The late Queen was associated with the grandest of properties – historic Buckingham Palace with its iconic balcony, the impressive sprawling Balmoral estate in Scotland, and the Edwardian beauty that is Sandringham House in Norfolk – so when you think beach hut, she is probably the last public figure to come to mind.
However, Queen Elizabeth, who passed away in 2022, did in fact own a beach hut on the Norfolk coast near the Sandringham estate where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor currently resides.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth’s beach hut burned down in 2003
Queen Elizabeth’s beach bolthole
The timber chalet was in the possession of the royal family for 70 years until it met an unfortunate demise in 2003. It was during this year that the hut was destroyed in what was suspected to be an arson attack.
© Getty ImagesThe Queen’s beach hut was situated near the Sandringham estate and house
Six fire crews were called to tackle the blaze at Wells-next-the-Sea, which is situated a rough 35-minute drive from Sandringham, but the fire entirely destroyed the building and left just the chimney stack and a flight of steps remaining.
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Queen Elizabeth’s private escape
It is this beach (as well as the connecting Holkham beach) that the late monarch is said to have had a private entrance to. Though not accessible by car, the path is said to have allowed the Queen to make her way onto the beach without prying eyes looking on.
© Getty ImagesThe Queen Mother also enjoyed walks on the beach in Norfolk
A quiet beach bolthole had appeal for the royal for a certain reason, according to HELLO!’s Homes Editor, Rachel Avery. “Queen Elizabeth II had her pick of royal residences throughout her 70-year-reign, with Balmoral often being coined as her favourite place to be, which is where the family would spend summers away from public gaze,” says Rachel.
“This lesser-known beach hut near Sandringham may well have been another location vying for top spot in Her Majesty’s heart, and that’s thanks to the simplicity of it. Despite being surrounded by grandeur, the royal enjoyed simple pleasures like the great outdoors and spending time with her beloved corgis. Many Prime Ministers have even reported seeing her get stuck into the washing up, so a retreat to the coast where she could quite simply be Elizabeth and not the monarch would have likely been a welcome reprieve.”
Sandringham’s place in the Queen’s heart
Sandringham House and gardens are open to the public from March to October each year, but the estate holds a pertinent role in the lives of the royal family.
© Pool/Samir HusseinQueen Elizabeth attended the Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate each year
The late Queen would enjoy sojourns to Norfolk for time away from busy London, hosted the royal family there for Christmas each year, and in a 1992 Christmas broadcast called it a place of “peace and tranquility”.
© Joe Giddens – PA ImagesPrincess Kate and Prince William take their children to Sandringham for Christmas
Since her passing, the King has continued to host his family at the estate for the festive season and often attends religious services at St Mary Magdalene church in the days that follow 25 December. Meanwhile, less than a 10-minute drive away from Sandringham House is Anmer Hall, the Prince and Princess of Wales‘ country home.
Sandringham’s role in modern royal crises
Sandringham has also been caught up in some major royal moments from recent years that will go down in history. It was at his home on the estate that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
© GettyThe royals (pictured here on the estate on Christmas Day in 2017) gathered in 2020 for the so-called Sandringham Summit
The Queen’s middle son moved to Sandringham earlier this month from his previous lodgings at Royal Lodge on the Windsor Home Park estate after being stripped of his royal titles and honours by King Charles in November.
Meanwhile, on 13 January, the so-called ‘Sandringham Summit’ took place, where the Queen, King Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William gathered to discuss Harry and Meghan Markle‘s decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals. The meeting is said to have taken place in the Long Library and was bookended by a meal to keep the tone cool.