New Homes on Hayling Island

Whether you’re enjoying a walk along the coast, taking the kids for an afternoon of seaside fun or going to the mainland for a spot of retail therapy, there’s lots to see and do on and near to Hayling Island. Located off the south coast within easy reach of Chichester and Portsmouth, a new home in Hayling Island could be ideal if you’re looking for beach living within commuting distance of major towns and cities.

 

A quick history

The history of Hayling Island dates right back to the Iron Age, with the discovery of an ancient shrine which later became a Roman temple, a site which was excavated in the 20th century. The island’s industry has been linked to salt production since the 11th century, continuing for hundreds of years until its decline in the late 1800s. The yew tree in St Mary’s churchyard is said to be thousands of years old. In 1944, the island was used for mock-invasions in preparation for D-Day.

Business and industry

Businesses on Hayling Island encompass tourism and leisure, sports, financial services and retail, while major local employers include Rolls Royce and West Sussex County Council in Chichester, and the University of Portsmouth, IBM and Pall Europe in Portsmouth.

Things to do in the area

If you love exploring the coast, there’s lots to keep you busy in Hayling Island from walks along the promenade to sunny days spent at West Beachlands. The Hayling Billy Trail is a great route to explore with children, while the kids will also love visits to the Funland amusement park and Hayling Seaside Railway.

Hayling Island is also a haven for watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing. Hayling Golf Club is also located on the island, and there are lots of cycle routes too.

Just a short drive away on the mainland, you’ll find Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Staunton Country Park and the city sights of Portsmouth, including the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays.

Travel and commuting

Although it’s an island, Hayling has good transport links via the road bridge to the south coast. The journey to Portsmouth takes just 20 minutes and Chichester can be reached in 25 minutes, so there are lots of options if you’re planning on commuting for work. Southampton is a 40 minute drive away, while the drive to London takes around one hour 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Although there’s no mainline train station on Hayling Island, Havant station is nearby with regular services to London and beyond. If you’re going on a well-earned holiday, you can get to Southampton Airport in just 30 minutes driving via the M27.