This picturesque route skirts the River Itchen as it meanders from Southampton, famous for its maritime heritage, and onwards towards the historic city of Winchester.

Starting in Southampton, famous for its maritime heritage, the railway line passes through quaint suburban stations until it reaches the historic city of Winchester.

Along the way look out for runway views as your journey takes you right past Southampton Airport.

To explore all the line, take the slower train and change at Eastleigh, a bustling Hampshire town.

Shortly before arriving in Winchester you'll see the Victorian facade of the Royal Hampshire County Hospital high up on the left with the impressive University of Winchester further down. On the right you'll see the tall spire of Christ Church.

For more window gazing and things to see and do, download the official line guide brought to you by Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership.

Highlights

Learn about Southampton's links with the Titanic and Mayflower voyages at SeaCity Museum

From Eastleigh Railway Station, catch the M1 bus direct to Marwell Zoo running March to September on weekends, bank holidays & daily during Easter & school holidays. Download the timetable here...

Continue your journey & explore the South Downs Way by bus, with connections from Winchester Railway Station throughout the summer, perfect for walkers. Download last year's guide here...

Find out more

Local line website

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Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Plan your full journey by public transport using https://www.traveline.info/

Route

Southampton - Eastleigh - Winchester

Cost

£7.60 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

All year | 7 days a week

Journey time

25min

Distance

13 miles | 21 km

Time from London

1:00 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Southampton

A short walk from Southampton Central Railway Station will bring yout to SeaCity Museum. Hear the stories of the people of they city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea. History is brought to life through interactive displays designed for all ages.

Head next door and spend time exploring Southampton City Art Gallery. Originally opened in 1939 the gallery contains a diverse mix of quality exhibitions including painting, sculpture and drawing, photography and film.

Nearby there are plenty of restaurants to choose for a delicious bite to eat. Whether it's traditional British cuisine you're after or something a bit different such as Caribbean or World Buffet, you'll find it all just a short walk away from the railway station.

Find out more here...

Eastleigh

From the Swan Centre to its annual events, Eastleigh offers a wide choice of shopping experiences, with a fantastic mix of local business and high street brands. With lots of fun things for the family, a choice of restaurants and bars and live entertainment, Eastleigh has something for everyone.

Find out more here...

Winchester

Winchester City Mill

Why not stop by at what is believed to be the country’s oldest working watermill? With over 1000 years of history, this National Trust treasure is a rare example of a surviving urban working corn mill.

Winchester Military Quarter

Visit the centre of Winchester’s military history. Located within the old Peninsular Barracks, this stunning Victorian complex exhibits 6 unique museums, each with their own story to tell. These include: The Museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, The Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum, The Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum, The Rifles Regimental Museum, The Gurkha Museum and The Adjutant General’s Corps Museum.

Winchester Cathedral

Explore the city’s stunning 11th-century Cathedral located in the heart of Winchester. Within the walls of this grand building, you will find an array of 12th-century paintings and art pieces as well as fascinating medieval carvings. Take time to wander around the beautiful cathedral grounds, where you will be able to find Jane Austen’s grave.