Discover Eastleigh
17 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Netley Abbey
Coastal 13th-century Cistercian ruin set on the Solent — dramatic Gothic arches, ivy-clad masonry and tidal foregrounds offer strong foreground-middle-background compositions. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side light on stone and long exposures over the water. Accessible on foot from a small car park on Abbey Hill; paths and uneven stones mean sturdy shoes. No entry fee; watch tides and soft mud near the shore. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Royal Victoria Country Park
Coastal country park featuring Victorian hospital ruins, a long shoreline, woodland trails and views across Southampton Water. Photograph shoreline reflections, rusting pier structures, ruined brickwork textures and migrating birds. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side light and long reflections; low tide reveals mudflats and architectural remnants. Free entry, car park at the park office, short walk from Netley railway station. Paths are mostly accessible but some shoreline sections are soft
Hamble Common
Hamble Common offers tidal mudflats, reedbeds and river views framed by moored yachts and sailing activity on the River Hamble — ideal for waterscapes, birdlife and atmospheric sunset shots. Best at sunrise or golden hour; low tide reveals textured mudflats and reflections. Easily accessible on foot from Hamble village with small public car parks nearby; no entry fee. Expect walkers and dog owners; dress for mud and wind. The area's sailing heritage and quiet coastal marshes make for varied, mo-
Westwood Nature Reserve
Lowland heath, reedbeds and small ponds around Weston offer intimate landscapes, colourful heather in late summer, and active birdlife (warblers, skylark) — ideal for nature and wildlife shots. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and mist over ponds; autumn mornings bring low fog and dramatic skies. Well-marked footpaths and a small car park nearby make access easy; no permit required. Expect muddy sections after rain and bring waterproof boots and insect repellent in summer.
Itchen Valley Country Park
Riverside meadows, reedbeds, ponds and mature hedgerows along the River Itchen offer intimate landscape and wildlife scenes — kingfisher and heron habitat, textured reflections, seasonal wildflowers and autumn colour. Best at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm side-light and reflections; spring–summer brings wildflowers, autumn adds colour, winter offers misty moods. Park at the visitor car park off Allington Lane; entry is free and paths are mostly well‑made but some trails are uneven and a
Mercury Marshes LNR
Tidal saltmarsh and reedbeds beside the River Hamble offering rich birdlife, expansive water reflections and dramatic skies. Best for sunrise/sunset and low-tide bird activity. Accessible on flat paths from nearby car parks (check local signs); entry is free. Visit early morning or late afternoon for warm light and fewer people; check tide and weather forecasts and wear waterproof footwear — paths can be muddy after rain.
Hamble View
Hamble View overlooks the River Hamble estuary with moored yachts, tidal mudflats and timber jetties — ideal for atmospheric waterscape and golden‑hour shots. Capture boat silhouettes at sunset, reflections at high tide or exposed textures at low tide. Easy roadside access by the High Street (Old Post Office area), limited on‑street parking; Bursledon station and local buses are nearby. No entry fee; weekends get busy with walkers and pub patrons. Best light: sunrise/sunset; check tide times for
Royal Victoria Railway
Miniature steam and diesel trains running along the shoreline of Royal Victoria Country Park offer charming close-up shots and scenic vistas of the Solent, Netley Hospital ruins and the long pier. Best at golden hour for warm light on the water and trains; quieter on weekday mornings. Park has paid parking and accessible paths; trains operate on a schedule and require a fare—check opening days. Good year-round but spring–autumn for foliage and steam effects.
Fair Ways Fairy Garden
A whimsical miniature fairy garden set within The Stables in Netley — rich in tiny scenes, handcrafted doors, mossy paths and seasonal props ideal for close-ups and storytelling frames. Best visited in soft morning or late-afternoon light (golden hour) for warm color; overcast days work well for even macro lighting. Accessible from the Stables complex with nearby parking; check opening times or event days before visiting. Family-friendly, good for creative portrait props and detail work.
Le Marechal Avenue Middle Pond
Le Marechal Avenue Middle Pond is a small, tree-lined suburban pond offering calm reflections, reedbeds and frequent waterfowl — ideal for intimate landscape and wildlife shots. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for soft light and vivid reflections; winter mornings can produce mist for moody scenes. The site is easily accessible on foot from Hollowbread Gardens; street parking is usually available nearby. No entry fee; expect quiet residential surroundings and respect local residents and birdlif
TS Mercury Memorial
A small maritime memorial on the Hamble River honoring the training ship TS Mercury — ideal for intimate coastal compositions combining the monument, river reflections and passing yachts. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm side-light and moody skies; low tide increases foreground texture. Easily reached by foot from Hamble village (street parking and small car parks nearby); public paths and riverfront are accessible with no entry fee. Quiet weekdays give minimal foot traffic. The site is
Sophie’s Pond
A small, calm urban pond framed by reeds and trees offering intimate nature scenes: mirror-like reflections, waterfowl, seasonal colours and moody mist. Easily reached from Victoria Rd with roadside parking nearby; level paths make it accessible and free to visit. Best at dawn or golden hour for soft side-light and bird activity; autumn and winter bring colour and atmospheric fog. Weekday mornings are quieter; respect wildlife and keep dogs on leads.
Victoria park
Small Victorian-era urban park with a bandstand, ornamental lake, mature trees and seasonal flowerbeds — good for tranquil landscape shots, reflections, close-up florals and candid community scenes. Visit at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm light and glassy lake reflections; spring and autumn offer best colour. Flat, accessible paths; free entry and limited on-street parking nearby. Expect local events at weekends.
Bandstand
Victorian-style bandstand set in a suburban park — great for architectural detail, symmetry shots, portrait sessions and small event coverage. Best visited at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and dramatic skies. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends host community events. Easy roadside parking on Lower Northam Rd and flat, accessible paths. No entry fee; be mindful of performances and local users.
Aaron's Picnic bench
Small roadside picnic bench on Abbey Hill with framed views across Southampton Water and the Solent. Photograph intimate foregrounds (bench, wildflowers) against tidal channels, passing boats and distant shoreline; include nearby Netley Abbey ruins for historic context. Best at sunrise or golden-hour evenings for warm light and reflections. Easily reachable by car or on foot from Netley village; roadside parking nearby on Abbey Hill. No entry fee; accessible path but watch for wind and coastal m
Hackett's Marsh LNR
Tidal saltmarsh and reedbeds on the Hamble estuary offering expansive water, mudflats and abundant wader/duck activity — excellent for wildlife, minimalist landscapes and dramatic skies. Best at sunrise or sunset for low-angle light and reflections; low tide reveals mud patterns and feeding birds. Accessible on foot from nearby lanes with basic paths; bring waterproof boots for shoreline work. Parking available nearby (check local signs); quiet on weekdays. No formal entry fee.
The Bunny
The Bunny is a small village pub with characterful brick and timber facades set on Abbeyfields Close in Netley. Photograph its quaint exterior, signage and intimate street scenes; interior shots capture warm pub lighting. Best at golden hour or after dark when warm interiors contrast cooler exteriors. Easy roadside parking; wheelchair access varies — check ahead. Weekday daytime is quieter. Combines local architecture and everyday British pub culture close to Southampton.