History

The Beginnings

1992

Mr Clive Upton, the founder of Eastleigh Lakeside Miniature Railway contacts Eastleigh Borough Council after starting a private miniature railway in his garden at Sandy Down. After consultation, Lakeside, a manmade country park, formerly a gravel mine, is identified as suitable and a temporary track is opened by Steven Milligan MP on the 27th of July 1992.

Tracks are laid

1993

The new venture is an overwhelming success and a three year lease is granted for a permanent line. Shipping containers are used as engine sheds and a 7 ¼ inch track is laid. 

The tracks run for 

All alight at Monks Brook!

1996 - 1998

The railway continues to grow in popularity and a long lease is negotiated with Eastleigh Borough Council. This paves the way for development including a roofed main station at Parkway and an extended line to a new station named Monks Brook opens in 1998.

Located next to a new adventure playground, this allows visitors to alight and return on a later train. In the background the locomotive fleet, including the Bullock Collection continues to grow.

Through the tunnel

1999 - 2003

Started in 1999, the new station building removes the need for the now outgrown shipping containers.

Major extensions in 2000 brought the route as it is today, with a double track added in 2001 although the tunnel wasn't constructed until 2003. The impressive tunnel at a length proves popular with visitors of all ages.

Expansion

2004 - 2016

Phase 2 of Parkway Station gets underway in 2004 with a new locomotive shed, workshops and steaming bays to house the evergrowing fleet. A cafe and function room opens at the station in 2005.

The tunnel is also extended once more in 2012, now making it the longest miniature railway tunnel in the UK.

In 2013, the first Surrey Border & Camberley Railway Gala is held celebrating the Bullock collection of locomotives.

25 Years

2017 - 2024

The ELMR celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2017 with original locomotive 'Sandy River' being driven through a banner by founder Clive Upton.

The railways fleet continues to grow with improvements at the station.

New Owners

2025

The current owners Seaside Railway Group purchased the railway from Clive Upton in March 2025.

Having operated Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway & Scarborough North Bay Railway, they introduce a 9 hole crazy golf course and bring locomotives from the Kerr's Miniature Railway to operate.