Located in Hampshire, Eastleigh is part of the picturesque Hamble Valley, which stretches along the river Hamble and Solent and includes Bishop's Waltham, Botley, Netley Abbey, Bursledon and Hamble.
With residents enjoying a high quality of life, it’s no surprise that the area is extremely popular with families and professionals alike. Recognised as one of the top ten places to live in the UK, Eastleigh is a highly desirable place to live and work.
There are many things that make this area one of the best places to live in the UK, including its many family friendly hot spots, low pollution levels, outstanding schools, transport hubs and leisure facilities.
With a population of 55,000 households, the Borough of Eastleigh is home to a diverse range of properties. These include superb family homes in attractive leafy suburbs and semi-rural villages and stunning riverside homes that attract professionals and families looking to enjoy a slower pace of life.
The average property in Eastleigh sells for approximately £338,132. The vast majority of sales are detached properties, which sell for an average price of £450,000. Semi-detached properties sell for around £313,105, whereas terraced properties typically sell for around £264,962.
With its bustling and vibrant town centre, there’s something for everyone in Eastleigh.
With plenty of attractions, country parks, outstanding schools, shops, museums and leisure facilities, the area really is a great place to live and work. And, as Eastleigh is close to the New Forest, Southampton and Portsmouth, there are lots of attractions nearby, including Peppa Pig World, Marwell Zoo, Winchester Cathedral and Southampton Football Club.
Eastleigh also has links to the iconic Spitfire aircraft, a prototype of which was launched from Eastleigh Aerodrome in 1936. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the entrance of Southampton International Airport to see its replica Spitfire.
Eastleigh has some great travel connections and links to surrounding towns and villages, as well as quick and easy access to the heart of London, Gatwick and Heathrow via the M3. Portsmouth and Bournemouth can also be easily reached via the M27 in as little as 30 minutes.
There are two main railway stations situated in Eastleigh - Eastleigh station and Southampton Airport station, both of which allow commuters to reach regular services into London Waterloo, Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Eastleigh is home to fantastic schools and educational institutions, many of which have obtained an outstanding status. Top primary schools in the area include Fair Oak Junior School, Hamble Primary School and Berrywood Primary School. Highly rated secondary schools include Wildern School, Crestwood Community School, Lakeside School, The King’s School and Thornden School in nearby Chandlers Ford - all of which offer great environments to learn and play.
North Stoneham Park’s new £6.3M primary school, Chestnut Avenue Primary School, has also been given the official go ahead and is due to be completed this by the end of summer 2020.
Eastleigh has fantastic amenities throughout the area, including country parks, cricket grounds and an events arena, The Point Eastleigh and Berry Theatres, as well as a whole host of shopping opportunities.
But it’s the area’s country parks at Bursledon, Netley and Itchen Valley and Lakeside that add to the popularity of the area. Providing the ultimate spots for picnics, exercise, relaxing and spending time with family and friends, these green open spaces attract both locals and visitors to Eastleigh.
Southampton and Winchester are also only a short drive away, where you’ll find plenty more amenities and things to do and see.
Eastleigh isn’t short of fantastic restaurants, eateries and pubs where you can wine and dine to your heart’s content. Top restaurants in the area include Steam Town Brew, Sonny’s Traditional Fish and Chips, the Great Moghul and La Fenice – an independent Italian restaurant hugely popular with locals. Artisan Mezze and Wine Bar is also worth a visit.
Serving up a wide range of different dishes, the area is a magnet for foodies and provides the ultimate stomping ground for sampling a catalogue of different dishes inspired by cuisines from all corners of the globe.
There are also lots of cafes ideal for grabbing a quick coffee and your favourite sweet treat, including Coffee #1, Costa and Café Nero.
Home to the Swan Shopping Centre, if you’re looking to get your shopping fix in Eastleigh, this should be your first port of call.
With 700 car parking spaces, a catalogue of top high street shops such as Argos, Boots, Claire’s Accessories, H&M, TK Maxx, JD Sports and more, this shopping centre attracts many visitors each and every day.
As well as a great selection of shops to explore, the centre is also home to Partyman World of Play, which provides the perfect environment for your little ones to have fun and burn off some energy. Featuring multi-level play structures, air cannons, a climbing wall, a teacup ride and lots of comfy seating for parents to relax, Partyman World is a fun and exciting indoor soft play area that kids of all ages love.
The centre also has a gym that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
There are lots of fantastic hotels and B&Bs located in and around the area, providing a great base to relax, unwind and enjoy Eastleigh’s many different attractions.
These include the Ellington Lodge at The Concorde, which is conveniently located just two minutes' drive from Southampton Airport, The Stable set in the garden of a 16th century Grade II-listed thatched cottage, and Luna House, a spacious modern property.
A great day out for all the family, a trip to Otterbourne, Hampshire to visit the alpacas is a must! When the weather is good, the alpacas are out and about trekking and walking, and visitors are welcome to come and get up close and personal with the charismatic animals.
If you’re looking for family friendly fun in Eastleigh, Eastleigh Lakeside Railway should be top of your list. Open between May and September, this miniature steam railway will allow you to enjoy a 20-minute round trip ride between Eastleigh Parkway and Monks Brook Halt, taking in views of the lakes, an exciting children's playground and many picnic areas that are ideal for refuelling during a busy day.
Events take place during the year, including family fun weekends and spooky train rides during Halloween.
Eastleigh Museum chronicles the life of a typical railway engineer and his family during the 1930s, and provides a great day out immersing yourself in the history of the area.
The museum is home to a number of interesting displays, including the chance to visit Mr and Mrs Brown in their home - a local locomotive engine driver and his wife. You will also be able to see the recreation of the Southern Railway Locomotive Works and a steam engine footplate.
But that’s not all… the museum also runs an exciting programme of special exhibitions, talks, family friendly activities, workshops and events that the whole family can enjoy together.
Located in the centre of Eastleigh, The Point is an iconic regional powerhouse for contemporary dance, theatre and combined arts, as well as aerial and circus arts.
Owned and managed by Eastleigh Borough Council, The Point became one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations in April 2015. It offers an exciting range of community dance and theatre classes suitable for all ages and abilities.
Set in 440 acres of beautiful water meadows and woodland, Itchen Valley Country Park is also located next to the River Itchen and has received ten highly acclaimed Green Flag Awards.
A fantastic day out, this country park has lots to see and do for the entire family, including lots of trails to explore, family friendly craft events, Go Ape, orienteering courses, art exhibitions, craft workshops and plenty of exciting play areas for children.
For rainy, chilly days, there’s also an indoor woodland play area and woodland café to grab a drink and bite to eat.
The ultimate track on which to put your driving skills to the test, Teamsport Indoor Go Karting Southampton boasts a 375m multi-level track that can be enjoyed by little and big kids alike.
With events for adults, adult groups, kids and family, corporate events and hen and stag parties, this indoor go karting facility will provide you with all of the high octane go karting thrills you will ever need!
The Swan Centre is situated in the heart of Eastleigh and boasts a catalogue of high-profile shops that all contribute towards a fantastic shopping experience.
Home to over 40 retailers including Boots, Argos, TK Maxx, H&M, Next and New Look, you will be able to enjoy a great variety of shops that are sure to meet all of your shopping needs. And once you’ve worked up an appetite and you’re looking to refuel, you can then visit one of the centre’s many restaurants including Harvester, Nando's and Prezzo.
But that’s not all… the centre is also home to Hollywood Bowl, Partyman World of Play, Anytime Fitness and VUE Cinema.
Located between Hocombe Road and Hitingbury Roads, Hocombe Mead Nature Reserve boasts eight hectares of stunning ancient woodland and meadows that provide a great destination to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Home to a number of special plants and animals, including the Purple Loosestrife flower and over 29 species of butterfly, this reserve is enchanting and mesmerising in every way.
Home to hundreds of endangered and exotic species, Marwell Zoo is a great day out for the entire family.
Set across 140 acres, you will find everything from snow leopards and penguins through to tigers and lemurs! And with daily talks and feedings, you really will be able to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most-loved animals. There’s even a miniature railway that will allow you to enjoy up-close animal encounters.
Ideal for rainy days and weekend fun with all of the family in tow, Hollywood Bowl Eastleigh has 20 bowling lanes, kid-friendly features and an onsite diner so you can enjoy food and drink as you play.
And, once you’ve battled it out on the lanes, you can enjoy the amusements zone with its arcade games, pool tables and slot machines.
See the following new builds located within Eastleigh:
North Stoneham Park
