Frequently Asked Questions about Havant

Common questions answered

Answers to the most common questions about Havant, Hampshire.

Where is Havant?

Havant is a market town in Hampshire, located approximately eight miles east of Portsmouth and ten miles west of Chichester. The town sits on the coastal plain between the South Downs and the Solent, at the head of Langstone Harbour. The A27 dual carriageway runs through the northern edge of the town, and the A3(M) motorway junction is nearby, providing fast road connections to London, Portsmouth and the south coast. Havant is in the PO9 postcode area.

What is the population of Havant?

The population of Havant town is approximately 45,000. The wider Havant borough, which includes Hayling Island, Emsworth and Waterlooville, has a population of around 125,000. The town grew significantly in the post-war period, particularly with the construction of the Leigh Park housing estate in the late 1940s and 1950s, which added tens of thousands of residents to the area. The population today includes a broad mix of families, retirees and commuters.

Does Havant have a train station?

Havant has a mainline railway station served by South Western Railway and Southern services. Direct trains run to London Waterloo (approximately ninety minutes), Portsmouth (ten minutes), Brighton (one hour) and Chichester (fifteen minutes). The station is a junction where the Portsmouth Direct Line meets the Coastway West route, making it well connected to the wider rail network. The station is within walking distance of the town centre.

What shopping is there in Havant?

The Springs shopping centre is the main covered retail space in Havant town centre, housing high street chains and independent traders. The surrounding streets have additional shops, cafes, charity shops and everyday services. For larger retail needs, there are supermarkets including Asda and Lidl within the area, and retail parks near the A27. For a wider shopping choice, Portsmouth's Cascades and Gunwharf Quays are a short drive or train ride to the west, and Chichester's city centre shops are accessible by train to the east.

What is Langstone Harbour?

Langstone Harbour is a large tidal inlet to the south of Havant, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area for its internationally important bird populations. The harbour covers approximately 2,000 hectares and dries extensively at low tide, exposing mudflats that support brent geese, dunlin, redshank, curlew and other wading birds. The harbour is bordered by Havant and Hayling Island and connects to Chichester Harbour to the east. Footpaths around the harbour provide excellent walking and birdwatching.

What are the best walks near Havant?

The Billy Trail follows the old Hayling Island railway line from Havant station to Langstone and across the harbour to Hayling Island, offering a flat, traffic-free route with harbour views. The harbour shore footpaths provide walking around Langstone Harbour with outstanding birdwatching. Staunton Country Park to the north has woodland and parkland trails. For longer walks, the South Downs Way is accessible from Buriton or Queen Elizabeth Country Park, both a short drive north. The Solent Way long-distance path passes through the area.

What schools are in Havant?

Havant has several primary schools including Fairfield Infant School, Riders Junior School and Bosmere Junior School. Secondary provision includes Havant Academy and Park Community School. Leigh Park has its own primary and secondary schools. For post-sixteen education, Havant and South Downs College provides A-levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships. The college has campuses in both Havant and Waterlooville. Independent schools in the wider area include Portsmouth Grammar School and Churcher's College in Petersfield.

Which council covers Havant?

Havant is governed by Havant Borough Council, which is responsible for planning, waste collection, housing, environmental health and local services. Hampshire County Council handles education, highways, social services, libraries and fire services. Havant is represented in Parliament as part of the Havant constituency. The borough council offices are located in the town centre. Parish and town councils operate in some parts of the borough, including Emsworth, Hayling Island and Bedhampton.

What is the postcode for Havant?

Havant is in the PO9 postcode district, which is part of the wider Portsmouth postcode area. The PO9 district covers Havant town centre, Bedhampton, Leigh Park, Warblington, Langstone, Denvilles and the surrounding residential areas. Different parts of Havant have different full postcodes within PO9, with the town centre typically falling within PO9 1xx and areas further out using higher numbers.

Is there parking in Havant?

Havant has several public car parks in and around the town centre, managed by Havant Borough Council. The main car parks serve The Springs shopping centre and the surrounding retail area. On-street parking is available on some town centre streets, though spaces are limited during busy periods. The railway station has its own car park for commuters. Parking charges apply in most council car parks during the day, with some offering free evening and weekend parking. Signage directs visitors to available car parks from the main approach roads.

What is the Billy Trail?

The Billy Trail is a traffic-free walking and cycling path that follows the route of the former Hayling Island branch railway line. The trail runs from Havant station southward through Langstone and across Langstone Harbour to Hayling Island. It is named after the Hayling Billy, the affectionate nickname for the small tank engines that worked the branch from 1867 until its closure in 1963. The trail is flat and surfaced, making it suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and young cyclists. The harbour views along the route are outstanding.

What is there to do in Havant?

Havant offers a mix of cultural, recreational and outdoor activities. The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre hosts live performances, exhibitions and workshops. Havant Museum tells the story of the town's history. Walking and cycling along the Billy Trail and the harbour footpaths provide outdoor recreation with excellent scenery. Staunton Country Park offers woodland walks, a farm and play areas. The leisure centre has a swimming pool and fitness facilities. The town centre has shops, cafes and pubs, and the Royal Oak at Langstone provides a waterside dining experience.

What are property prices like in Havant?

Property prices in Havant vary significantly by area. Denvilles and the New Lane area command higher prices, with detached houses often exceeding four hundred thousand pounds. The town centre and Stockheath areas offer more affordable options, with terraced houses typically between two hundred and fifty thousand and three hundred and fifty thousand pounds. Leigh Park has some of the most affordable housing in the borough, with prices well below the borough average. Bedhampton and Warblington fall between these extremes. Overall, Havant is more affordable than neighbouring Emsworth but pricier than parts of Portsmouth.

Is there a hospital in Havant?

Havant does not have a major hospital. The nearest general hospital is Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, approximately six miles to the west, which provides accident and emergency, surgical and medical services. St Richard's Hospital in Chichester is approximately ten miles to the east. For routine medical care, GP surgeries serve the different parts of the town. The Havant Health Centre provides some outpatient and community health services. Pharmacies are available in the town centre and at various locations across the borough. In an emergency, call 999.

What bus services run in Havant?

Havant is served by local bus routes connecting the town to Portsmouth, Waterlooville, Leigh Park, Hayling Island, Emsworth and the surrounding areas. Stagecoach operates most of the local services. The main bus stops are in the town centre, near The Springs shopping centre. Routes run along the main corridors to Portsmouth and Waterlooville, with additional services covering Leigh Park and Hayling Island. Frequency varies, with more buses during weekday peak hours and a reduced timetable at weekends and in the evenings. The National Express coach network is accessible from Portsmouth.