Hayling Island combines all the attractions of a traditional seaside holiday with excellent sporting and leisure facilities. The island's miles of unspoilt coastline and countryside also offer a haven of peace and tranquillity, where visitors can walk, cycle or relax.
Windsurfing was invented on Hayling Island and as well as events linked to this popular activity there are also many opportunities for sailing.
Hayling Island holds a European Blue Flag award and its excellent beaches have also been awarded a Tidy Britain Seaside Award for their water quality, safety and cleanliness. The seaside shore is five miles long and offers safe places for enjoying swimming, beach volleyball, picnicking and barbeques, with some facilities accessible to wheelchairs.
Originally dependent on fishing, farming and salt production, Hayling Island is now known for its Funland amusement park and holiday centres, which made the island a popular seaside resort from the 1930s onwards.
Hayling Island is rich in military history and visitors can discover a fascinating World War II Heritage Trail which takes in many significant historical landmarks. Learn about the history of Mulberry Harbour and its Pillboxes, take a walk to the old railway and visit the COPP memorial along the seafront.
The island's proximity to Portsmouth, Chichester and Emsworth makes it an ideal base for touring, with attractions such as Southsea Castle and Staunton Country Park nearby.
