Things to do in Eastleigh, Hampshire
Although Eastleigh is a modern town, it is in fact on a Roman Road that ran from Winchester to Bitterne from 79AD. Roman remains including a lead coffin have been discovered in the area and there was probably a settlement at Eastleigh between 100 and 400 AD.
She decided upon Eastly but suggested a new spelling and it became Eastleigh.
In 1838 the railway was built from Southampton to Winchester and a railway station was opened at Bishopstoke Junction.
Later, in 1891, the London and South Western Railway located their carriage repair and wagon works at Eastleigh bringing trade and properity to the area.
They operated fully until 2006 and since then on a smaller scale.
Eastleigh Aerodrome, now Southampton Airport, was where the Spitfire plane was first flown and a replica can be seen on the airport roundabout.
Present Day Eastleigh
Eastleigh is home to several large industrial, commercial and manufacturing businesses including the head office of B&Q.
Stable employment and controlled residential expansion led to Eastleigh being listed 9th in a Channel 4 survey to find the best place to live in the UK. It currently has around 40,000 residents.
The town has some interesting architecture and pleasant green parks. The Swan Shopping Centre is anchored by Tesco with many other national chain stores represented.
Famous residents include comedian Benny Hill, police chief Sir Arthur Young and Oscar winning actor, Colin Firth.
Things to Do Around Eastleigh
The River Itchen is a local chalk stream which is popular for fly fishing. It is a Designated Site of Special Scientific Interest making it a great place for spotting voles, crayfish and other wildlife.
Eastleigh Museum, on the High Street, is a treasure trove of local information with exhibits covering the wider surrounding area.
Broadlands House is a fine stately home and estate which is well worth a visit.
Families will enjoy a day at Marwell Zoo, a modest collection of penguins, tigers, crocodiles and giraffes in a beautiful wooded setting.
Itchen Valley Country Park, Lakeside Park and Hiltingbury Lakes offer acres of outdoor space for walking and enjoying the wildlife.
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Days Out in Eastleigh
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Eastleigh Museum (2 Miles)*
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Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway (2 Miles)*
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Lakeside Country Park (2 Miles)*
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Itchen Valley Country Park (4 Miles)*
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Marwell Wildlife (4 Miles)*
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Broadlands (5 Miles)*
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Winchester Cathedral (5 Miles)*
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Winchester City Mill & Shop (6 Miles)*
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Tudor House Museum (6 Miles)*
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Southampton Maritime Museum (6 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Eastleigh
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Winchester (3 Miles)*
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Southampton (5 Miles)*
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Kings Somborne (7 Miles)*
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Hamble-le-Rice (10 Miles)*
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Lyndhurst (11 Miles)*
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Fareham (12 Miles)*
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Brockenhurst (14 Miles)*
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Andover (15 Miles)*
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Gosport (16 Miles)*
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Bedhampton (18 Miles)*
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