Things to Do in Eastleigh, Hampshire
A practical guide to what to do in Eastleigh — from country parks and a steam railway to craft beer, arts events, and football. No filler.
Eastleigh will not appear in most 'best places to visit in Hampshire' lists, and it doesn't try to. It's a working town with a railway heritage, a surprisingly good food scene, and some excellent green spaces on its doorstep. Here is what is actually worth doing.
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Lakeside Country Park
The single best free day out in Eastleigh is Lakeside Country Park on Wide Lane. The 22-acre park has a large lake used for paddleboarding, canoeing, and open-water swimming (organised sessions). The Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway — a popular miniature steam railway — runs at weekends and during school holidays, giving children a proper 20-minute steam train ride.
The park is managed by Eastleigh Borough Council and admission is free. There is a small charge for the steam railway. More information on the Eastleigh Borough Council website.
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Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park at Allington Lane, West End is a 330-acre country park managed by Hampshire County Council. Woodland trails, riverside walks, a play area, and space to roam make this one of the best free green spaces in the area. Dogs welcome on leads in most areas. Phone: 023 8046 6091.
It's about a 10-minute drive east of Eastleigh town centre — worth it for a proper half-day walk.
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The Point Eastleigh
The Point in the refurbished Victorian Town Hall is Eastleigh's principal arts venue. The programme covers dance, theatre, comedy, film, children's shows, and music — a genuinely varied offering for a town of this size. Dance classes for adults and children are also available.
The Eastleigh Unwrapped festival (usually June) turns the town centre into a free outdoor performance space with aerial theatre, circus acts, and street performance. The Eastleigh Film Festival (usually September) screens films in unusual locations around the town — a local institution.
Eastleigh Point website for what's on.
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Steam Town Brew Co
If you're looking for something specifically Eastleigh, Steam Town Brew Co on Bishopstoke Road is it. The micro-brewery in a Victorian railway shed brews its own beers and serves them alongside decent food. The setting tells the story of the town's railway heritage better than any museum. Open noon–11pm Monday to Saturday.
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Swan Centre Cinema and Bowling
The Swan Centre has a 9-screen cinema and bowling alley — the main entertainment complex for the town. Good for family days out, especially in bad weather.
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Eastleigh FC
Eastleigh FC — The Spitfires — play at Silverlake Stadium on Ten Acres. National League (5th tier) football, which means proper competitive games without the premium of the Football League. Tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is genuine. eastleighfc.com for fixtures and tickets.
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Day Trips from Eastleigh
Eastleigh's best asset as a base is its rail connections:
- Winchester — 8 minutes by train. Cathedral, high street, river walks along the Itchen.
- Southampton — 10 minutes by train. SeaCity Museum, Ocean Village, West Quay.
- Hamble-le-Rice — 20 minutes by car. Cobbled sailing village, marinas, good restaurants.
- New Forest — 25 minutes by car. Lyndhurst, cycling, ponies, open forest.
- Portsmouth — 40 minutes by rail. Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower.
- Marwell Zoo — 20 minutes by car. Over 170 species.
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Thursday and Saturday Market
Eastleigh town centre holds a market on Thursdays and Saturdays in the Market Street area. Local produce, hot food, clothing, and household goods.
Information checked May 2026. Opening times and events should be confirmed directly with venues before visiting.