Best beaches near Sandy Point and Eastoke for a family of nine

Hayling Island has around four miles of south-facing shoreline, and the eastern end — Sandy Point and Eastoke — is the quiet half. If you are staying with a big group, the useful question is not "where is the beach" but "which stretch works for nine people with different ideas of a good day out".

Here is how the eastern beaches differ, in walking order from Wittering Sands.

Which beach is closest to Sandy Point?

The shoreline at Sandy Point itself, where Chichester Harbour meets the Solent. It is shingle above the tide line with sand exposed as the water drops, and it is the quietest of the island's beaches simply because there is no through road and no car park serving it.

Two things to know: the harbour entrance carries a strong tidal stream, and the boat traffic in and out is constant in season. It is a superb spot for watching the water and walking; it is not the place to let small children swim out.

Where should we go with young children?

Eastoke Corner, a short walk or a two-minute drive west. The beach widens here, the sea shelves gently, and there are groynes that break the shoreline into manageable bays — which is exactly what you want when you are trying to keep an eye on several children at once.

There is parking, and the usual seasonal beach amenities are clustered around this end rather than spread along the coast.

Where is the best swimming beach?

Beachlands, the central stretch, has the flattest sand and the most reliable swimming, along with lifeguard cover in the summer season and the largest car parks. It is also the busiest — which for a group of nine can be an advantage, because there is room to spread out without anyone feeling hemmed in.

Where do we go for a proper walk?

East from Sandy Point along the harbour edge, or west along the promenade. The Hayling Billy Trail on the old railway line runs up the western side of the island if you want a longer, flatter route away from the sea.

For groups, the eastern harbour walk is the one people remember: low, open, big skies, and very little else.

Is West Wittering worth the drive?

It is the famous one, and it is genuinely excellent — wide, clean sand and views across to the Isle of Wight. But it is on the other side of Chichester Harbour, so despite being visible from Hayling it is a drive around the top of the harbour. In high summer the car park fills early and closes.

Our honest advice for a family of nine: use the local beaches on weekends and save West Wittering for a weekday, leaving early.

What should a big group bring?

• Windbreaks. The eastern beaches are open and there is usually a breeze off the Solent.
• Beach shoes. Shingle above the tide line at Sandy Point.
• A tide check. The difference between high and low water changes the beach completely; low water opens up far more sand.
• Layers. Even in August, the last hour before sunset on the harbour edge is cooler than you expect.

There is a boot brush by the back door at the house for sandy paws and sandy feet — dogs are welcome, kept off the beds and sofas.

What else is nearby?

Watersports, harbour boat trips, golf and the Chichester Harbour reserves are all within easy reach — see activities for the full picture.

How do we book?

The house sleeps up to nine across four bedrooms and five beds, let on a whole-house basis. Dates are on the direct booking calendar.

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Beach facilities, lifeguard cover and parking arrangements are seasonal — check locally before you set out.