At home on the range
It’s all good-humoured fun, of course, as you try to knock down plastic ducks or hit the bullseye on the target.
And it’s just one of the numerous activities on offer at this exceptionally popular Warner hotel.
In complete contrast to the shooting which is held out of earshot – not to mention gunshot – of other guests, the grounds are a haven of peace and tranquillity.
In fact, on my first day there, I was sitting on the terrace outside my room looking across the tree-shaded lawns to small boats at anchor in Langstone Harbour when I realised there was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
Then it struck me. It was the sound, or rather the lack of it.
The hotel was full to capacity but in the grounds not a sound could be heard.
I could see residents in the new heated outdoor swimming pool in the distance – there’s an indoor one too – and others walking around enjoying the sunshine and sea views but all was a haven of peace and tranquillity.
The combination of serene setting, the activities on offer, nightly entertainment, excellent food and superb location means Sinah Warren offers a package that’s hard to beat, and why it’s one of the most popular hotels in the Warner Leisure Hotels portfolio.
As an adults-only hotel it tends to attract a more mature guest but that often means a more discerning one, too, so the product has to be right.
While the grounds might be quiet there’s always something going on inside with a daily programme of activities which would put some cruise ships to shame.
During my two days at the property there was everything from Zumba to a pop-singing workshop, trivia quizzes to quoits, pistol shooting, archery and crossbows back on the outdoor range.
For many guests, however, the appeal of Hayling Island itself is a major factor.
Situated between Portsmouth and Chichester harbours, it’s linked to the mainland by a road bridge and is an upmarket yet traditional seaside resort with a vast shingle beach – it’s just outside the hotel‘s main entrance – small villages and pleasant country drives. After the early morning rush-hour, across the bridge, Portsmouth is around 30 minutes drive away and Chichester around 40 minutes so it’s an ideal base for touring the area.
A visit to Portsmouth found us standing on the deck of Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory, at the city’s historic dockyard.
I had planned to spend half an hour looking around her but this 250-year-old ship is such an awe-inspiring vessel I was still there after more than two hours.
The oldest commissioned warship in the world, the Victory is like something from a film set, but is the real thing. It took 6,000 oak trees to build her and she was restored after the battle so today looks in perfect condition.
Standing seven decks tall, it really is breathtaking as you work your way down from the poop deck at the top via the gun decks to the final one, below the waterline, where the surgeon fought in vain to save Nelson after he was shot during the battle.
All the cannons, more than 100 of them, are still in place, as are the tables and stools between the guns and the hammocks nearby showing how the 850 crew lived their day-to-day lives, bringing history to life.
In contrast, you can visit Nelson’s quarters with their spacious dining room and separate bedroom complete with tiny bed – the admiral of the fleet was just 5ft 4in tall – as well as Captain Thomas Hardy’s quarters.
As I stood on the deck of Victory, I could clearly see the Navy’s newest commissioned warship HMS Queen HMS Victory is the only surviving warship from the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic wars Elizabeth at her berth nearby. The oldest and the newest together. Back at Sinah Warren, there was just time for a quick session in the gym before dinner. Each evening there is a choice of classic dishes served at your table or the carvery.
But don’t spend too much time over dinner. Other guests will already be taking their seats in the theatre for the evening’s show. Warner Leisure’s Sinah Warren Hotel is a quiet retreat – despite guests having access to a shooting range in the grounds stayed at Sinah Warren as a guest of Warner Leisure Hotels. Two nights in a standard room, based on double occupancy, start from £217 per person. This break includes live entertainment every night; breakfast and three-course dinner; daily activities and use of leisure facilities.
Visit Warnerleisurehotels. co.uk or call 0330 100 9774.
ENTRY to HMS Victory is included in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s “Full Navy Ticket” which costs from £32 per adult.
Tickets include access to the site’s 11 attractions and are valid for multiple entries throughout the year.
Book online at historicdockyard.co.uk