Hayling Island

It’s not surprising that windsurfing was invented on Hayling Island in Hampshire. The island is bordered by both Chichester and Langstone harbours and also has three miles of beaches along its seafront on the Solent.

Situated south of Havant in Hampshire between Portsmouth and Emsworth, Hayling Island has always appealed to holiday makers and families and retains all the attractions of a traditional seaside resort.

Hayling Island’s three main beaches have won both the European Blue Flag and the Keep Britain Tidy Group Seaside Award Flag and are greatly enjoyed by the bucket and spade brigade as well as walkers and nature lovers.

Children and young people love the roller coaster rides at the Funland amusement park while the East Hayling Light Railway offers a ten-minute train ride along the seafront.

The four-mile-long Hayling Billy coastal path is another haven for walkers and cyclists and Hayling Island also offers plenty of sporting opportunities, from windsurfing and sailing to kitesurfing and golf.

If you can drag yourself away from this unspoilt charm, the attractions of Portsmouth, Southsea, Emsworth and Staunton Country Park are close by.