There’s something special about a break on an island. Even if it can be reached by road, and you don’t need to book a ferry, simply knowing that you’re on an island gives that sense of ‘distance’, which really makes you feel like you’re getting away from it all.
Located just a short drive from Portsmouth, Hayling island is a small getaway with a slightly balmy climate and plenty to do on a family holiday or short break. And, it’s got its own holiday park with a good range of facilities.
Hayling Island Holiday Park is just a mile from the seafront, and the trip is worth it, as the beaches are award winners. The park benefits from an indoor heated pool and gym as well as its own bar and restaurant. To keep the kids busy their are children’s clubs and an adventure playground, and full program of entertainment operates in the Showbar during school holidays. More info.
Aside from family holidays, the park is also suitable as a base for water-sport enthusiasts, as the island has some of the best best windsurfing and sailing in the UK. Kitesurfing has recently taken off at the resort, lessons can be booked during the summer months for this exhilarating new sport.
While there’s plenty going on at the park there is also plenty to do outside of its gates. The coastal path is four miles long and can be explored either on foot, horseback or bicycle. If you fancy a bit more structure to your walking, and a bar at the end of it, there are two golf courses, both pay and play, so no problems with membership.
For the kids there is a funfair with roller coaster and a light railway that runs along the seafront, and the ubiquitous seaside fish and chip shop. There are also free adventure playgrounds, and a skatepark for the bigger kids.
For relaxation there are a couple of waterfront pubs with good views of Hayling’s busy nautical activity, so if you don’t fancy getting in a boat yourself, you can simply relax with a beer and watch the maritime world go by.
The holiday park scores 7.7 on Revoo.com, which is pretty good. Prices start from £259 per week (currently), but as we’ve been noting of late, everything is getting booked up early this year, so don’t’ leave it too late. You can check availability here.
By: Gareth Whieldon
