After our lunch in Halnaker we drove to Warners Lakeside Coastal Village on Hayling Island.
Lakeside on Hayling Island
There was a checkpoint as we drove onto site where we had to show our booking details. Once at the main building checking in was easy and we drove down to a dirt car park past the block that contained our room. The room was on the first floor of the block and was quite away from the main building complex. The block was a throwback to what was probably the origins of the site – a Warners holiday camp.
Saturday 27th November 2021
The day did not start great and we had to wrap up against the wind and rain as we walked to have breakfast. We were there just as seving started. We felt comfortable as the number of guests was less than twenty and we were well away from anyone not wearing masks.
Gunwharf Quays
Once off Hayling Island we drove towards Portsmouth and left the car at the Park and Ride. Christmas shopping was in full swing at the Quays. The more popular shops had instigated queuing to limit the number of customers inside. We joined in the crowds but kept our masks on as we window shopped. The rain and winds persisted so we limited our time out in the open areas.
The crowds grew and by 12.30 we left the Quays for a quieter place.
West Wittering Beach
This was our first visit to West Wittering Beach and after paying for entry we drove to the car park close to the Beach Cafe. The wind from Storm Arwen on the beach was so strong that we found ourselves in low level sandstorms.
There were dark clouds overhead as Storm Arwen raged but out over the sea we could see rays of sunshine.
Lunch at the Beach Cafe
After being battered by the cold wind we headed back to the Beach Cafe where we sat close to the fire and had a very pleasant lunch.
Beach Cafe on West Wittering Beach
Excellent place for lunch off the beach
What a friendly place to go for lunch, near the beach, parking nearby and a lovely fire.
We had been on the beach and were rather windswept with the remains of Storm Arwen. Sat near the fire we were really well looked after by the friendly staff, our food came quickly and we would recommend this cafe to anyone wanting lunch.
Bosham
No visit to South Coast would be complete without going to Bosham. It was late when we arrived but the car park still required money!
It was tempting to go into the Anchor Blue pub but instead we went into the arts and crafts centre as much to get warm again as to browse!
Evening at Lakeside, Hayling Island
The show after dinner was a Take That tribute band. Our seating did not give a great view of the stage.
The walk back to our ‘block’ from the main buildings was well lit!
Sunday 28th November 2021
We again managed to be one of the first to be in the dining room for breakfast and were leaving as the crowds arrived.
Beach Walk on Hayling Island
The beach was a 10 minute walk away from Lakeside and we walked to the Funland Amusement Park. Then it was time for a cake a drink of tea at the aptly named Mad Hatters.
Chichester and lunch at Bills
In Chichester we did a lot of window shopping including a long look at all the paintings in the Whitewall Gallery there. Lunch was in a very busy Bills on the first floor of what could have been the old town hall.
Bills in Chichester on TripAdvisor
Sunday lunch!
Once through the imposing entrance we took the slow lift up to the restaurant. Sunday lunchtime is clearly a busy time and we felt lucky to be able to get a table without booking. We did have to wait to have our order taken, not surprising given how busy it was.
Once our order was taken the drinks and then the food came quickly – so no complaints.
I had a burger and my partner had a chicken burger. Both were excellent and when we go back I will try the chicken burger!
Monday 29th November 2021
We arrived early along with a lot of other guests. All of us having breakfast early before checking out. After packing the car we went for a walk past the car park to do some late exploring. We found that the grounds of Lakeside dropped down into the harbour.
Langstone Mill
As we left Hayling Island we stopped to have a look at Langstone Mill. The mill is only a few minutes walk away from the car park at the Ship Inn.
