Happy TravellerWelcome to Hayling Island, a scenic island off the south coast of England, located in the borough of Havant in the county of Hampshire. This hidden gem is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, but offers a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and plenty of leisure activities to keep visitors entertained. Join us as we uncover the many treasures of Hayling Island and reveal why this charming destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
History:
Hayling Island has a rich history that dates back to the Iron Age. An Iron Age shrine in the north of the island was later developed into a Roman temple in the 1st century BC. Salt production was an industry on the island from the 11th century, and the Domesday Book records a saltpan on the island. The monks of Jumièges Abbey, Normandy, began to build Northwode Chapel about 1140; this became the site of the present St Peters Church, now the oldest surviving church on the island. In May 1944, the island was the location of a mock invasion during the military Exercise Fabius. The English Court of Appeal recognised prior art by Peter Chilvers, who invented the windsurfer in Hayling Island in 1958.
Geography:
Hayling Island is a true island, surrounded by water and connected to the mainland by a road bridge at Langstone. The Hayling Ferry is a small pedestrian ferry connecting to the Eastney area of the city of Portsmouth on the neighbouring Portsea Island. To the west is Langstone Harbour and to the east is Chichester Harbour. The natural beach at Hayling was predominantly sandy, but in recent years it has been mechanically topped with shingle dredged from the bed of the Solent. At low tide, the East Winner sandbank is visible, extending a mile out to sea. The coastline in this area has substantially changed since Roman times due to erosion and flooding.
Climate:
Hayling Island experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Temperatures have never fallen into double figures below freezing, illustrating the relative warmth of the island. Temperature extremes between 1960 and 2010 have ranged from −9.4 °C (15.1 °F) during January 1963, up to 32.1 °C (89.8 °F) during June 1976.
Sport and Leisure:
Hayling Island is a popular destination for water activities including windsurfing, sailing, and lifeboat services. It is also home to Hayling United F.C., a non-League football club, Seacourt Tennis club, a weekly fencing club, and Hayling Golf Club, voted in the top 100 golf courses in the UK. Tourists can visit Funland, an amusement park, and ride the Hayling Seaside Railway. The island also boasts several churches of different denominations including the oldest surviving St Peters Church and the more recently built St Andrews in South Hayling. The Station Theatre hosts a variety of plays and films throughout the year.
Transport:
The Hayling Ferry connects Portsmouth and Hayling Island. The nearest railway stations to Hayling Island are Havant and Portsmouth & Southsea. The single carriageway road linking Northney to Langstone Havant can become very congested in summer.
Notable People:
Hayling Island has been home to many notable people throughout history including Peter Chilvers, inventor of the windsurfer, Stephanie Lawrence, a musical actress, and Nevil Shute, aeronautical engineer and novelist. The oyster beds on the north west coast of Hayling Island have been fished since Roman times and were actively farmed until the 1970s, becoming a delicacy exported throughout the country.
