About Hayling Island

Hayling Island is a proper gem off the south coast of England, sitting in Hampshire just east of Portsmouth, between Chichester and Langstone harbours.

You get there over a road bridge from the mainland, or sometimes by a little ferry.

It’s mostly known for its beaches and water sports. Windsurfing was actually invented here back in the late 1950s by a local lad called Peter Chilvers, and the place is still a hotspot for sailing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and all sorts of sea fun. The beaches are a mix of sand and shingle, great for walks or just chilling.

There’s a fair bit to do beyond the water. You’ve got Funland amusement park with rides and arcades, a decent golf links course, the Hayling Billy Trail for walking or cycling along an old railway line, and a couple of little tourist railways. The sailing club is big, and there are nature spots like old oyster beds that are now a haven for birds.

History-wise, it’s been around forever, with Roman bits, medieval churches (St Peter’s and St Mary’s are the oldest), and it even played a part in D-Day rehearsals during the war. These days about 17,000 people live there, and it gets lively in summer with visitors, though it’s generally pretty relaxed and community-focused. If you’re into seaside vibes without massive crowds, it’s spot on.