Take a Day Out On The Hayling Ferry
When seeking an ideal family day out, there are few better than a day trip via the Hayling Ferry. Staying at Meadow Bay’s Hayling Island Park unlocks an exciting trip to Portsea Island!
The Hayling Ferry – An Adventure Waiting to Happen
The Hayling Ferry is a historic ferry service that runs between Hayling Island and Portsea Island, providing a quick and convenient method of travel between the two. Hayling Ferry times are highly regular, running all year round, seven days a week throughout the year, the service provides a seamless link to Portsea Island’s bus services. Moreover, for those looking to soak in the natural beauty of the area via cycling, bikes are carried for free on the service.
Find out more information about the Hayling Ferry Timetable and bus links here.
Start Your Day With An Idyllic Hayling Ferry Journey.
The magic of the day trip begins with the Hayling Ferry. A short but historic crossing, the Hayling Ferry has been in regular service since the 19th century, offering visitors the chance to island hop with ease. As the ferry pulls away from Langstone Harbour, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of what has been a hub for English maritime activity for hundreds of years. Be sure to check the Hayling Ferry timetable to plan your trip.
In no time at all, you’ll glide into Eastney Point, where a perfect day out on Portsea Island awaits you.
An Exciting Trip Awaits You On Portsea Island
Portsea Island is compact, but bristling with personality and charm, featuring naval heritage, stunning coastline, unique geographical features and architectural joys.
Whether strolling down the Eastney Coast, exploring Portsmouth or uncovering what Southsea has offer, you’re sure to enjoy a unique trip to Portsea Island
Explore Portsmouth – A South Coast Gem
Connected seamlessly with the Hayling Ferry via bus, Portsmouth is a heritage hub city for the south of England, offering a rich history amalgamated with modern touches.
Rich Naval History
When exploring Portsmouth’s unique history, the first place to begin is the maritime and naval heritage that the city is home to. Acting as a naval hub on England’s South Coast for hundreds of years, Portsmouth is home to world-famous ships, both old and new, including:
HMS Victory – The oldest naval vessel still in commission on the globe, HMS Victory is a first-rate ship of the line, first launched in 1765. Now acting as the flagship of the First Sea Lord and a museum, Victory is famous for her actions at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where she was the flagship for Admiral Horatio Nelson. In the modern day, she has been restored and is used as a museum, attracting over 350,000 visitors a year.
HMS Warrior – Warrior is an iron-clad, steam-powered warship that first launched in 1860. Restored in the late 20th century by the Maritime Trust, she is now part of the National Historic Fleet, acting as a museum ship for tourists to explore
The Mary Rose Museum – The Mary Rose is a Tudor Warship in the service of King Henry VIII, first being launched in 1511. Having been sunk in battle off Spithead in the River Solent in 1545, she was then raised from the bed of the straits in 1982. In the modern day, she has been restored and held at the Mary Rose Museum, allowing users to soak in a piece of Naval History from over 500 years ago.
Waterfront Shopping at Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays is must-visit location for a modern experience in Portsmouth. A former Naval site, Gunwharf Quays was converted into a public attraction, restored and opened in 2001 as a retail and tourist hub.
Situated directly upon the water’s edge, Gunwharf Quays features a plethora of shops, restaurants and pubs, alongside the famous Spinnaker Tower, which allows visitors to get a birds-eye viewpoint from as high as 110m.
Experience the Charm of Old Portsmouth
When seeking a charming, picturesque and historic neighbourhood, look no further than Old Portsmouth. With cobbled streets, colourful town houses, waterside eateries, cafes and pubs, the area is renowned for being a walkable and peaceful escape from the pace of the city, whilst remaining easily accessible from the Hayling Ferry with a regular bus service.
Soak in the sights and curiosities of Southsea
Located just along the coast from Hayling Ferry’s drop-off of Eastney Point, Southsea offers up a vibrant mixture of seaside views, independent traders and green spaces.
Take a Walk Down Southsea Promenade
Featuring a long pebble beach and promenade, splashed with sea-side cafes and a historic Victorian Pier, Southsea Promenade is the perfect family attraction. Offering a nostalgic seaside experience, visitors can walk the length of the 4.5km stretch of seafront, taking in views of the ocean and dunes along the way.
Explore Southsea Rose Gardens
The perfect spot to relax and take in nature’s beauty, Southsea’s Rose Gardens are situated just off Southsea Beach. Built upon the old Lumps Fort Naval emplacement, the fort has now been converted into a public garden, featuring a Japanese Garden, acting as a nod to Portsmouth’s twin city of Maizuru, Japan. The garden is surrounded by the historic walls of Lump’s Fort, creating a tranquil setting.
Southsea’s Rich Independent Trader Scene
Located slightly inland on Albert Road is a hub for independent boutiques, vintage stores, cafe’s and other quirky shops. Acting as the beating heart for creativity in Southsea, the area allows visitors to drift between unique traders, all offering their own spin upon their craft.
Stroll Down the Picturesque Eastney Coast
When stepping off Hayling Ferry, you’re immediately greeted by the Eastney Coast, a windswept and unpolished stretch of Portsea Island where the tide shapes the landscape, creating a space where visitors can experience serene walks, losing themselves in the quiet bliss of the coastline.
Peaceful and Unkept Shoreline
The shoreline of Eastney Beach is shaped in a long, drawn-out curve that offers visitors an untouched, un-commercialised area of coast which offers a quiet tranquility. Perfect for morning strolls, collecting shells and picturesque photography, the coastline acts as a portal into a world far from the hustle and bustle of civilisation.
An Ideal Location for Cyclists
Designed with cyclists in mind, Eastney Beach offers the perfect location for those on two wheels to cruise the shoreline, made all the more simple by Hayling Ferry’s free bike policy.
Fort Cumberland
Fort Cumberland is a historic fort, dating back to the 18th century. Built with the purpose of protecting Langstone Harbour, the fort is a heritage site containing a multitude of architectural and structural features that are synonymous with various periods of history, including Ravelins, Casemates, Ramparts and a Star-Shaped layout. In the modern day, visitors to Fort Cumberland will find it is home to Portsmouth Distillery, with buildings such as the Guard House, Hospital and Officer’s Quarters still standing.
What Are the Hayling Ferry times?
The Hayling Ferry timetable is seasonal, but continues to run all year round, seven days a week. Even in winter, the ferry runs regularly between Hayling and Eastney and vice-versa
Click here for more information on the Hayling Ferry times
Transport Links On Portsea Island
Having landed on Portsea Island via the Hayling Ferry, travelling the island via public transport is a breeze –
- Upon disembarking Hayling Ferry, walk to the 25 bus stop on Ferry Road.
- Catch the 25 bus, this stops at Southsea, Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays.
- If looking to head elsewhere on the island, simply change at Portsmouth and catch the relevant service to your destination.
For more information, check out the Hayling Ferry site!
Hayling Ferry – Easily Accessed from Meadow Bay’s Holiday Park
Meadow Bay’s Hayling Island park is perfectly positioned to access the Hayling Ferry, being accessible via car, walking or cycling:
Via car
- Facing west from the entrance to our Hayling Island Park, turn left onto the A3023.
- Follow the A3023 until reaching the Beachlands Roundabout.
- Take the 3rd exit onto Sea Front.
- Follow Sea Front, (becoming Ferry Road) until reaching the Hayling Ferry Landing Point.
- Car parking is available next to the landing point.
Via bike
- Facing west from the entrance to our Hayling Island Park, turn left onto the A3023.
- At the Newtown House Hotel, turn right onto Newtown Lane.
- Continue onto West Lane.
- At the junction with Station Road, turn right onto Station Road.
- Follow Station Road until the junction with Staunton Avenue.
- At the junction with Staunton Avenue, turn left.
- Follow Staunton Avenue.
- Turn right onto Sea Front.
- Follow Sea Front, (becoming Ferry Road) until reaching the Hayling Ferry Landing Point.
- Bike carry upon the Hayling Ferry is free of charge.
On foot
- Facing west from the entrance to our Hayling Island Park, turn left onto the A3023.
- At the Newtown House Hotel, turn right onto Newtown Lane.
- Continue onto West Lane.
- At the junction with Station Road, turn right onto Station Road.
- Follow Station Road (becoming Sinah Avenue) until the junction with Park Road.
- Turn left onto Park Road.
- Follow Park Road until the junction with Sinah Lane.
- Follow Sinah Lane until the junction with Ferry Road.
- Turn right onto Ferry Road.
- Follow Ferry Road until reaching the Hayling Ferry Landing Point.
After All The Fun – Kick Back at Meadow Bay
With a wholesome day out in the rearview mirror, you can take a step back and chill out at your luxury Hayling Island caravan.
- Why not enjoy an evening meal? Check out our on-site restaurants and bars, or stay in the comfort of your private outdoor terrace
- Relax with a film
- Fancy a swim? Our site offers outdoor and indoor swimming facilities
- Enjoy fun for all the family with a game of disc golf or sand boules
Click here for more information on our Hayling Island facilities
Written by the Meadow Bay Villages Team – passionate about creating unforgettable UK lodge and caravan holidays.