Visit Hamphire
Catergories: Activitiesthings to do

A lesser-known part of Hampshire, Eastleigh still packs a punch with an array of things to do. Not far from Southampton or Winchester, discover some of the amazing things you can do in and around Eastleigh with our top 10 highlights:
 

Lakeside Country Park & Steam Railway

Made up of 22 acres of lakes, wet meadow and woodland, Lakeside Country Park is on of Eastleigh’s treasures, offering an urban oasis for visitors. 

A variety of water sports can be enjoyed at Lakeside Country Park including stand-up paddleboarding, open water swimming and canoeing (these must be arranged via an organised group). 

Some of the lakes are open to coarse fishing and day permits can be purchased in advance. Other activities include weightlifting, cycling, running and orienteering. 

The steam railway is a popular hit with younger visitors and opens over weekends and the school holidays. 
 

The Point

The Point, Eastleigh

Based in the heart of Eastleigh, The Point is the town’s main arts centre. Look out for performances of contemporary dance, theatre and combined arts. 

You’ll find a busy events calendar throughout the year, including baby classes, comedy and much more. What’s more, the Point Café Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 10am (and before performances) for tasty treats and a warming cuppa.


Walk the Itchen Way

This long-distance walking route follows along, you guessed it, the River Itchen. Follow the whole route or walk a section of the Itchen Navigation, which was used as a historic trading route between Southampton and Winchester, as it transects Eastleigh. 

Itchen Valley Country Park

Go Ape Southampton, Eastleigh

Set in 330 acres of water meadow, woodland and meadow alongside the River Itchen, Itchen Valley Country Park makes a great day out for all ages. 

Young children will love the forest trails and play areas, plus why not download some free children’s activity sheets from the Itchen Valley Country Park’s website ahead of your visit. 

For older children and adults, the Go Ape course offers an aerial viewpoint of the park and the Eastleigh skyline with some testing high ropes challenges and some exhilarating zip wires to follow. 


Eastleigh Mela

One of the top events in Eastleigh’s calendar is the annual Eastleigh Mela. Eastleigh Mela celebrates the different cultures of the town with music, dance and food from around the world. Eastleigh Mela is usually held on a date in July and is free to attend. 


The Race Centre

The Race Centre, Eastleigh

Take on a racing challenge at The Race Centre, Eastleigh this year. Whether you fancy competing individually, as part of a family group or for some team building, you’ll have great fun on the various simulation tracks. 


Putt Club

Putt Club, Eastleigh

If the weather’s not playing ball on your day out to Eastleigh then why not try you hand at Putt Club’s 9-hole crazy golf course. With its motorsports theme, navigate your way through the challenging holes before enjoying a snack at the onsite café.


Artisan Meze & Wine Bar

Bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Eastleigh, Artisan Meze & Wine Bar is just one of the amazing places to eat out in Eastleigh. 

Whether you are looking for a romantic meal out or a night out with friends, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome. 


Hensting Alpacas

For something a little different to do in and around Eastleigh, then why not book a guided alpaca walk with Hensting Alpacas? Take a 90-minute walk with these beautiful animals. Hensting Alpacas also offer gift vouchers for those looking to treat someone special to something a little different. 


Stoke Park Wood 

Grab your bike or don your walking boots for an explore of Eastleigh’s Stoke Park Wood. 
Managed by the Forestry Commission, follow rides and paths through ancient woodland and newly planted trees. 

Of course, this gives you a taster of the things you can do in Eastleigh. Eastleigh also makes a great base for exploring nearby Winchester or wider Southampton too plus it’s within easy reach of the South Downs National Park and very convenient for Southampton Airport. 

Find out more about Eastleigh

Find places to stay in Eastleigh

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Lakeside Country Park
Country / Royal Park
Lakeside Country Park

Sixty acres of lakes, meadow and young woodland situated between Eastleigh and Southampton with easy access.

Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway
Steam Railway
Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway

Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway runs every weekend throughout the year and daily during all school holidays. The railway runs from its main station, Eastleigh Parkway, to Monks Brook Halt and then back to Eastleigh Parkway. Trains are usually steam hauled and the journey of 1¼ miles takes about 15-20 minutes. Monks Brook Halt gives an opportunity to visit the lakes, children’s playground or use the adjacent picnic tables.

The Point
Theatre
The exterior of The Point, Eastleigh

The Point, Eastleigh presents a year-round programme of theatre, film, dance, comedy, light-entertainment, theatre for families and contemporary performance.

Itchen Valley Country Park
Countryside, Parks & Gardens
Itchen Valley Country Park

Itchen Valley's 440 acres of beautiful water meadows, woodland and meadows been recognised by the award of a Green Flag for the past eleven years.

Go Ape - Southampton
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Go Ape at Itchen Valley

Northwest of Southampton, close to Eastleigh, you can find us in the heart of Itchen Valley Country Park. Our Hampshire location plays host to two of our high ropes experiences plus axe throwing. We're just off Allington Lane - close to Southampton airport. Whether you're looking for things to do nearby with the kids or a day out with friends we have adventure covered. Treetop Adventure is a one-hour experience aimed at kids and young families. Treetop Challenge is for those over 1.4 metres tall and is 2-3 hours of high wire obstacles, Tarzan Swings and ziplines. Go Ape Southampton also boasts Axe Throwing - a gripping new experience. If you're looking for action packed fun on the south coast, we're one of the best attractions around.

The Race Centre
Driving
The Race Centre

The Race Centre is the first chain of race car simulation venues in the UK. Situated in Chandlers Ford, our venue offers an unparalleled driving experience. Whether mastering the agility of an F1 car or commanding the power of a GT racer, our simulators allow guests to step into the shoes of a race car driver.

Putt Club
Pitch & Putt/Crazy Golf
Putt Club

Putt Club’s Crazy Golf Southampton Course is tee-ing off and is the latest crazy golf adventure on the South coast. This 9 hole course brings Putt Clubs motorsport themed, never seen before, indoor crazy golf holes to the best indoor Go Karting venue in the South of England, creating a destination for the ultimate, action packed day out!

Hensting Alpacas
Animal Collection / Zoo
Hensting Alpacas

Come and Join us here in Otterbourne Hampshire, when the weather is good we like to walk our Alpacas.

Premier Inn Southampton (Eastleigh)
Hotel
Premier Travel Inn Eastleigh

Premier Inn is the UK's biggest hotel chain. We guarantee clean, comfortable rooms and a friendly and efficient service - everything you need for a good night's sleep.

Travelodge Eastleigh Central
Hotel
Eastleigh Central Travelodge

Travelodge Eastleigh Central has the train station on one side and the cafes, parks and shops of Eastleigh town centre on the other. This quaint railway town has a number of attractions including the relaxed Lakeside Country Park.

Village Hotel Southampton Eastleigh
Travel Accommodation
Village Hotel Southampton Eastleigh

Village Hotel Club Southampton Eastleigh is just off junction13 of the M3. And near to the M27. So, whatever brings you to the area, you’re not very far away at Eastleigh, Southampton. The sights, sounds, and ships of all shapes and sizes are just down the road in Southampton. Making us the perfect pre- or post-cruise stopover.