# Hayling Island Staycation Guide — Where to Stay & What to Do > Discover Hayling Island: birthplace of windsurfing, Blue Flag beaches, the Hayling Billy coastal path and Langstone Harbour in Hampshire. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Where the wind meets the water Photo © Lukas Gauka, Google Maps [Guide](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island) [🏨 Hotels](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/hotels) [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/cottages) [⛺ Camping](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/camping) [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions) [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants) Hayling Island sits off the Hampshire coast between Chichester and Portsmouth harbours, joined to the mainland at Havant by a single road crossing, Langstone Bridge. It is a flat, low-lying island of around four square miles, ringed by water on almost every side: Chichester Harbour to the east, Langstone Harbour to the west, and the open Solent along its southern shore. That geography has shaped everything about the place, from the tidal creeks that thread through its northern half to the wide, firm sands that draw sailors, swimmers and dog walkers to its southern beaches. The island has a split personality that visitors quickly pick up on. South Hayling, facing the Solent, is the holiday side: a traditional seafront with a funfair, ice cream kiosks and a long shingle-backed sand beach that has held Blue Flag status for its water quality. North Hayling, by contrast, is quiet farmland and saltmarsh, dotted with sailing clubs and oyster beds, and largely untouched by the tourist trade. Hayling has around 17,000 residents and swells considerably in summer, but it has never been over-developed, and much of its coastline remains open, windswept and genuinely wild in feel. ## Getting to Hayling Island Hayling is reached by road via the A3023, leaving the A27 at Havant and crossing Langstone Bridge, the island's only fixed link to the mainland. The bridge is single-lane in places and can back up on summer weekends, so it pays to allow extra time. The nearest mainline station is Havant, around five miles from the island's southern beaches, with regular services to Portsmouth, Southampton and London Waterloo; from Havant, local buses run onto the island. There is no rail crossing onto Hayling itself — the old Hayling Billy railway line closed in 1963 and its route now forms the coastal path. ## Best time to visit Hayling Island Summer, from June to September, is when Hayling is at its busiest and best for beach days, with the funfair and seafront cafés in full swing and reliable enough conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Spring and autumn are quieter and often windier, which suits the island's watersports crowd well, while the coastal path and harbour views are at their best for birdwatching in the cooler months when wintering wildfowl arrive on Langstone and Chichester Harbours. Being low-lying and coastal, Hayling rarely gets crowded even in peak season compared with resorts further along the south coast. ## Where to stay in Hayling Island(3) [All hotels in Hayling Island →](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/hotels) About staying in Hayling Island Hayling Island's hotels and guesthouses cluster mainly around the southern seafront at Beachlands and Mengham, putting visitors within easy walking distance of the Blue Flag beach, Funland and the island's cafés and restaurants. Options range from small independent B&Bs in converted seaside houses to larger guesthouses geared towards watersports visitors, many offering secure storage for windsurfing and kitesurfing kit given the island's reputation as one of the UK's best launch spots. A short drive or bus ride away, Havant on the mainland offers a wider choice of budget and chain hotels for those who don't mind crossing Langstone Bridge each day. Because Hayling is a compact island with a single road link, location matters less than it might elsewhere — nowhere is more than a few miles from the beach or the coastal path. Staying towards the quieter northern half of the island suits visitors who want easy access to Langstone Harbour's birdlife and the Hayling Billy trail, while a base near Beachlands or Eastoke puts you closest to the sand, the funfair and the summer buzz of the seafront. [Newtown House Hotel Manor Road, South Hayling](https://staycation.co.uk/south-hayling/hotels/newtown-house-hotel) [Warner Lakeside Coastal Village Lakeside Coastal Village, Hayling Island](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/hotels/warner-lakeside-coastal-village) [Warner Sinah Warren Coastal Hotel Sinah Warren Hotel, Hayling Island](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/hotels/warner-sinah-warren-coastal-hotel) [The Langstone Quays Northney Road, Hayling Island](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/hotels/the-langstone-quays) [Farmhouse Innlodge by Greene King Inns Burrfields Rd, Portsmouth](https://staycation.co.uk/portsmouth/hotels/farmhouse-innlodge-by-greene-king-inns) [🏨Hotel Stocker - King Room in Gastro Pub The Wittering, West Wittering](https://staycation.co.uk/west-wittering/hotels/stocker-king-room-in-gastro-pub) [The Beach House 77 Rookwood Road, West Wittering](https://staycation.co.uk/west-wittering/hotels/the-beach-house) [The Old House at Home Cakeham Rd, West Wittering](https://staycation.co.uk/west-wittering/hotels/the-old-house-at-home) ## Things to Do in Hayling Island(4) [All attractions in Hayling Island →](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions) Top things to do in Hayling Island Hayling punches well above its size for outdoor activity, particularly on and around the water, and its flat terrain makes it an easy island to explore on foot or by bike. - **Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Beachlands** — Hayling Island has a genuine claim to being the birthplace of windsurfing: Peter Chilvers built and sailed the first recognisable windsurfer here in 1958. The shallow, sandbar-sheltered water off Beachlands is still one of the best beginner-friendly windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in the country, with several schools offering lessons and equipment hire. - **Hayling Billy Coastal Path** — This flat, traffic-free trail follows the trackbed of the old Hayling Billy railway line, which closed in 1963, from Langstone Bridge down the island's western shore. It's a favourite for walking, cycling and horse riding, with wide views across Langstone Harbour and its wading birds. - **Langstone Harbour** — An internationally important site for overwintering wildfowl and waders, the harbour is best explored from the coastal path or by kayak. Look out for brent geese, oystercatchers and little egrets, particularly outside the summer months. - **Funland Amusement Park** — Right on the seafront next to the Blue Flag beach, Funland is a proper old-fashioned funfair with roller coasters, a log flume, dodgems, an arcade and indoor karting, open through the main season and popular with families. - **West Beach and Sinah Common** — At the island's western tip, this quieter stretch of sand and dune backs onto Sinah Common's gorse and heathland, a good spot for a coastal walk away from the crowds, with views across the harbour mouth to Portsmouth. - **Hayling Golf Club** — A links course dating back to 1883 that sits right on the coast at the eastern end of the island, well regarded among golfers for its exposed, traditional character. - **Chichester Harbour cruises and sailing** — The island's eastern shore opens onto Chichester Harbour, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and several sailing clubs run courses and hire out dinghies for exploring its creeks and channels. [hayling boat trips ⭐ 5.0](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions/hayling-boat-trips) [Hayling Seaside Railway ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions/hayling-seaside-railway) [Funland ⭐ 4.1](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions/funland) [Hayling Island Beach ⭐ 4.1](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions/hayling-island-beach) ## Where to Eat in Hayling Island(40) [All restaurants in Hayling Island →](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants) About eating out in Hayling Island Hayling Island has 40 restaurants and places to eat, with 31 rated on Google and an average score of 4.4 out of 5. The island offers a good choice of dog-friendly venues (6 listed here) and places with outdoor seating (7 listed), whilst 33 have a 5 food hygiene rating. The most recommended venues include Northney Farm Tea Room, rated 4.6 from 1118 reviews, and Salt Shack Cafe, rated 4.5 from 759 reviews. The Madhatters Tearoom holds a rating of 4.7 from 409 reviews. Isla Bay is rated 4.7 from 306 reviews, while Bay of Bengal scores 4.7 from 233 reviews. Agaligo is rated 4.5 from 256 reviews. Hayling Island itself is a Hampshire island known for its windsurfing heritage, with blue-flag sand and quiet harbour creeks providing a breezy setting for a meal or drink. For further options, neighbouring towns including Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Lymington, Ringwood, Waterlooville and Basingstoke each have their own separate restaurant listings. [Reekos Pizza ⭐ 4.9](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/reekos-pizza) [Such A Jerk Caribbean Cuisine ⭐ 4.9](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/such-a-jerk-caribbean-cuisine) [Bay of Bengal ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/bay-of-bengal) [Isla Bay ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/isla-bay) [Northney Farm Tea Room ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/northney-farm-tea-room) [Lucy's Tea Room ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/lucy-s-tea-room) [Vaughan's ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/vaughan-s) [Agaligo ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants/agaligo) ## Attractions Near Hayling Island [All attractions in Hayling Island →](https://staycation.co.uk/attractions) Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Hayling Island. [3 mi Thorney Island Thorney Island · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/thorney-island/attractions/thorney-island) [3 mi Southsea Beach Portsmouth · ⭐ 3.3](https://staycation.co.uk/portsmouth/attractions/southsea-beach) [3 mi Southsea Castle Southsea · ⭐ 3.3](https://staycation.co.uk/southsea/attractions/southsea-castle) [3 mi Eastney Beach Portsmouth · ⭐ 4.5](https://staycation.co.uk/portsmouth/attractions/eastney-beach) [3 mi West Wittering Beach West Wittering · ⭐ 4.6](https://staycation.co.uk/west-wittering/attractions/west-wittering-beach) [3 mi Wacky Warehouse - Farmhouse Portsmouth · ⭐ 3.8](https://staycation.co.uk/portsmouth/attractions/wacky-warehouse-farmhouse) [4 mi The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre Havant · ⭐ 4.7](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/attractions/the-spring-arts-and-heritage-centre) [4 mi Emsworth Community Centre Emsworth · ⭐ 4.4](https://staycation.co.uk/emsworth/attractions/emsworth-community-centre) ## Camping in Hayling Island(3) [All campsites in Hayling Island →](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/camping) About camping in Hayling Island Camping on Hayling Island means using a proper site rather than pitching wild: wild camping without the landowner's permission is against the law in England, and with the island's beaches, farmland and nature reserves all in private or protected ownership, informal camping is neither legal nor welcome here. Fortunately the island has a small number of well-regarded touring parks that make the most of its coastal setting, several sitting directly on tidal creeks with private slipways for launching kayaks and small boats. Fishery Creek Touring Park, on the island's south-eastern side, is the standout choice for tents, caravans and motorhomes, set on a peaceful tidal creek within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and only a ten-minute walk from the Blue Flag beach. Its grass pitches are individually fenced and shaded by trees along the creek, with a shop, cafe-bar and children's play areas on site. Other parks on the island cater more towards static holiday homes and touring caravans, particularly around Northney and the quieter northern shore, handy for the Hayling Billy Coastal Path and Langstone Harbour's birdwatching. Because the island is flat, low-lying and exposed to Solent winds, camping here suits anyone visiting for windsurfing or kitesurfing, but it also means more sheltered pitches are worth seeking out if a blustery night doesn't appeal. Late spring through early autumn is the best camping season, when the weather is kindest and the watersports schools, funfair and seafront cafes are all open. For a more comfortable stay without your own kit, several sites offer glamping options such as furnished bell tents or static pods, giving the same creekside or coastal settings without the need to pitch a tent. [Croft Lane Green Camping ⭐ 4.2 · from £25/night](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/camping/croft-lane-green-camping) [Eastoke Farm ⭐ 4.2](https://staycation.co.uk/hampshire/camping/eastoke-farm) [The Oven Campsite ⭐ 4.2](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/camping/the-oven-campsite) [Hayling Island Holiday Park Sales ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/hampshire/camping/hayling-island-holiday-park-sales) [Mill Rythe Coastal Village ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/hampshire/camping/mill-rythe-coastal-village) [Fishers & Woodcot Caravan Parks ⭐ 4.3](https://staycation.co.uk/hampshire/camping/fishers-woodcot-caravan-parks) [⛺Campsite Sunnymead One ⭐ 4.8](https://staycation.co.uk/hampshire/camping/sunnymead-one) [Fishery Creek Touring Park ⭐ 4.5 · from £65/night](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/camping/fishery-creek-touring-park) ## Self-Catering Cottages in Hayling Island [All cottages in Hayling Island →](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/cottages) [🏡Cottage Sarah’s Island Retreat 2 bed · sleeps 6 · from £911](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/sarah-s-island-retreat-uk51094) [🏡Cottage 25 St. Benedict Road 3 bed · sleeps 8 · from £740](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/25-st-benedict-road-syk1150068) [🏡Cottage Hayling Holiday Home 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £577](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/hayling-holiday-home-uk51401) [🏡Cottage Hayling Island Retreat 3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £473](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/hayling-island-retreat-uk52082) [🏡Cottage Sunshine & Smiles 2 bed · sleeps 4 · from £383](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/sunshine-smiles-uk51979) [🏡Cottage Seaside Retreat 3 bed · sleeps 6](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/seaside-retreat-uk49942) [Tide’s Reach - Hayling Island 3 bed · sleeps 8 · from £429](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/tide-s-reach-hayling-island-syk1203891) [Mariner's Meadow - Hayling Island 3 bed · sleeps 8 · from £469](https://staycation.co.uk/havant/cottages/mariners-meadow-hayling-island-syk1175928) ## Common questions about Hayling Island How many campsites are there in Hayling Island? We list 3 campsites in and around Hayling Island, of which 3 take tents and 1 offer glamping. Are there dog-friendly campsites in Hayling Island? Yes — 2 of the 3 campsites we list in Hayling Island accept dogs, including Fishery Creek Touring Park and The Oven Campsite. Which campsites in Hayling Island have electric hook-up? 1 of the 3 campsites we list in Hayling Island offer an electric hook-up. Where can I stay in Hayling Island? We list 3 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Hayling Island. What is there to do in Hayling Island? We list 4 attractions and things to do in and around Hayling Island. Where can I eat in Hayling Island? We list 40 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Hayling Island. ### 🏨 Find Hotels in Hayling Island Search hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com. [Search Accommodation →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DHayling%2BIsland%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link ### Explore Hayling Island - [🏨 Hotels & B&Bs](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/hotels) - [🏡 Cottages](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/cottages) - [⛺ Campsites & glamping](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/camping) - [🎟️ Attractions](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/attractions) - [🍽️ Restaurants](https://staycation.co.uk/hayling-island/restaurants) - [🗺️ More in Hampshire](https://staycation.co.uk/hampshire) - [🧭 All of the South East](https://staycation.co.uk/regions/south-east) ## Staycation ideas for Hayling Island [All staycation ideas →](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas) [The Best Last-Minute UK Staycations Six well-connected UK towns and cities worth booking at short notice, chosen for easy travel and a decent spread of accommodation once the school-holiday crowds have thinned.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-last-minute-staycations) [Rainy Day Staycations: Best UK Breaks for Bad Weather When the forecast turns grim, these UK cities and spa towns keep their appeal indoors, with museums, galleries and grand architecture to fill a wet weekend.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/rainy-day-staycations-uk) [The Best Dog-Friendly Staycations in Britain From Cornish coast paths to Lake District fells, these six British destinations offer the open beaches, moors and forests that make a staycation genuinely enjoyable for dogs and their owners alike.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/dog-friendly-staycations) [The Best UK Staycations for Families with Young Kids From New Forest ponies to Cornish rock pools, these six UK destinations combine easy logistics, safe beaches and family-friendly attractions for a stress-free break with young children.](https://staycation.co.uk/staycation-ideas/best-staycations-for-families)