I used to use mine every trip when fishing the shingle beaches down south, since moving home I've used it once. Don't think its that I've reverted back to northern manliness, more that they are not as easy to use on beaches up here as they are on the shingle. They are great though when it's raining / sleeting.
You won't go far wrong with the Ron Thompson, had mine for years and it is well used and still waterproof. You can get them for about £45 - £50 new. If you've got more money to spend then the Ian Golds Igloo is excellent and I think easier to use on sandy beaches.