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.
โข Visit the beach at Swanage and Corfe Castle by steam train
โข Combine history, education and a fun day out
โข Children under five go free on standard days
โข Sample our station buffets and luxury dining train
โข Visit our station book stalls and shop
โข Disabled access at all stations
โข Convenient and attended parking at Norden
โข Driver Experience days – drive an engine!
โข Help to run our railway โ become a volunteer
Where?
Swanage Railway
Station House
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 1HB
Website
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/
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.