Trains first ran over the branch line to Swanage in 1885, but all this came to an end in 1972 when British Railways closed the line and lifted the track. Much of the line was subsequently taken over by a charity, the Swanage Railway Trust, and has been painstakingly rebuilt by volunteers. Steam trains now operate over nearly six miles of track
from Norden to Swanage.

Steam to the Beach
The Swanage Railway provides an ideal way to get to the beach without the need to park in Swanage. Simply leave your car at the Norden Park and Ride, which is conveniently located just off the A351 north of Corfe Castle, and start your holiday early!

Absorb the History
Whether it is the Railway itself, the ruins of Corfe Castle, mining around Norden or visiting the Jurassic Coast, the Swanage Railway provides the ideal way to explore the rich history of the Isle of Purbeck.

Explore the Countryside
The Swanage Railway runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the stations provide ideal starting points to explore the countryside on foot or by bicycle; or just view it in style from the comfort of our Pullman observation car.

• Visit the beach at Swanage and Corfe Castle by steam train
• Combine history, education and a fun day out
• Children under five go free on standard days
• Sample our station buffets and luxury dining train
• Visit our station book stalls and shop
• Disabled access at all stations
• Convenient and attended parking at Norden
• Driver Experience days – drive an engine!
• Help to run our railway – become a volunteer

Where?
Swanage Railway
Station House
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 1HB

Website
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/

2009 Programme:

Mar 21st-22nd – Railway at Work
Come and see behind the scenes and visit areas of railway not regularly open to passengers. Meet staff and volunteers for ourRailways at Work weekend which incorporates the Swanage RailwayTrusts annual members weekend.

April 10th-13th- Easter Specials
Free Hot Cross Bun for every passenger travelling on the train Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Complimentary hand-made Easter Egg for every child travelling on the train Easter Sunday and Monday.

May 8th-10th- Swanage Railway Beer Festival and Diesel Gala
A feast of diesel action and real ale.July 25th-Aug 2nd- Swanage Regatta and CarnivalVisit the south coast’s top carnival. Avoid the hassle of parking bytravelling from Norden Park & Ride which will be open until midnightfor the duration of carnival week. Additional trains will operate forthe fireworks displays.

September 11th-13th- Grand Steam Gala and Vintage Transport Rally
A weekend of glorious steam with all our engines in action, plus theVintage Transport Rally at Harmans Cross.

Oct 24th-31st- Family Fun Week
A week of fun around the railway with trains, clowns and entertainers.

Dec 26th-31st- Mince Pie Specials
Enjoy an after Christmas ride with a mince pie and sherry from the on-train buffet.

Download the programme here

Getting there:

The Swanage Railway runs through the heart of the Isle of Purbeck from Norden to the coast at Swanage. Norden is just 4 miles from Wareham, 19 miles from Bournemouth and 22 miles from Weymouth. The Norden Park & Ride is located just off the A351 Wareham to Swanage road just before Corfe Castle.

Swanage is situated on the Dorset coast between Poole & Weymouth and is reached via the A351 from Wareham or via the Sandbanks to Studland Ferry. Swanage Station is situated in the centre of the town just a few minutes level walk from the beach & sea.

The Railway is accessible by bus from Bournemouth (Wilts & Dorset route 50), Poole and Wareham (Wilts & Dorset route 40). Boat services also operate from Bournemouth and Poole.

The nearest main line railway station is Wareham, served by a half hourly service from London, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.