Things to do on Hayling

Whilst Hayling Island is best known for it's miles of undeveloped coastline, there is more to do on Hayling than simply walking on the beach.
This "Things to do on Hayling Island" guide aims to give a few suggestions of how to spend your time on Hayling, whether you are visiting for a short time or live here permanently.

5 Things to do with the family

Enjoy all the fun of the fair

Traditional seaside fun for all the family. Roller coaster rides (you can hear the screams as you queue for your trip on the seaside railway and watch the terrified faces as they hurtle past!), cup and saucers ride for the younger ones, and much more. (Visit the Funland website)

Ride the Light Railway

The narrow gage Hayling railway runs along the beach seafront from Eastoke corner to Beachlands. The train departs every 45 minutes, starting at 11am each morning offering a 10 minute ride along the central seafront area of Hayling.

Fish & chips on beach

A visit to the seaside is not complete until you have had fish and chips on the seafront. Grab yourself a bag of chips (plenty of salt and vinegar), a spot with a view and watch out for the seagulls!

Ride the half pipe

Hayling Skate park is right on the seafront, in front of Inn on the Beach and offers a variety of ramps and rails for Skateboards, Skate and BMX riders.

Enjoy the adventure playgrounds

Hayling's free seafront facilities include adventure playgrounds, a volleyball court and (for the grown-ups) a seafront exercise trail.

5 Things to do for grown ups

Walk or cycle the Hayling Billy coastal path

The Hayling coastal path runs most of the length of Hayling along the original route of the "Hayling Billy" train line.

The 4 mile long path hugs the western coast of the island, offering a peaceful alternative route between West Town at the southern end and Langstone Bridge at the northern end. The path itself has two tracks, offering different surfaces for horse riders on one side and pedestrians and cyclists on the other.

Hit the boot sale

The Island's biggest car boot sale is held every Wednesday close to the funfair at beachlands. Good weather usually leads to more sellers, but the regulars can be found there rain or shine from early in the morning.

Try your hand at golf

Hayling has two "pay and play" golf courses: One on the seafront and one at the edge of Tournerbury woods. Both offer a challenging game mixed with great scenery.

Learn to Kitesurf

Kitesurfing is the latest spectacular water sport to hit the beaches of Hayling Island and is gaining in popularity year on year. The shallow sandy bay of West Beachlands makes for an ideal place to learn this exciting sport and lessons are available throughout the summer months from Zero Gravity on Hayling.

Take a wildlife walk

Throughout the year, Hayling's wildlife can be enjoyed thanks to our mild maritime climate which allows many different species of wild flowers to flourish, some unique to coastal landscapes.

Ralph Hollins, a much respected local naturalist has kindly provided details of over 20 local walks on his website.

5 Things to do if it rains

Sit & Watch the boats go by

The waters that surround Hayling are surprisingly busy with both commercial and leisure craft. Why not while away a relaxing hour watching the boats go by? Our favourite spots are the Island's two waterfront pubs: the Ferry Boat Inn and the Inn on the Beach where you can sit with a drink and watch the marine world go by.

Take in a show

Hayling Island is fortunate to have its own amateur theatre group H.I.A.D.S. (Hayling Island Amateur Dramatics Society) with its own premises in the converted railway goods shed in Station Road. More information at the HIADS Website.

Enjoy a meal out

Hayling has a growing choice of places to eat, from family favourites to gourmet cuisine - not to mention the old seaside favourite: The fish & Chip shop. For a list of places to eat on Hayling see out eating out pages in the directory.

Check our events pages

Hayling has a fantastic community spirit and a large number of local groups hold their events throughout the year. Check for the latest events on our own events calendar here on Hayling.co.uk. Click here.

Ice Skating

The Funland funfair now also has an artificial ice-rink. Open all year round to people of all ages, with skate hire available on site.

5 Things to do off the Island

Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

The Historic Dockyard at Portsmouth is home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, The Mary Rose and a host of other naval attractions. You can get to the dockyard from Hayling either by catching a bus the other side of the ferry or taking a train from Havant station. More details at www.historicdockyard.co.uk

View Hayling from the Spinnaker Tower

Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower offers incredible views across the Solent and surrounding area, including across to Hayling Island. See the Spinnaker Tower website.

Walk the South Downs

Hayling is surrounded by beautiful countryside and the rolling hills of the South Downs are amongst the best of it. Take in the outdoor activities at Queen Elizabeth Country Park or use it as a starting point to join the Southdowns Way.

Take in Some History

The solent area is steeped in history, and has some spectacular historic sites that offer a day out for all the family - all within easy reach of Hayling Island. Our local favourite historic spots include Portchester Castle, Chichester Cathedral, Arundel, Southsea Castle and Fishbourne Roman Palace.

Visit a museum

Whilst Hayling doesn't yet have it's own museum, there are plenty within a short distance of the Island. Our favourites include: The RN Submarine Museum, The Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, Havant Museum, D Day Museum, Royal Marines Museum, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, and Portsmouth City Museum.