Easter on Hayling Island: a spring family break at Sandy Point

Easter is the first long spring break of the year on Hayling Island: longer daylight, harbour birds still loud, and beaches that are nowhere near as busy as high summer. An Easter stay at Wittering Sands, our exclusive-use house at Sandy Point, Hayling Island (14 Wittering Road), suits a group that wants space, a real kitchen, and the shore within walking distance. This guide covers how that week actually works.

When is Easter in Hampshire in 2027?

For Hampshire local-authority maintained schools in 2026/27, the Easter holiday runs from Friday 26 March to Friday 9 April 2027, with the spring term ending on Thursday 25 March and the summer term starting on Monday 12 April. Academies and independent schools set their own dates, so check your own school calendar before you book.

Western Easter Sunday falls on Sunday 28 March 2027. UK bank holidays for the period are Good Friday (26 March 2027) and Easter Monday (29 March 2027) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Why does Sandy Point work at Easter?

Sandy Point sits where Chichester Harbour meets the Solent. In late March and early April the shoreline and lagoon, a few minutes on foot, are quieter than the summer peak, and a clear spring morning on the harbour edge is one of the best reasons to come out of season.

The house suits that kind of family break:

• Exclusive-use, so a friends-with-kids group or multi-generation family is not split across rooms.
• Four bedrooms and five beds sleeping up to nine, three bedrooms ensuite.
• A proper kitchen and dining space for wet-weather cooking and long Easter breakfasts.
• Off-road parking for four cars, useful when people arrive from different directions.
• Dogs welcome, kept off beds and sofas, with a boot brush by the back door.

What is there to do at Easter?

• Sandy Point shoreline and lagoon: the from-the-door walk. Best at lower tide; watch the current at the harbour entrance.
• Black Point and the harbour edge: short, open, and good in clear spring light.
• Hayling Billy Coastal Path: flat and sheltered when the wind is off the sea — the best longer walk or ride on the island.
• Eastoke seafront and Beachlands: a proper spring beach day when the weather holds, with cafes along the front (seasonal hours, check before you go).
• Chichester or Portsmouth: a short drive for a rainy afternoon — cathedral, Novium, Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose.

My Around Hayling guide has honest walk and drive times. For beaches in more detail, see the beaches guide. Bringing a dog? The dog-friendly weekend guide covers the practical side. If you are comparing school holiday weeks, see February half-term, October half-term and Christmas and New Year.

What if it rains?

Easter on the south coast is often mixed, so plan for at least one wet afternoon. The house has space to spread out and games in the cupboard by the stairs. Further afield, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose fill a full day, and Chichester has the cathedral and the Novium. Venue hours are seasonal — check before you set off.

Can you sail at Easter?

Hayling Island Sailing Club is a few minutes on foot. Early spring usually has more club activity on the harbour than mid-winter, but visiting sailors should check hisc.co.uk for what is running. The house is a walking-distance base, not the organiser.

What are the stay details?

Check-in is from 4pm and checkout is by 10am. Minimum stay is usually two to three nights. Nightly rates typically fall between £750 and £1,850 depending on season and length of stay — the live calendar shows the current figure for your nights. Guest practicalities are on the guest information page.

How do you book?

Check your dates on the direct booking calendar. If your group is large, has dogs, or needs more than one car, get in touch and we can talk it through.

School dates vary by school and venue hours are seasonal, so please check locally and on the live calendar before you travel.