Welcome to Hayling Island
Home to windsurfing, Blue Flag beaches and Tokyo 2020 gold medal Olympian Eilidh McIntyre, this residential island is perfect for those looking to retreat to a place by the sea. Situated on the South Coast of Hampshire, perched comfortably between the Solent Coast and the New Forest, it’s a seaside town formed by clusters of villages with a handy road bridge connecting it to the mainland, making it easy to travel in and out of. The nearest towns are Havant, Emsworth and Waterlooville, with Portsmouth and Chichester the closest cities.
Housing and Architecture
From thatched cottages on country lanes to glass-fronted sea-view properties straight from Grand Designs, Hayling Island is home to all sorts of architecture with 1930s contemporary residential homes and neat appartements nestled in the middle.
Transport Havant (HAV) is the closest train station with regular services between London Victoria and Waterloo, Gatwick, Portsmouth, Southampton and Brighton among others — much to the delight of Londoner’s who have relocated to the area post-pandemic. The number 30 bus will take you to and from Havant, or you can hop on the foot ferry into Portsmouth.
Drinking and Dining
In Hayling Island, you’re never too far from a sundowner spot. Inn on the Beach is perfect for sunset gazing in the summer (dogs are welcome too), Drift at Sparkes Marina serve up some seriously Instagram-able plates with picturesque backdrops, or head to The Salt Shack at Northney Marina for must see views of Chichester Harbour — blankets and hot water bottles are on hand for those chillier days.
Northney Farm Tea Rooms make their menu on site using milk from their dairy cows; cream tea doesn’t get much more local than that. For tastes of afar, Agaligo’s Thai is not to be missed and The Moghul Brasserie is a local favourite for Indian food. Fancy staying in but don’t feel like cooking? You’ll be spoilt for choice with Chinese, Indian or fish and chips takeaway options.
Shopping
Independent shops, convenience stores and local butchers can be found across the villages making up the island: Mengham, West Town and Eastoke Corner to name the main ones. Let Loco Loaf artisan bakers entice you in with the smell of freshy-baked delights, Wey to Go is your local zero-waste store and you’ll find a Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Lidl for other essentials.
The surrounding cities and towns have plenty of retail therapy to offer with popular Gunwharf Quays outlet shopping centre in neighbouring Portsmouth.
Parks and Green Spaces
If you prefer to keep your feet on land (or sand), the three miles of award-winning Blue Flag beaches that line the Island make enjoyable walks with views to Isle of Wight. Bringing your furry friends? Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round with lead restrictions from May through to September. More details can be found here.
For parks and playing fields, Hayling Park in West Town is a popular cricket spot in the summer or Mengham Park has plenty of playground entertainment for children of all ages including sand pits, baby swings and climbing nets.
Adventures call for a day on The Billy Trail. A three-mile round trip following the former railway line takes roughly two and a half hours to complete. No wonder it’s popular with dog walkers, hikers, cyclists and horse riders, especially with its wildlife-packed tracks and views across Langstone harbour and nature reserve.
Arts and Culture
Walk along the fascinating World War II Heritage Trail and you’ll find significant historical landmarks like Mulberry Harbour and its pillboxes, the old railway, and the COPP memorial along the seafront. For arts and crafts there are camera clubs, May Day activities and seasonal events — there’s always something going on to suit all ages and interests.
Sports and Leisure
If water sports fill your free time, you’ll love Hayling Island. Rumour has it, windsurfing was invented here. And if you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, where better to learn than the home of windsurfing itself? Paddleboarding, kitesurfing and water-skiing are just some of the popular activities on offer. And sailing, of course. Eilidh McIntyre sailed at Hayling Island Sailing Club (HISC), or head to Mengham Rythe Sailing Club for views out to Chichester Harbour, area of outstanding natural beauty.
For golf and racquet sports, there are plenty of clubs to play or learn at. Seacourt Tennis Club boasts real and lawn tennis alongside squash and gym facilities — fencing too! Hayling Golf Club was built in 1883 and has made the Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK list with its impressive greens and fairways. Tournebury Golf Centre has carefully constructed 9 holes to play with a sea view and offer lessons for those looking to learn or improve their handicap. Beachlands Par 3 Pitch and Putt is a pay and play course looking over the Solent where all levels are welcome.
Local Community and Council
Hayling Island is part of Havant Borough Council. You can find their offices at:
Public Service Plaza
Civic Centre Road
Havant
PO9 2AX
02392 446019
Reception opening times, bin collection days and further details can be found here.
Not just a tourist destination, Hayling (as it’s referred to by the locals) is a widely residential area. The community centre, HICCA, is the hub of the island with lots of events and activities going on: dance and fitness classes, antiques fairs, quiz nights, Christmas concerts and plenty more.
Whether it’s your little one’s first day, or they’re thinking about further education, there are lots of Ofsted-approved schools for all ages, both public and private.
- Mengham Infant and Mengham Junior School — Ofsted rating 2017: good
- Mill Rythe Infant School — Ofsted rating 2017: good
- Mill Rythe Junior School – Ofsted rating 2011: outstanding
- Hayling College – Ofsted rating 2018: good
You’ll find a selection of private and prep schools in the surrounding area, some which offer a minibus service for their pupils and all with impeccable reports: - Durlston Court prep school, New Milton
- The Gregg Independent School, Southampton
- Walhampton School, Lymington
Estate Agencies
There are five estate agencies on the island. Hugh Hickman & Son are family owned and have been in the business for over 60 years, Geoff Foot was established in 1970 and serves local and surrounding areas, Hayling Property have over 75 years of experience to their name, Arden & Way have been residents of Hayling Island for 20 years, and Morris Dibben have nine branches across Hampshire.
Suggested blog tags:
Hayling Island, South Coast, Area Guide, Hampshire, life by the sea.
Get in touch
Looking for Complete property Service Partner?
We offer free, no commitment initial consultations, call now or send us an email.