Initially my brothers and I discussed a potential trip to the UK so they can meet Tim’s family and also explore a new country. My brothers went on and on about how they never experienced winter and the cold. So we decided to visit the UK in December to enjoy the winter along with the Christmas markets and all. The UK visa application is one of the most difficult visas to obtain so we thought it would be a good idea to celebrate my birthday in the UK so we can have a logical reason to why my brothers are planning on visiting the UK.
As some of you may know, Tim is from a place called Hayling Island. It’s in the south of England and yes it is an island that connects to Havant by a bridge. It is also very close to Chichester.
Hayling Island
My brothers had a great time on Hayling Island, it’s quiet and the island has lots of local stores and cute coffee shops.
My first birthday celebration was with Tim’s sister, his brother-in-law, nieces, his mum and my brothers at Inn on the Beach, one of my favourite places to eat on Hayling Island. This time, I tried their Haloumi Burger and it was DELICIOUS.
We mainly spent our time on Hayling Island visiting family and friends. Also visited book shops and local markets to buy things which are not available in the UAE.
We recommend the below restaurants to try.
- Sunday Roast: Barley Mow
- Indian Food: Gandhi Tandoori
- Seafood or Burgers: Inn on the Beach
- Cafes: T @ the Park
- Breakfast: Chives and Heidi’s
- Fish & Chips: Coastguard

Chichester
The next day, I had another early birthday celebration in Chichester but this time it was with Tim’s dad, his step-mum, cousin and his cousin’s fiance, Tim’s sister, his brother-in-law and my brothers.
Since it was a Sunday, we all went for a Sunday Roast at Fox and Hounds. The food was delicious and we all had a great time. It was my brothers first Sunday roast experience and they enjoyed it. However my brother, Mohammad hated the horse radish (LOL).
Our trip to Chichester started with a walk at the city centre market, we visited the Chichester Cathedral and had breakfast and coffee at The Buttery At the Crypt.
We also visited the Christmas market and bought a lot of cheese.
Havant
We don’t really spend time in Havant but we do have to pass by it all the time to get to Hayling Island. Tim and I always visit TESCO supermarket to get food for our journeys and we had coffee and hot chocolate at Bosewell’s Cafe at the Meridian Centre with Tim’s niece and my brothers. We also went for a walk with Tim’s sister and her husband.
Whenever Tim and I travel to the UK, we always visit Hayling Island, Havant and Chichester.
glad you enjoyed it, come back anytime! 🙂