Just Outside Portsmouth Is A Scenic Island With A Charming Town, Beaches, And Trails

Driving along England's southern coast, one will encounter a host of lovely seaside towns, each with its own character. Yet, just off the coast near Portsmouth is a whole island full of fun and charm, with seaside hiking trails and beaches surrounding the quaint town of South Hayling. Hayling Island is a beautiful escape to take the family for a weekend to browse old-fashioned neighborhoods, admire stunning coastal views, and walk among bucolic countryside and wetlands teeming with waterfowl.

Hayling Island's 17,000 residents enjoy a wonderful balance of town life, complete with modern shops and amenities set among quiet residences, and ample options for getting out into nature. Its inverted T-shape is reminiscent of Thor's Hammer, and is roughly 4 miles long and wide. The charming town of South Hayling is found near the southern end, full of streets lined with cozy homes near the seashore. The town's old-timey Funland amusement park offers rides and sweet treats with clear ocean views always within sight, and has been in operation for 80 years. The timeless allure of bumper cars, roller-coasters, and carousels make for an enchanting day of endless fun.

A short, 15-minute drive takes visitors directly from Portsmouth to the island. If flying in from abroad, Southampton Airport (SOU) is your best bet, and the drive is just under a half-hour. The quickest option to the island is to drive or hire a taxi, but one may opt for the hour-long bus ride if time is not too dear. In either case, the views of small towns and green expanses along the way will make for a pleasant journey.

Hayling Island's southern coast sits along a stretch of water where The Solent meets the English Channel, with 3 miles of shingle beaches that are every bit as lovely as those found in the sunny coastal town of Selsey, just to the east. Hayling Island Beach has a stretch of wooden groynes set into it to help prevent erosion and keep the beach intact. It's fit for a relaxing stroll to take in the salty air and the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore.

More adventurous visitors can enjoy a brisk swim and a bit of kitesurfing, with rentals and lessons available at CBK Kitesurfing. Swimmers must take care, as there are no lifeguards on duty. Parking lots with restrooms can be found along the coastline, and eateries like the Coastguard Cafe are situated across the street for a quick nosh of classic seaside comfort food. The eastern portion of the beach is lined by a promenade that also serves as a bicycle path. From October through April, visitors may bring their dog to the beach to play or stroll, and on a sunny day, the Isle of Wight is visible to the southwest.

The western end of the island's southern shoreline brings one to Hayling Bay and West Beach, which boasts occasional sand dunes and curves around until it meets Langstone Harbour. This stretch is more remote with few facilities, save for the clubhouse at the Hayling Ferry Sailing Club. Behind the beachfront, two golf courses are available: the nine-hole Beachlands Par 3 and the 18-hole Hayling Golf Club, which is open to visitors. Whether you prefer the conveniences and charm of the nearby town or the peace and quiet of a crowd-free sunset, there's a stretch of beach for all to enjoy.

When you're not frolicking on the beaches, enjoy walking the numerous trails that wind through Haylind Island's remarkable landscapes. On the northern end of the island is a gentle, 2.3-mile stroll known as the Hayling Billy Circular Walk. This wheelchair-accessible trail takes one along sleepy farmlands on its eastern portion and near oyster beds to the west, with views of Langstone Harbour and lush wetlands along the way. The trail is a smorgasbord of Hayling Island's diverse scenery, and can be completed in an hour or less.

Equally as eye-catching and beginner-friendly, the Eastoke to Sandy Point trail is 5.2 miles of seaside serenity. It's situated on the vast King Charles III England Coast Path, a scenic journey around England that circumnavigates nearly the entire British coastline. This wee portion of it begins in Eastoke on the southeastern edge of Hayling Island. It follows the eastern part of Hayling Island Beach and continues along the outer edge of the Sandy Point Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes Chichester Harbor. Due to its fragile ecosystem, Sandy Point is closed to the public, but the surrounding area is popular for bird watching.

When the day's adventures come to an end, enjoy hearty British fare and a cozy pub ambiance at Groves Bar & Tapas, which fits right in with the small-town feel of South Hayling, or get the reliable chippy takeaway of fish and chips from Nobbies. When it's time to rest, spend the night in a pastoral neighborhood at the Newtown House Hotel, where a four-poster bed awaits in the suites and every room contains homey furnishings. While you're in the area, take a day trip to the artsy city of Chichester and its stunning medieval cathedral for a full taste of England's charming southern coast.