Hayling Island is type of an enigma to anybody who hasn’t visited. It’s on the south coast of England, in between Portsmouth and Chichester, and is a well-liked spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. However there’s far more to it than that…
I solely dwell a 15-minute drive from Hayling Island, or a 5-minute ferry trip.
Let me take you thru the perfect issues to do on Hayling Island, the place to eat, what to do if it rains, and the perfect seashores to go to too.
1. Funland Journey Park
The clue is within the identify – Funland is among the most kid-friendly locations to go to on Hayling island. Positioned alongside the seafront, this journey and amusement park options an array of rides, in addition to an arcade, journey golf and some catering and procuring choices.
When you’re visiting Hayling on a scorching summers day, then you definitely’ll wish to cool off on the Beaver Creek log flume, while Wild Billy’s Runaway Mine Prepare is certain to get the adrenaline pumping. It’s helpful to know that Funland is among the stops on the Seaside Railway (learn on to search out out extra), so why not take the children for a trip on the prepare earlier than arriving at Funland?
2. Hayling Island seashores
There are three foremost seashores on Hayling Island: West, Beachlands Central and Eastoke.
West seashore is a shingle seashore, separated from the street by sand dunes, which shelter the seashore from the wind – this makes it the perfect seashore for swimming. On a sunny day you’ll be able to see out to the Isle of Wight.
Beachlands Central options a mixture of sand and shingle, and provides probably the most amenities, good for households.
Lastly, Eastoke is probably the most picturesque, with a grassy picnic space and residential to the close by Sandy Level Nature Reserve. You will get great views out to Chichester Harbour from right here.
The entire seashores are Blue Flag licensed, which means they meet strict environmental requirements. Every seashore additionally provides one thing completely different, and it’s best to undoubtedly go to all three throughout your journey to Hayling Island. If unsure about what to do on Hayling Island, then, head to the seashores.
3. Sandy Level Nature Reserve
This implausible spot on Hayling Island deserves its personal level because it’s among the finest issues to do on Hayling Island. You’ll be able to park up close to the seashore and stroll all the way in which around the Sandy Level Nature Reserve, which can take within the Hayling Island Crusing Membership and the Lifeboat Centre too.
You’ll be able to’t truly go into the Reserve, as that will defeat the aim, however there are some uncommon flowers rising there and it’s a fantastic spot for fowl lovers.
When you hold strolling spherical you’ll come to a stunning, sandy seashore.
4. Sinah Warren
When you’re in search of someplace to remain on Hayling Island, then look no additional than the Sinah Warren. The fashionable adults solely lodge overlooks the harbour, with pleasant gardens and patios capitalising on the recent sea air. There’s a heated out of doors pool, tennis courts and big chess to maintain friends entertained, whereas the onsite restaurant, The Driftwood, serves up a spread of scrumptious meals.
The lodge is ideally situated for a picturesque stroll alongside the coast and is situated only a brief stroll from the ferry level to succeed in Portsmouth.
5. Langstone Quays Resort
Positioned on the northern tip of the island and simply related to the mainland, The Langstone Quays Resort provides a picturesque harbour-side location, with greater than 140 comfy rooms providing nice views and a spread of facilities. The waterside setting continues within the lodge’s restaurant, the place friends can take pleasure in a meal with peaceable views of the estuary.
When you’re in search of indoor issues to do on Hayling Island for adults, then the Langstone Resort is a superb alternative.
The lodge additionally provides personal eating and bottomless brunches for these , whereas the close by Langstone Quays Well being Membership is accessible to be used by lodge friends.
6. Beachlands Par 3 Pitch and Putt
Open to most people, Pitch and Putt is the perfect place for a spot of golf on your entire island. 9 difficult however achievable holes are located in a fantastic location overlooking the Solent and it doesn’t matter for those who’re a seasoned professional otherwise you’ve by no means held a golf membership earlier than in your life – the course welcomes all expertise ranges.
When you’re in search of extra lively Hayling Island actions, then the pitch and putt is a superb shout.
You will get classes from ex-pro Ray Gadd for those who’d like, or for those who’d favor simply to observe your loved ones and pals, then there’s a comfy Membership Home overlooking the course, the place you’ll be able to wait out the sport with a espresso… or a glass of wine.
7. Hayling Island oyster beds
Nature lovers will wish to head to Hayling Island’s oyster beds. Oysters have been farmed right here since 1819, and the beds have been totally restored to their former glory within the Nineteen Nineties. This abundance of meals has created a seabird haven, with species equivalent to dunlin, frequent terns, Mediterranean gulls, oystercatcher, redshank, gray plover, curlew and godwit showing by the thousand. Completely different species seem by season, so make certain to do a little analysis in case you are coming to Hayling particularly for birdwatching.
Even for those who aren’t particularly fascinated with nature, seeing such massive teams of birds gathering collectively makes an exquisite sight that may solely be present in a couple of locations throughout the nation.
8. Stoke Fruit Farm Store & sunflowers
The family-run Stoke Fruit Farm Store is centrally situated on Hayling island and sells a spread of domestically produced recent produce, from potatoes to eggs and pumpkins. There’s additionally a deli promoting recent cheese, burgers and extra.
The store is a superb place to go to for some recent substances, and youngsters will like to see the farm’s free vary hens and flock of twenty sheep, with lambs being born yearly since 2017. Not forgetting after all the useful and cute farm canines Spud, Piper and Romi, who’re certain to make guests really feel welcome.
Throughout summer season, the farm store additionally grows an unlimited discipline of sunflowers. The right place for a spot of pictures – guests in July may even decide their very own sunflowers to take house. And in October, the pumpkins are out in drive! Take the children alongside to choose their very own!
Visiting the Stoke Farm Fruit Store is certainly considered one of my favorite issues to do on Hayling Island – picked up some nice recent crab final time I used to be there!
9. Hayling Island eating places
With so many companies catering in direction of tourism, it’s little surprise that there some nice eating places on the island for guests to take pleasure in. The Madhatter’s Tea Room is a unusual vegan and gluten-free facility, while Ralph’s Wine, Gin and Tapas Bar is ideal for these after a complicated meal and some drinks.
The Driftwood is the onsite restaurant on the Sinah Warren Resort, however you don’t should be a lodge visitor to eat there.
And for those who’re after a pub lunch then look no additional than the Maypole Inn, serving a wide range of gourmand meals made with native substances, in addition to a wide range of cask ales. In addition they have a fantastic beer backyard for a summer season’s day.
Inn on the Seaside, which is a pub on the seashore on Hayling Island, does an unimaginable fish and chips which I’ve had quite a lot of instances.
And the Salt Shack Cafe on the high of the island, in Northney Marina does a fantastic breakfast with a view.
When you’re in search of a fantastic time out on Hayling Island for adults, considered one of these nice eating places ought to undoubtedly characteristic.
10. Northney Farm
Northney Farm is a dairy farm, house to roughly 120 Ayrshire cows. The farm grows maize to feed the cattle, in addition to wheat, potatoes and peas, a lot of which is offered on the neighbouring Stoke Fruit Farm Store.
The farm additionally works in direction of wildlife conservation, with various initiatives geared toward boosting wildlife. This consists of the planting of hedgerows and wildflowers, in addition to a discount in mowing and strimming, creating habitat for bugs and uncommon farmland birds such because the skylark.
A go to to the farm may help one get again in contact with nature, and the tea rooms are a fantastic place to take pleasure in a soothing brew and a slice of cake. Whilst you’re understanding what to do on Hayling Island, you’ll be able to benefit from the scrumptious merchandise from this nice farm store.
11. Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary
All people loves donkeys, proper?
The Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary takes in ex-working donkeys to allow them to see out their years in consolation, with a loving, lifelong house offered to animals in want. The sanctuary is open to the general public, permitting guests to see and work together with the donkeys – you’ll be able to feed and pat the pleasant animals, that are extraordinarily trusting and can be glad of your organization.
The good household time out, the sanctuary additionally has a strict hygiene coverage in place, to maintain folks and donkeys secure. You’ll need to e-book prematurely.
12. Boat journeys
Widespread seals are identified to reside within the Hayling Island Harbour and throughout the Solent, and there are a selection of unbiased firms which run boat journeys out to sea as a way to spot these wonderful animals.
Rosie Ok Boat Journeys is probably the most well-known, giving guests an hour lengthy trip alongside the gorgeous shoreline. The Rosie Ok has a sheltered indoor cabin and loads of deck area, so you’ll be able to shelter inside or stand exterior with the breeze in your hair, the selection is yours.
13. Hayling Island Crusing Membership
Hayling Island Crusing Membership is among the focal factors for the group of Hayling island. Races happen each weekend through the crusing season, with locals and guests alike gathering to observe a spread of crusing occasions, together with dinghy and keelboat races, in addition to cruisers.
Due to the actual fact it’s an island, crusing is among the hottest Hayling Island actions for locals.
14. Kitesurfing
The uncovered shoreline of Hayling island, notably to the south, makes it a fantastic location for watersports, with a gentle breeze offering the right circumstances. Kitesurfing specifically, is extremely fashionable on the island, with the annual Kitesurfing Armada Competition.
Windsurfing is one other fashionable watersport, andwas truly invented on Hayling island by younger Peter Chilvers in 1958. Practically all of Hayling’s seashores cater to watersports and lots of provide classes to those that haven’t tried out kitesurfing or windsurfing earlier than.
15. Hayling Seaside Railway
After years of campaigning, the Hayling Seaside Railway was lastly opened in 2003, the unique Hayling Billy Line having been closed down a long time earlier than. Operating alongside the south coast of the island, the Seaside Railway provides passengers magnificent coastal views of the Solent and journeys from Beachlands to Eastoke Nook – a good way to navigate the island, particularly for households with youngsters.
16. Hayling Island Billy Path
The Hayling Island Billy Path is a 5-mile route that was once a railway line alongside the coast on the west of the island. Now it’s a flat pathway fashionable with households and cyclists due to it being completely pedestrianised. It’s undoubtedly a Hayling Island hotspot!
When you’re in search of extra walks round Hayling Island then I like to recommend the Thorney Island stroll to the east, or the Farlington Marshes stroll to the west.
And you may see tips on how to stroll all the way in which round Hayling Island right here. The Hayling Island Billy Path is a superb place to stroll your canine – they’ve entry all areas!
Issues to do on Hayling Island
Whether or not you wish to take to the adrenaline-filled rides of Funland, spot uncommon fowl species at Northney Farm and the Oyster beds, or just hire a seashore hut and calm down whereas the children take to the waves for a spot of kitesurfing – there may be loads of issues to do on Hayling Island to maintain all people busy.
