Welcome to Emsworth and Havant

Welcome to Emsworth and Havant

Like nearby Chichester, the Saxon heritage of Emsworth is still very much present in the area, a once busy port during the Middle Ages now enjoyed as a quieter, fishing village. The weaving footpaths in Havant, otherwise known as ‘Twittens’ add to the intimate and friendly feel it has to offer, and the town centre recalls the many Roman junctions that were present during their occupation.

P.G Wodehouse – writer of the famous Jeeves & Wooster novels – was an Emsworth resident, using several local place names as characters. His charming works reflect the different way of life on offer in both Havant and Emsworth, which provide the perfect setting to unwind and move down a gear or two.

Schools and Colleges

Parents living in Emsworth and Havant can expect a good standard of education for their children, with the vast majority of schools rated as either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. St Alban’s Church of England’s Aided Primary school falls into the ‘outstanding’ category as does Bidbury Infant School. In terms of secondary schools, Bourne Community College and Warblington School were rated ‘good’ in their last inspection, while Releasing Potential School is a secondary that also welcomes young adults aged 16 to 18. A little further out in the market town of Waterlooville you’ll also find Havant and South Downs College.

Local Attractions 

The beautiful harbour is a major attraction in the town, which was once a busy port during the Middle Ages but is now populated by yachts of all varieties. The closest and most popular beaches include Beachlands Hayling Island, and Eastoke Hayling Island. Tidal mill ponds are open to walkers to both the East and West. Havant is equally as focused on watersports and sailing activities which is set around Langstone Harbour. The old shore path links with Emsworth and Warblington and is part of the Solent Way – a 60-mile footpath running from Milford on Sea. Tuesdays and Saturdays see the local street market come to life, while Staunton Country Park makes for a wonderful day out for the family, complete with local farm. Walk along the 13-mile Staunton Way to Queen Elizabeth Country Park, which is part of South Downs National Park, and take in the wondrous scenery on offer.

Shopping Facilities and Restaurants

The old quarter of Havant is home to the Meridian shopping centre, which is set to enjoy a refresh over the next few years as part of the town’s redevelopment plans. Many of the popular high street names can be found here, along with smaller independent retailers – which is much the same story in Emsworth. In terms of eating out, 36 on The Quay in Emsworth comes highly recommended, with others of note including Fat Olives and The Deck. Havant is no slouch when it comes to restaurants, with Chef Sam at 33 and The Ship Inn providing highlights.

Property Types

Emsworth has a unique charm that boasts a long and proud fishing heritage and plenty of beautiful, traditional homes to suit anyone, new or old. Grade II-listed properties are the real standout, complemented by Georgian houses with walled gardens. The Parchment, in Havant, features mews houses and modern flats, while the likes of Meadowlands and Wade Court are slightly more exclusive, located around half a mile away from the town centre. Here you'll find large detached houses of 4 and 5 bedrooms with spacious gardens, many of which were built in the 1920s and 30s.

Demographics

The picturesque nature of both Emsworth and Havant welcomes people from all walks of life, including ramblers, artists, naturists and foodies. They are both low-key commuter areas given the accessible routes into the capital, making it suitable for working families, professional couples and anyone else looking for a good work/life balance. New property developments are also attracting people into the community, both young and old, and they remain ideal spots for older generations looking for a quieter way of life.

Upcoming developments

Regeneration is planned in and around Havant Town Centre, which is set to include the construction of 750 new homes. Plans have been made as far ahead as 2036, with 1,000 car parking spaces, two new town squares, a new cycle/pedestrian bridge and improvements to the Billy Trail. Developers are also looking to Hayland Island as a possible site to build up to 200 new homes, close to the seafront. A significant housing development located between Emsworth and Chichester in Hambrook is being proposed for building in Rose Briar Copse, which could see many new houses built.

Travel Connections

Journeys by train from Havant into London Waterloo are available right throughout the day, taking around 90 minutes one way. Trains from Emsworth head into the same station, with departures just as frequent and travel time taking a little longer at 1 hour and 45 minutes. Gatwick is the nearest airport, with journeys taking just over an hour to complete. Heathrow is a shade over 3 hours with a couple of connections, which is similar to Luton, while Stanstead requires a journey lasting around 3 hours and 20 minutes.