Up to the mid-18th century, Eaglesham was mainly a collection of crofts and farms until Alexander Montgomerie, the 10th Earl of Eglinton, had the settlement redeveloped as a new planned village. At the centre of the village stands a long green, known as the Orry. A cotton mill once stood here and at its peak employed 200 people. The Eaglesham Heritage Trail explains the history of the village from the 11th century to now. Places of interest include St Bridget's Church, Polnoon Lodge and Deil's Wood.
The village currently has a gallery as well as a variety of shops and many restaurants and tearooms. Further eating and shopping facilities can be found in East Kilbride, which is less than six miles away and contains the nearest train station. East Kilbride can be reached by bus from Eaglesham. Local bus services also travel to Newton Mearns, Clarkston and Glasgow. The village lies close to the M77 motorway and is a 20 minute drive from Glasgow.