Parking on Hayling Island

Car parks, beach parking and seasonal charges

Parking on Hayling Island is straightforward for most of the year but becomes a significant issue during the summer months when visitors flock to the beaches. The main car parks are located at the beachfront, near the shops in Mengham and at various points along the seafront.

Beach parking is managed by Havant Borough Council, with charges applying during the main season. The car parks fill quickly on warm summer weekends and bank holidays, and late arrivals may struggle to find a space. On-street parking in the residential streets near the beach is restricted during the season, and enforcement is active.

Outside the summer season, parking is generally abundant and many car parks are free or lightly used. Residents who live near the beach benefit from permit schemes that protect their streets from visitor parking during the busy months.

The main shopping area around Mengham Road has limited parking, and visitors to the shops may need to use nearby side streets. The pubs and restaurants on the island generally have their own car parks, though these can fill up during busy periods.

For visitors arriving by car, the advice is to arrive early during the summer months, particularly on weekends and bank holidays. The bridge traffic and the limited parking combine to make the journey frustrating for those who arrive late on a hot day.