Discover Havant

Havant brings together local history, culture and outdoor routes. When looking for a hotel, it can help to first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay: historic sites, events, or routes for walking and cycling. The options also differ in terms of timing. While some cultural activities take place only on certain Saturdays, routes and historical themes offer other starting points for planning. This makes it possible to tailor your stay to your interests.

History and culture in Havant

The Havant Heritage Trail includes 34 attractions marked by plaques. These markers make the town’s historic sites easy to spot. St Faith’s Church was built in the 12th century and offers a free self-guided tour. Arrangements at the site may change, so check before your visit.

Havant’s past also includes its local working history: the Glove Factory was an important source of local employment. Alfred Stent & Sons produced gloves there for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. The museum at The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre features exhibitions, films and an interactive model of the former Hayling Billy Line. The Hayling Billy Line is a former railway line and a recreational route; the museum and the trail highlight different aspects of its history and use.

Events and the weekly rhythm

Music Bites offers free live performances in the gallery on selected Saturdays; no booking is required. Individual programme dates may change. The Spring Arts & Heritage Centre also hosts theatre performances. The programme here may change too, so it is worth checking the latest event dates.

Another way to plan around the week is to visit Havant’s lively street market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Market days may change, so check before making plans. This gives you different options for your stay: you can plan a visit around a specific event date or include the market as a separate activity.

Parkland and routes

Staunton Country Park is a historic estate that has been transformed into a visitor attraction. The park is a destination in its own right for anyone interested in historic estates.

The Hayling Billy Coastal Path runs from Havant to the seafront promenade on Hayling Island and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. In addition, a 1.2-kilometre section of the Hayling Billy Trail has been resurfaced. It is suitable year-round and in all weather for walkers, scooter users, cyclists and people with limited mobility. As infrastructure conditions may change, check the latest conditions before setting out.

For planning a cycling trip, there is an interactive map of Havant. It includes links to destinations such as railway stations and bike shops. Map content and links may change, so check the map before planning your trip. The themes covered offer different perspectives—from history and culture to routes you can explore on foot or by bicycle.

Discover more destinations: Hamble-Le-Rice, Tadley, Rotherwick, Bordon, Abbotts Ann, Liss, Thruxton, Horndean.

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