Where to go ... in the Borough

Bridge at Staunton Country Park

The Borough of Havant is where the countryside meets the seashore. It is an environment for all seasons. There are cool shady forests or coastal paths with sea breezes to keep you cool, or you may prefer walking along the beach with the sand between your toes. The autumn offers a chance to kick your way through golden woodland leaves. In winter, snuggle into your favourite warm jumper, take in some bracing sea air then find a cosy pub or tea room to warm yourself. The spring offers rejuvenation everywhere with lambs and an abundance of wild flowers in woodlands, and on marshes and seashores.
 

Arts & Crafts

Many artists, attracted by the natural beauty of the area, have settled here and there are some truly delightful scenes in and around the Borough to capture in oils, watercolours or other medium. And some of the local colleges offer short art and craft courses or workshops too.
 

Broadmarsh

A coastal wilderness with footpaths connecting Langstone and Hayling Island to Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve.
 

Community Subway

Come and see the Community Arts project that has been attracting shoppers in Waterlooville. For more information about the subway see our page dedicated to it >>
 

Emsworth Museum

North Street, Emsworth
Visit this local history museum to find out about Emsworths literary connections with PG Wodehouse's novels. Also, pop in to see what's in store for you in the temporary exhibitions room.
 

Fort Purbrook

Portsdown Hill Road, Cosham
Tel: 023 9232 1223
Take in the panoramic views over the Langstone and Chichester Harbour from this 19th Century hill fort. Join a guided tour of the underground tunnels and stop at the café for refreshment. Regular craft fairs offer a variety of handcrafted souvenirs .
 

Funlands Fun Fair and Fun Factory

Seafront, Hayling Island
Tel: 023 9246 2820
Get soaked on the Log Flume, scared witless on the Cyclone Twist and be prepared for an even rougher ride on the Rocky Mountain Railroad!  Come rain or shine the Fun Factory indoor adventure playground is sure to keep the little ones happy!
 

Gazebo Garden

East Street, Havant
Hidden, but not quite forgotten. Havant's secret garden can be found near the back of the Bear Hotel.
 

Great Copse

An area of woodland once part of the Staunton Estate, it is now looked after by a local Conservation Group which aims to manage it in a way beneficial to wildlife. Good walks beside the stream
 

Havant Museum

East Street, Havant
Tel: 023 9245 1155
Discover the link between Havant and the Treaty of Versailles; unearth the location of Roman remains; track down clues to solve the mystery of why the Hayling Billy disappeared in a puff of smoke; examine the workmanship that has gone into one of the country's finest firearm collections and find out why the Borough has such an unusual name!
 

Hayling Seaside Railway

Beachlands, Hayling Island
Tel: 023 9237 2427
Daily service during the summer, otherwise call the number above.
The railway connects the popular funfair and amusements of Beachlands with Eastoke Corner and its shops, pubs and cafes. Running through areas of rare seaside plants and beside Hayling's renowned "Blue Flag" beaches, the railway also boasts some of the best views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
 

Lifeboat Station & Museum

Bracklesham Road, Hayling Island
Tel: 023 9246 5733
Open Wednesday (7-9pm) with lifeboat launch at 7.30pm plus Sundays 10.30-4pm
 

Park Wood

An important local woodland area between Waterlooville and Cowplain, part of the ancient Forest of Bere which used to cover the south of Hampshire, this wood has been cared for by the 'Friends of Park Wood' for a number of years and the hard work is starting to show major benefits.
More about Park Wood >>
 

Pleasure Cruises

There are a number of pleasure cruise operators in the area, and at various times throughout the year Portsmouth welcomes the Waverley and Balmoral paddle steamers. Solent Enterprises puts on special cruises too; including themed night entertainment cruises and day trips up the river Hamble. There are also a number of operators giving tours of Portsmouth and Chichester Harbour.
 

Portsdown Hill

A site of special scientific interest, this chalk ridge affords splendid views over Langstone and Chichester Harbour and out over The Solent towards the Isle of Wight. A volunteer group helps Portsmouth City Council look after the wildlife interests on the Hill
More about Portsdown Hill >>
 

Staunton Country Park

Middle Park Way, Leigh Park Tel: 023 9245 3405
Take a walk in the gardens landscaped by Capability Brown or have a picnic in the Country Park. Meet pot-bellied pigs, pygmy goats and peacocks. Discover tropical plant life in the fabulous glasshouses. Enjoy landscaped gardens and lakeside follies, plus acres of woodland and parkland enclosing Havant Forest and reaching out towards Rowlands Castle. The Country Park has been awarded both VisitBritain VAQAS (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance service) Award status, and a Green Flag, thus putting it amongst the top attractions in the UK .
More about Staunton Country Park >>
 

Staunton Way

Walk from Langstone Harbour to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park via Staunton Country Park, linking the Solent Way and Wayfarers Way with the Hangers Way and the South Downs Way, in all about 13 miles.
More about the Staunton Way >>
 

Southleigh Forest & Hollybank Woods

Recently acquired by Havant Borough Council, the leafy woodland trails of this forest, North of Emsworth, are great for either walking or cycling.
More about Hollybank Woods >>
 

The Hayling Billy Leisure Trail

Access from Stoke, and Station Road, West Town
Tel: 023 9247 6411.
Once the old railway line between Havant and Hayling Island, this coastal leisure trail is now used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike.
 

The Hayling Ferry

The journey from Hayling to Portsmouth takes just a few minutes with the Hayling Ferry. It is a passenger service only but there is a space for bicycles. On the Portsmouth side, buses pick up from Eastney; running through to Portsmouth City Centre and to The Hard (for Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard)
Times (and connections) for the Hayling Ferry >>
Direct Gov UK
Havant Borough Council, Civic Centre Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 2AX