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by Ray George
You may have noticed new bus stops on the south side of Bassett Green Road. One near the 51-79 green and the other near the top end of Ethelburt Avenue. This new bus route is the U8 which goes to the University of Southampton’s Science Park from Southampton Airport Parkway station.
This was something I had to try out. So I joined this bus as the only passenger. On the way, one stop that could be useful is Chilworth Roundabout to pick up the Bluestar 1 bus to Winchester. The bus continues along the A27 past the Chilworth Arms and then shortly arrives at the Science Park.
If like me, you have not been there for a long time, you will be amazed at the extent of the development. The Chilworth Manor is now a Best Western Hotel. The grounds of the hotel are well worth a visit, especially when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in flower. I had lunch at the Fusion Café in Venture Road before returning home.
The bus has a circular route, so from the Chilworth Roundabout is goes down Bassett Avenue to the University. On its way back to Parkway Station along Burgess Road, the nearest stop to home is Aster Road.