# Hayling Island: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for Hayling Island, Hampshire. A unique island community between Langstone and Chichester Harbours, famous for its beaches, windsurfing and relaxed coastal character. ## Areas ### South Hayling South Hayling is the commercial and recreational centre of Hayling Island, stretching along the southern coast from Eastoke in the east to West Town in the west. The seafront is the main attraction, with a long sandy and shingle beach that faces the English Channel and draws visitors throughout the ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/south-hayling ### North Hayling North Hayling is the quieter, more rural half of the island, stretching from the bridge at Langstone northward and across the low-lying farmland and marshes that characterise the island's interior. The pace of life here is noticeably slower than in the busier south. St Mary's Church, one of the olde... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/north-hayling ### Mengham Mengham is the main residential and shopping area of Hayling Island, located inland from the seafront in the south-central part of the island. Mengham Road is the principal shopping street, with a parade of shops including a Co-op supermarket, bakery, chemist, newsagent, estate agents, and several t... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/mengham ### Eastoke Eastoke occupies the south-eastern tip of Hayling Island, a low-lying area that is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion. The area is largely residential, with a mix of bungalows, chalets, and some more substantial houses. The beach at Eastoke is sandy and popular in summer, though... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/eastoke ### West Town West Town lies on the western side of southern Hayling Island, facing Langstone Harbour. The area is residential, with a mix of housing types including some of the more desirable properties on the island, particularly those with views across the harbour towards Portsea Island and Portsmouth. West To... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/west-town ### Stoke Stoke is a residential area in the central part of Hayling Island, situated between Mengham to the south and the more rural North Hayling to the north. The area is largely residential, with a mix of post-war housing estates and some older properties. Stoke has a suburban feel, with quiet residential... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/stoke ### Sinah Sinah occupies the south-western tip of Hayling Island, a distinctive area characterised by Sinah Common, Hayling Golf Club, and the exposed coastline facing the entrance to Langstone Harbour. The golf course is one of the oldest on the south coast and its links-style layout, shaped by wind and salt... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/sinah ### Mill Rythe Mill Rythe is a residential area on the eastern side of Hayling Island, facing Chichester Harbour. The area takes its name from the tidal creek that runs inland from the harbour, and the waterside setting gives it a character distinct from the more built-up parts of the island. Mill Rythe Holiday Vi... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/mill-rythe ### Tye Tye is a small area in the north-eastern part of Hayling Island, where the island faces Chichester Harbour across the tidal flats. The area is largely rural, with farmland, scattered houses, and the low-lying marshland that characterises much of the island's eastern shore. Tye is one of the quietest... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/tye ### Gutner Gutner is a small, scattered settlement in the south-eastern part of Hayling Island, between the Eastoke area and Mill Rythe. The area is characterised by low-density housing, some agricultural land, and proximity to Chichester Harbour. Gutner has a quiet, semi-rural character that sets it apart fro... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/areas/gutner ## Guides ### Supermarkets and Grocery Shopping on Hayling Island Grocery shopping on Hayling Island involves a trade-off between convenience and choice. The island has a convenience supermarket that covers the basics, but for a full weekly shop, most residents cros... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/supermarkets ### Estate Agents on Hayling Island The property market on Hayling Island is served by estate agents based both on the island and on the mainland in Havant. The agents handle sales and lettings of residential property across the island,... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/estate-agents ### Chichester Harbour from Hayling Island Chichester Harbour forms the eastern boundary of Hayling Island and is one of the most beautiful and ecologically important natural harbours in southern England. The harbour is designated an Area of O... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/chichester-harbour ### Langstone Harbour from Hayling Island Langstone Harbour lies between Hayling Island and the mainland, a wide tidal basin of mudflats, salt marshes and channels that is one of the most important wildlife habitats on the south coast. The ha... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/langstone-harbour ### Holiday Accommodation on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a range of holiday accommodation serving visitors who come for the beaches, the sailing, the Hayling Billy Trail and the relaxed coastal atmosphere. The options include holiday park... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/holiday-accommodation ### Water Quality around Hayling Island Water quality around Hayling Island is a subject of growing public concern, reflecting wider national debates about sewage discharges, bathing water standards and the health of coastal environments. T... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/water-quality ### Restaurants on Hayling Island Dining out on Hayling Island is a modest affair compared to the restaurant scenes of Portsmouth or Chichester, but the island has a handful of restaurants and pub dining rooms that serve the local com... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/restaurants ### Pubs on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a small number of pubs that serve as social hubs for the community. The Maypole is one of the best-known, sitting at the crossroads in South Hayling and serving as a meeting point f... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/pubs ### The Hayling Island Bridge The Langstone Bridge, carrying the A3023, is the only road link between Hayling Island and the mainland. This single point of access defines island life in ways that are both practical and psychologic... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/the-bridge ### Bus Services on Hayling Island Bus services connect Hayling Island to Havant and the wider public transport network. The main bus route runs from South Hayling, through the island and across the bridge to Havant town centre and rai... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/buses ### Windsurfing on Hayling Island Hayling Island holds a unique place in sporting history as the birthplace of windsurfing. Peter Chilvers, a local teenager, is credited with devising and riding a board with a sail on Hayling's waters... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/windsurfing ### Beaches on Hayling Island Hayling Island's beaches stretch along the southern shore, facing the Solent and the Isle of Wight. The main beaches are West Beach and Eastoke Beach, connected by the seafront promenade. The beach ch... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/beaches ### The Hayling Billy Trail The Hayling Billy Trail follows the route of the former Hayling Island branch railway, which ran from Havant to South Hayling from 1867 until its closure in 1963. The trail is now a popular walking an... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/hayling-billy-trail ### Flooding Risk on Hayling Island Flooding is one of the most significant issues facing Hayling Island. The island's low-lying topography, its exposure to coastal storms and the effects of rising sea levels combine to create a flood r... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/flooding ### Doctors and Healthcare on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a GP surgery that provides primary healthcare to the island's population. The surgery offers standard NHS services including consultations, vaccinations, chronic disease management ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/doctors ### Schools on Hayling Island Hayling Island has primary schools that serve the island's families, but secondary education requires a journey to the mainland. This arrangement is a defining feature of family life on the island and... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/schools ### House Prices on Hayling Island The property market on Hayling Island is distinctive, shaped by the island's unique geography, its appeal as a coastal destination and the practical realities of bridge-dependent access. House prices ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/house-prices ### Sailing on Hayling Island Sailing is woven into the fabric of Hayling Island life. The island's position between two harbours and facing the open Solent provides some of the best sailing conditions in southern England. Hayling... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/sailing ### Birdwatching on Hayling Island Hayling Island is one of the finest birdwatching locations on the south coast of England. The island's position between Langstone Harbour and Chichester Harbour, both internationally designated for th... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/birdwatching ### The Hayling Island Railway The Hayling Island branch railway ran from Havant to South Hayling for nearly a century, from 1867 to 1963. The line was one of the most distinctive and characterful branches in southern England, runn... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/railway-history ### St Mary's Church, North Hayling St Mary's Church in North Hayling is the oldest building on the island and one of the finest small medieval churches in Hampshire. The church dates from the twelfth century, with elements from even ea... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/st-marys-church ### Dog Walking on Hayling Island Hayling Island is an excellent place for dog owners, with beaches, the Hayling Billy Trail, harbour paths and open spaces providing a variety of walks throughout the year. Dogs are a common sight on t... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/dog-walking ### Community Events on Hayling Island Community events on Hayling Island bring the island's residents together throughout the year. The events reflect the close-knit nature of island life, where a small permanent population creates strong... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/community-events ### Cycling on Hayling Island Cycling on Hayling Island benefits from the flat terrain, the quiet residential roads and the traffic-free Hayling Billy Trail. The island's compact size means that most destinations are reachable by ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/cycling ### Parking on Hayling Island 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 bea... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/parking ### The Butlins Story on Hayling Island Butlins holiday camp on Hayling Island was one of the most significant businesses in the island's modern history. The camp operated from the 1930s until its closure in 2009, and at its peak it brought... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/butlins-history ### Recycling and Waste on Hayling Island Waste collection on Hayling Island follows the standard Havant Borough Council service, with fortnightly collections of general waste, recycling and food waste. Garden waste is collected through a sub... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/recycling ### Council Services on Hayling Island Hayling Island falls within Havant Borough Council for local services and Hampshire County Council for upper-tier services such as education, highways and social care. The island does not have its own... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/council-services ### Cafes on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a modest but well-loved collection of cafes serving residents and visitors throughout the year. The cafe scene is concentrated around the seafront and the Mengham area, with a few e... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/cafes ### Fish and Chips on Hayling Island Fish and chips on Hayling Island is part of the seaside experience, and the island has several chip shops and restaurants serving the classic British takeaway. The tradition runs deep on a coastal isl... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/fish-and-chips ### Takeaway Food on Hayling Island Takeaway food on Hayling Island is more limited than in mainland towns of comparable size, reflecting the island's relatively small population and the practical challenges of operating a delivery busi... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/takeaways ### Dental Services on Hayling Island Dental care on Hayling Island is provided by a small number of practices serving the island's population of around 17,000. Access to NHS dentistry, like much of the south of England, can be challengin... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/dentists ### Pharmacies on Hayling Island Hayling Island has pharmacy services providing prescription dispensing, over-the-counter medicines, health advice and a range of NHS services to the island community. The pharmacies play an important ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/pharmacies ### Care Homes on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a number of care homes providing residential and nursing care for older people. The island's demographic profile, with a significant proportion of retired residents, creates steady ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/care-homes ### Pre-Schools and Nurseries on Hayling Island Hayling Island has pre-schools and nurseries providing childcare and early years education for children from babyhood to school age. These settings serve families across the island, offering structure... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/pre-schools ### Shopping in Mengham on Hayling Island Mengham is the closest thing Hayling Island has to a high street. The parade of shops along Mengham Road serves as the island's main local shopping centre, providing everyday goods and services that s... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/mengham-shops ### Garden Centres on Hayling Island Hayling Island and its immediate surroundings have garden centres serving the island's keen gardening community. The mild coastal climate, sandy soil and sheltered positions create good growing condit... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/garden-centres ### New Housing Developments on Hayling Island New housing development on Hayling Island is one of the most contentious local issues. The tension between the need for new homes and the constraints of building on a low-lying island with a single ro... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/new-developments ### Renting on Hayling Island The rental market on Hayling Island is relatively small, reflecting the island's character as a predominantly owner-occupied community. Properties available for long-term rent include houses, bungalow... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/renting ### Churches and Places of Worship on Hayling Island Hayling Island has several churches and places of worship serving the spiritual needs of the island community. The churches represent different Christian denominations and play a role in community lif... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/churches ### Volunteering on Hayling Island Volunteering is part of the fabric of life on Hayling Island. The island's community organisations, charities, clubs and events depend on volunteers to function, and the spirit of giving time and effo... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/volunteering ### Island Identity and Community Spirit on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a distinct identity shaped by its geography, its history and the character of the people who choose to live there. The single bridge connecting the island to the mainland is more th... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/island-identity ### Golf on Hayling Island Hayling Golf Club is one of the finest links courses on the south coast of England. The course occupies a spectacular position on the southern tip of the island, running along the shoreline with views... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/golf ### Kitesurfing on Hayling Island Hayling Island has become one of the premier kitesurfing locations in the United Kingdom. The combination of reliable winds, shallow water, sandy beaches and easy launch sites has attracted kitesurfer... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/kitesurfing ### Fishing on and around Hayling Island Fishing from Hayling Island and its surrounding waters is a popular pursuit for residents and visitors. The island's position between Chichester Harbour and Langstone Harbour, with the open Solent to ... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/fishing ### Nature Reserves around Hayling Island Hayling Island and its surrounding waters are rich in protected wildlife habitats. The harbours, coastline, mudflats, salt marshes and grasslands support species of national and international importan... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/nature-reserves ### Arts and Culture on Hayling Island The arts and cultural life of Hayling Island is modest in scale but active in spirit. The island's landscape, light and coastal setting have long attracted painters, photographers, writers and craftsp... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/arts-culture ### Festivals and Annual Events on Hayling Island Hayling Island has a calendar of annual events and festivals that bring the community together and attract visitors from the mainland. These events mark the seasons, celebrate the island's character a... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/island-festivals ### Hayling Island Library Hayling Island Library provides a range of services to the island community, offering books, digital resources, internet access and a space for community activities. The library is part of the Hampshi... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/library ### Emergency Services on Hayling Island Emergency service coverage on Hayling Island is shaped by the island's geography. The single bridge access means that response times can be affected by traffic, and the coastal setting creates specifi... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/emergency-services ### Hayling Island in the Second World War Hayling Island played a significant role during the Second World War, its coastal position and proximity to Portsmouth making it both a defensive location and a staging ground for the D-Day landings i... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/wartime-history ### Coastal Erosion on Hayling Island Coastal erosion is a constant and pressing concern on Hayling Island. The island's low-lying geography, its exposure to southerly storms and the effects of rising sea levels mean that the coastline is... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/coastal-erosion ### Ferry Services from Hayling Island The Hayling Ferry is a small passenger ferry that operates between the southern tip of Hayling Island and Eastney in Portsmouth. The ferry provides a direct link across the harbour mouth, avoiding the... URL: https://www.haylingisland.news/guide/ferry-services ## History - 16 October 1987: The Great Storm of 1987 - 1086: Hayling Island in the Domesday Book - c. 1140: Foundation of Hayling Priory - c. 1170: St Mary's Church Rebuilt in Stone - c. 1250: Medieval Salt Production - 1340: French Raids on the South Coast - 1414: Suppression of Hayling Priory - 1800: Napoleonic Coastal Defences - 1867: Hayling Island Railway Opens - 1932: Butlins Holiday Camp Opens - 1939: Hayling Island in the Second World War - 1958: Invention of Windsurfing on Hayling Island - 1963: Closure of the Hayling Island Railway - 1984: Hayling Billy Trail Opens - 1985: Eastoke Coastal Defence Works - 2009: Closure of Butlins Hayling Island ## Streets - Havant Road - Sea Front - Manor Road - Station Road - Mengham Road - Church Road - Sinah Lane - Tournerbury Lane - St Marys Road - Elm Grove - Creek Road - Mill Rythe Lane - Sandy Point Road - Southwood Road - West Lane - Rails Lane - Sea Grove Avenue - Bound Lane - Salterns Lane - Yew Tree Road - Hollow Lane - Bacon Lane - Copse Lane - Park Road South - Selsmore Road - Northney Road ## Places - Hayling Island Sailing Club (Sport) - St Mary's Church (Church) - Beachlands (Beach) - The Maypole (Pub) - Hayling Billy Trail (Nature) - Sandy Point Nature Reserve (Nature) - Inn on the Beach (Pub) - Hayling Golf Club (Sport) - Ferry Boat Inn (Pub) - Sinah Common (Nature) - Northney Marina (Sport) - Hayling Island Community Centre (Community) - The Olive Leaf (Cafe) - Hayling Island Donkey Sanctuary (Nature) - Langstone Harbour (Nature) - Chichester Harbour (Nature)