Local Attractions
Curated places to visit while you’re in the area that are in keeping with the rally’s theme.
Victory Wheelers Hayling Sunset 2017
WWII Heritage Trail along the coast of South Hayling
The story of the World War Two Combined Operations Pilotage Parties unit, code-named COPP, is one of the greatest in the history of clandestine operations. The achievements and exploits of the volunteers were extraordinary. This top secret unit of less than 200 men won over 90 medals and commendations. They carried out secret reconnaissance missions on proposed enemy-held invasion beaches and the information gathered safeguarded the lives of thousands of Allied servicemen.
The WWII Heritage Trail along the coast of South Hayling is a lasting record of Hayling’s role in the war years. The Island’s population almost trebled as the holiday camps, hotels and large houses were taken over by the armed forces. There are six information units, starting at the Ferry, the site for construction of four Mulberry Harbour sections, Sinah Common gun battery, The Inn on the Beach, HIADS Station Theatre, the COPP Memorial and Eastoke Corner.
Open 24/7. Local to Hayling. Free.
D-Day On Your Doorstep
D-Day Museum
Open 10am-5.30pm. Located in Portsmouth. Portsmouth’s D-Day Museum is Britain’s only museum dedicated solely to covering all aspects of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. D-Day was a turning point in the Second World War, and a moment when the course of world events depended on the Allied troops taking part.
Discover the national collection of artillery at Fort Nelson
Explore 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, secret underground tunnels, and ammunition bunkers at this fully restored Victorian fort. Fort Nelson sits on top of Portsdown Hill, near Fareham in Hampshire. It is 10 minutes drive from Fareham, and 17 miles east of Southampton.
Open 10am-5pm. Located at Portsdown Hill. Admission is free.
Allied naval headquarters, Southwick House
| Address | Southwick, Fareham, Hampshire PO17 6EJ, UK |
| County | Hampshire |
| Location Type | Headquarters Site |
| Details | Most of the planning for D-Day took place at headquarters in and near London. At the time when the D-Day landings were launched, however, the Allied commanders wanted to be closer to the assault troops and the ports from which they would leave. US General Dwight D. Eisenhower – the Supreme Allied Commander – and General Sir Bernard Montgomery – commander of the Allied ground forces – therefore moved their headquarters to the area around Southwick House. The Allied naval commander, Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, already had his headquarters there. In the days leading up to D-Day, the Allied commanders (led by Eisenhower) met here to take the decision to launch D-Day. The original date for D-Day was 5 June, but the commanders judged that the weather would be too bad to begin the landings then, and they were postponed by 24 hours. The weight of this decision fell on the shoulders of General Eisenhower, and it is hard to imagine how great a burden this must have been. Eisenhower and Montgomery’s headquarters were not actually in Southwick House, but were hidden away in several woods nearby. |
| Access | Private |
| Site Ownership and Access Information | Southwick Park, the site that includes Southwick House, is within the grounds of the Defence College of Policing and Guarding. The D-Day wall map at Southwick House can be viewed by the public, but access is by prior appointment only. Please do not try to visit without an appointment. |
| Website links | D-Day and Normandy Fellowship Royal Military Police Museum, Southwick Tour Guide Girl blog |
| Contact Details | To visit Southwick House, please contact the Defence School of Policing and Guarding to make a booking. This can only be done by email at: DSPG-HQ-Information@mod.uk. |
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Situated within a working Naval Base, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is home to a collection of fantastic attractions, historic ships and museums. There are so many things to see and do.
Geocaching
Free fun for the whole family
https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
Two geocaches in keeping with the rally theme are:
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4RV44_sinah-common-gun-site
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC6BZ5P_geological-forensics-20-the-copp-memorial
(For the (big) Kids) Hayling Island Funland
Experience the thrill of our roller coaster ‘Wild Billy’s Runaway Mine Train’ or take a plunge on the Beaver Creek log ride. Challenge yourself to a round on one of the craziest ‘themed’ Golf Courses you have ever seen! At Funland Amusement Park, there are 3 rollercoasters, more than any other South Coast amusement park!
Situated along the ‘Blue Flag’ beach resort of Hayling Island, Funland Amusement Park offers a variety of attractions indoors and out, so whatever the weather, rain or shine, there is always plenty to do. Outside, you can enjoy the traditional fairground rides including the ‘Helter Skelter’ along with exciting white knuckle rides like the breathtaking ‘Drop Ride’. Inside, try Ten Pin Bowling, the action of the Kidz Kingdom for the children, or interact with over 200 video and traditional slot machines or games of skill.
Whatever you choose to do, you can be assured of a great day out…of fantastic attractions for young and old, both inside and out.
Local to Hayling Island. Open from 11am. Funland, The Seafront, Hayling Island, Hampshire, PO11 0AG.