West Beach is Hayling’s most popular beach. Lying at the west end of the seafront, the waters here are the most sheltered by the West Winner sand bar ensuring that the waves are never too big in the summer and that, as the tide rises during the day, the water is usually warmer here than other parts of the seafront. The beach here is also the most sandy of the Island, with exception of Sandy and Black points.
The West Winner, which extends for about a mile into the Solent, is uncovered during low tides. It is possible to walk around it’s length at this state, which makes for a very nice walk on a sunny evening. Care should obviously be taken to keep an eye on the tides when under taking this walk as it is very easy to be cut off from the mainland. Be prepared to have to wade some part of the way!
This area of the seafront is also the designated Windsurfing area of the Hayling Seafront. This was introduced over ten years ago to help keep the windsurfers and swimmers away from each other. Though this does not work practice as West Beach is a popular location for young families due to it’s shallow waters, the windsurfers are aware of the situation and do take care when launching and landing.
West beach is also as a popular spot for surfers and body boarders who use a the breaks further along the shore and in front of the last groynes when the conditions are right.
During the summer evenings, when the tide is low, this beach is popular with horse riders who take their mounts out for a gallop along the sand flats.
Access is possible form here to the Sand dunes and to the fair ground at Beachlands, by walking along the beach road or the beach.
Location
Access to West beach is from Seafront Road, just west of the bottom of Staunton Avenue. Take the right turn off from the roundabout at Beachlands and follow the road until you see signs for the Par 3 golf Course and look for the Inn on the Beach.
Amenities
Kiosk:
A small kiosk that sells excellent fried food, ice creams and children’s beach toys and teas / coffees. There is also an emergency telephone located near here.
Car Park:
Public car park is run by the council and is of the pay and display variety.
Public Toilets:
The public toilets are located on the approach from Seafront Road, just after the entrance to the golf course.