What a beach tent is
A beach tent is a shelter for a day on the sand: shade from the sun, a break from the wind, and somewhere to change or for a baby to nap. Most are pop-up sun shelters with an open front, very light and quick to put up. The range also holds bigger pop-up family tents that suit the beach and the campsite both, a few small tents made with sun-blocking fabric, and mats for the sand.
Sun shelters, baby tents, family pop-ups and mats
- Pop-up sun shelters are the biggest group: many weigh under a kilo. See sun shelters.
- Baby beach tents are small shaded tents, several with a paddling pool built into the floor. One is made for babies under 3.
- Family pop-up tents for three to six people give shade by day and sleep a family at night. See pop-up tents.
- Beach mats and blankets are waterproof and sand-proof underneath. See picnic shelters and mats.
Sun protection: what UPF means
A beach tent's fabric is rated in UPF, the ultraviolet protection factor. A UPF 50 fabric lets through about one fiftieth of the sun's UV, so it blocks about 98%. Several tents here are UPF 50+, and some single-layer tents are UPF 30+. Shade still moves as the sun goes round, so turn the opening away from the sun every hour or two. The NHS advises keeping babies under six months out of direct sunlight altogether. A tent's shade is not the whole answer on a long day: sun cream, hats and plenty of water still matter.
Keeping it down in the wind
Ordinary tent pegs pull out of dry sand. Bury the pegs deep, or fill sandbags and set them on the flaps: one quick-open beach tent here comes with four sandbags. Pitch with the back of the tent to the wind, and open the mesh windows on a hot day to let air through. A windbreak along the windward side gives a calmer patch to sit in; see windbreaks. Pop-up shelters take practice to fold away, so try it at home first.
Questions people ask about beach tents
Are beach tents waterproof?
Some are, some only shade. One pop-up beach tent here is rated 1,000 to 1,500mm, enough for a shower; check each product before sleeping in one.
Can a beach tent be used in the garden?
Yes, for shade on the lawn. See garden tents.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that tent usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.
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