The Hayling Ferry runs from Ferry Point near the Ferry Boat Inn on Hayling Island to Eastney Beach, Portsmouth, across the mouth of Langstone Harbour, United Kingdom.
The rights to run a Ferry belonged to the Lord of the Manor of Hayling Island, the Dukes of Norfolk, to whom the land had passed on the dissolution of the monasteries. Rowing boats were used until 1901 when the the Ferry rights were bought by the Hayling Island Steam Ferry Company, who constructed pontoons, made up the road on the Hayling side, and acquired a small steamer. The service was soon abandoned due to the unsuitability of the steamer.
In 1961 Portsmouth City Council took the Ferry over. Dutfield and Edwards started the new service, initially used the Hayling Enterprise and running onto the beach at Portsmouth until a new pontoon was built (the Hayling pontoon has also been replaced). The current boat is the Pride of Hayling. The service runs 360 days a year, with a break over Christmas/New Year, and carries large numbers of commuters and school children, plus tourists in summer. Edwards & Co continue to operate the Ferry in 2006.
Hayling Ferry reviews
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