Havant and Hayling Island is where rural Hampshire meets the seashore. Experience a seaside break; explore beautiful harbours and inlets in the tranquillity of a rural location.

Hayling Island is surrounded by sparkling, clear blue sea and has two European Blue Flag beaches and Tidy Britain 2000 Seaside Awards. The vast expanse of sandbanks exposed at low tide make bathing safe for all the family. The beaches have recently been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Walks through this rare, interesting and special habitat are enhanced with marked walkways; leaflets are available from the Tourist Information Centre on what to look out for on your visit.

Beachlands also offers, free of charge, a beach volleyball court, children's play area and a skate park, making it an excellent value-for-money location. The Funlands Amusement Park is ideal for all the family to have fun and adds to the great holiday/day out atmosphere. Refreshments are easily available in cafes and kiosks adjacent to the beach and you will also find The Inn on the Beach, which offers visitors a trendy Windsurfers Bar, a great family restaurant, Bistro on the Beach or the sophisticated choice of Gladstones. Watch the ships roll in and leave the Solent.

The beach is also famous for windsurfing, so bring along your equipment and join in. Even watching is great fun. Beach hut and barbecue hire is also possible but requires early booking due to its popularity.

Golf is very popular on Hayling with two courses on the island and also the excellent Par 3 adjacent to the beach, which is great fun and provides a novel environment in which to try this sport.

Exploring Staunton Country Park offers something for everyone in the family with the fabulous friendly animals in the ornamental farm, the tropical glasshouses and the landscaped gardens with intriguing follies to discover.

Fishbourne Roman Palace, Emsworth and Havant Museums, Fort Purbrook, and the Lifeboat Station all offer an interesting, fun and educational day out. If you are coming from Portsmouth then try the Hayling Ferry, which is quicker, cheaper and more fun than going around the roads. Emsworth, with its fabulous restaurants and antique and curio shops, is a delightful place to spend the afternoon.

The area is perfect for exploring on foot whatever time of year you visit, discovering history and heritage along the way. In summer, Havant offers cool shady forests and coastal paths with sea breezes to cool you, or you may prefer walking along the beach getting the sand between your toes. Guided walks leaflets are available.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience food in this area. Havant, Emsworth, Langstone, Waterlooville and Hayling Island all have some great places to eat and are situated in some of the most beautiful locations in England. Inglenook fireplaces, nautical interiors and harbour frontage make for a memorable occasion.