Mill Rythe - Hampshire Holidays Newsletter

Mill Rythe Coastal Village is a holiday park on Hayling Island, Hampshire, with a history stretching back to the early 1940s when it opened as Sunshine Holiday Camp. After passing through the hands of Pontins and then Warner Holidays, it was acquired by Away Resorts Limited in September 2010, who have since invested significantly in transforming the site into a modern coastal retreat. Situated on the southern tip of Hayling Island with easy access to beaches and the natural harbour, Mill Rythe offers both family breaks and adult-exclusive stays, making it one of the more versatile parks on the Hampshire coast. Exterior shots for the BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi! were filmed here, and the site has a long tradition as a British seaside holiday destination.

Family Breaks and Entertainment

Mill Rythe has long been popular with families seeking an all-in holiday where entertainment and catering are handled for them. The park runs kids clubs and organised activity groups, giving parents time to relax while children enjoy supervised fun. Facilities include an adventure playground, sports courts, and an indoor heated swimming pool. Evening entertainment programmes cover a range of shows, live music, and themed nights, ensuring there is something on for every age group throughout the stay.

Adult-Exclusive Breaks

Alongside its family offering, Mill Rythe operates dedicated adult-only breaks for couples and groups of friends. These breaks make use of the same top-quality facilities – the indoor pool, the Missing Squirrel lounge bar, and the Green Room restaurant – but with an atmosphere geared towards relaxation and socialising without children present. Evening entertainment on adult breaks typically features live bands and cabaret-style shows. Short breaks, long weekends, and Christmas party breaks have all featured in the programme.

Accommodation and Location

Away Resorts has invested heavily in upgrading the accommodation at Mill Rythe, replacing older chalets with modern caravans and luxury lodges. Options have included New York loft-style TriBeCa units, Burst of Blue coastal-themed accommodation, and the woodland-inspired Heartwoods range. The park is dog-friendly, and its position on Hayling Island places guests within easy reach of the island's beaches, cycling routes, and the broader attractions of Portsmouth and the Hampshire coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mill Rythe still open?

Yes. Mill Rythe Coastal Village on Hayling Island continues to operate under Away Resorts Limited. The park has been under Away Resorts ownership since September 2010 and remains one of the company's flagship sites.

What is the difference between an adult-only break and a family break at Mill Rythe?

Mill Rythe runs specific adult-exclusive themed weekends and breaks alongside its regular family programme. During adult-only periods, the park restricts bookings to guests aged 18 and over and tailors its entertainment, bar, and dining offers accordingly. Family breaks run at other times and include kids clubs and children's entertainment.

What facilities are available at Mill Rythe?

Key on-site facilities have included an indoor heated swimming pool, the Missing Squirrel lounge bar, the Green Room restaurant, sports courts, an adventure playground, and a ballroom for evening entertainment. Specific facilities and opening hours vary by season and break type.

How do I get to Mill Rythe on Hayling Island?

Hayling Island is connected to the mainland by a single road bridge at Langstone, near Havant in Hampshire. The island is accessible by car from the A27 via the B2149. There is no rail link to the island itself, but Havant railway station is nearby on the mainland. The park's postcode is PO11 0PB.

What was Mill Rythe called before Away Resorts took over?

The site originally opened in the early 1940s as Sunshine Holiday Camp. It was later operated by Pontins and then by Warner Holidays, who renamed it Mill Rythe Holiday Village. Away Resorts acquired the park in 2010 and subsequently rebranded it Mill Rythe Coastal Village.

Does Mill Rythe offer Christmas and New Year breaks?

Festive themed breaks, including Christmas party weekends and New Year stays, have formed part of the Mill Rythe programme under Away Resorts. These have been popular with both adult groups and families looking for an alternative to a home-based Christmas. Availability and specific packages vary by year.

This newsletter listing is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes Mill Rythe Coastal Village on Hayling Island, operated by Away Resorts Limited. For current details, visit the company's official website.