Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway

Location

About

If you're a steam train enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique activity in Eastleigh, England, the Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a must-visit attraction. The railway offers visitors a chance to ride on a steam train through picturesque countryside, while also providing a glimpse into the region's railway history.

The railway is located in Eastleigh's Lakeside Country Park, which is a beautiful 60-acre park with lakes, meadows, and woodlands. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park, enjoy a picnic, or even go fishing before or after their train ride.

The train ride itself takes about 15-20 minutes and travels along a 1.25-mile track that runs through the park's woodlands and around the lakes. The train is pulled by a beautifully restored steam locomotive, which provides an authentic and nostalgic experience for passengers.

The railway also offers special events throughout the year, such as themed train rides and even a Santa Special during the Christmas season. These events provide a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

In addition to the train ride, the railway has a museum and workshop where visitors can learn about the history of steam trains and see how they are maintained and restored. The museum features exhibits on the railway's history, including photographs, artifacts, and even a model railway.

Overall, the Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a fun and educational attraction that provides a unique perspective on the region's railway history. Whether you're a steam train enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity in Eastleigh, this attraction is definitely worth a visit. The beautiful countryside and park setting, combined with the authentic steam train experience, make for a memorable day out for visitors of all ages.

Gallery

Things to do nearby

Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of Hampshire, England. As a steam railway enthusiast, this destination provides an opportunity to experience the nostalgia of the steam era by taking a ride on a steam train. While the railway itself is a major attraction, there are several other exciting places and things to do nearby that visitors can explore. Here are some of the top recommendations for tourists visiting Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway.

1. Visit Itchen Valley Country Park

Itchen Valley Country Park is a 440-acre park located just a few minutes' walk from Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway. This beautiful park is perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic with family and friends. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling, and horse riding. It also has a large adventure playground for children, which makes it an excellent place for families to spend the day.

2. Explore the Eastleigh Museum

Eastleigh Museum is a small museum located in the town center of Eastleigh, just a short distance from the railway. This museum is an excellent place for visitors to learn about the history of Eastleigh and its railway heritage. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's development from a small market town to a thriving railway town.

3. Take a stroll around Lakeside Country Park

Lakeside Country Park is a beautiful park located just a few minutes' walk from Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway. This park has a large lake where visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities, such as boating and fishing. The park also has several walking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. Lakeside Country Park is an excellent place to relax and enjoy nature.

4. Visit the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum

The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum is located in nearby Southampton and is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts. The museum has an impressive collection of aircraft, including a Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes. Visitors can explore the aircraft and learn about the history of the RAF and the brave pilots who flew these planes during World War II.

5. Shop at Westquay Shopping Centre

Westquay Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Southampton and is a shopper's paradise. This shopping center has over 90 shops, including high street brands and designer stores. Visitors can shop for fashion, beauty, home goods, and more. Westquay Shopping Centre is an excellent place to spend a day shopping and dining with family and friends.

6. Explore Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral is a beautiful medieval cathedral located in the historic city of Winchester. The cathedral is over 900 years old and is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Visitors can explore the cathedral and learn about its history, architecture, and art. Winchester Cathedral is an excellent place to visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Eastleigh Lakeside Steam Railway is a fantastic destination for tourists who are looking to experience the nostalgia of the steam era. The railway itself is an excellent attraction, but visitors can also explore several exciting places and things to do nearby, including parks, museums, shopping centers, and historic sites. Whether you are traveling with family or friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful part of Hampshire, England.