Eling Experience

When the tide is in, the creek at Eling just off the estuary of the River Test at the head of Southampton Water, takes on a refreshingly welcoming dimension.  
When the tide is out, there are inevitable unsightly and hazardous banks of mud exposed above the surface of the water.
Even so it boasts an active and enthusiastic sailing club and it is a favoured mooring spot.
The area looks set for considerable improvement with a development programme under way to refurbish the historic tide mill, a heritage centre and tea rooms, all due to re-open next year.
It is all happening with the help of heritage Lottery funding and will include conservation work on the tide mill which dates from the 18th century, while work on the heritage centre will provide enhanced educational facilities.
In addition, a more recent proposal could see the redevelopment of a large stretch of the waterfront under a relatively new proposition to redevelop the adjoining industrial and container storage land, and which could make way for additional recreational facilities, shops, restaurants and housing.

The tide mill is one of the few surviving mills in the country which can harness the power of the water and the tide to grind wheat and produce flour.