maritime history on 19 July, or simply enjoying another glorious day by the sea, your beach hut is the perfect place to create these moments. So, pack your picnic, invite your loved ones, and let your beach hut be your launchpad to the moon – and your ship on the Solent – all in one week. Happy July, and happy beach hut living!
