South West - Dorset

The Swanage Railway is one of the country’s most intensively operated steam railways with trains running daily from the end of March to the end of October as well as most weekends throughout the year. The railway runs a programme of themed events including steam and diesel galas, a classic transport rally as well as Santa Specials and other yuletide celebrations during the festive season. “The Wessex Belle”, the Swanage Railways renowned dining train offers luncheon, afternoon tea and evening dinner services from March to October with Christmas Luncheons during December.

A visit to Swanage and the Swanage Railway makes an ideal trip in itself or as part of a longer stay in Dorset. It is within easy reach of Bournemouth, Poole and the New Forest to the east and Dorchester and Weymouth to the West. There is more to the Isle of Purbeck than just steam trains. Whilst passengers travel to Swanage with its blue flag beach, Victorian pier, shops and restaurants they can appreciate the rich history of the area, abundant wildlife, fascinating geology and the influence the region had on the writers Enid Blyton, whose Famous Five books are based on the Isle of Purbeck, and Thomas Hardy whose “Knollsea” is modelled on Swanage.

The grand seaside terminus of the line, Swanage station, retains the charm of holidays of days gone by with its long canopy, luggage barrows, milk churns and evocative travel posters. The well-stocked Gift Shop is open every day trains are running and offers a wide selection of souvenirs, gifts, toys and local products to suit all tastes and budgets. The shop also stocks books and DVD’s about the branch line and the history of railways in Dorset.

The “Birds Nest Buffet” a cafeteria coach located at the end of the platform serves a wide range of snacks, lunches, the famous Dorset cream tea and delicious locally produced ice cream, cakes and preserves. Visitors can sit in the expertly restored coach or outside in the extensive picnic area and take in the sunshine while watching the trains arrive and depart.

The station is located in the centre of the town, with the main street “Station Road” running from the station down to the beach with lots of small independent shops offering something for all as well as beach equipment for those who have forgotten their bucket and spade!

The picturesque Swanage Bay, the start of the “Jurassic Coast”, a World Heritage Site, has stunning headlands at both ends and an award winning sandy “Blue Flag” beach with calm clear waters, enjoyed by bathers for generations. Swanage has retained its Victorian seaside charm, complete with bathing huts, promenade, pier used by paddle steamers and a vibrant calendar of local events including the regatta and carnival. An open top bus runs from Swanage station to Sandbanks, with more buses to Durlston Country Park, which offers commanding views of the Isle of Wight and Jurassic Coastline, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The staff at the Tourist Information Office, located on the seafront adjacent to the sandy beach, have lots of ideas for activities to suit all ages and can find and book accommodation if required.

No visit to the Swanage Railway is complete without a trip to Corfe Castle station. The station building dates from the opening of the line in 1885, but following closure and narrowly avoiding demolition in the 1970’s has been painstakingly restored by a hard working team of volunteers.

The station building has wooden floors, coal fires, a Ladies Waiting Room, and the original Station Master’s lounge restored to the 1950's, complete with an old radio, newspapers and period furniture. Visitors can hear the ting-ting of signal bells coming from our heritage signal box before the train steams into view.
The history of the railway and the 30 year battle to save and rebuild the branch is on display in the Exhibition Coach where archive footage is shown in a period mini cinema complete with flap-down seating! The Goods Shed has been restored to display period signs, artefacts and memorabilia linked to the long history of railways in Purbeck and Dorset.

Whether discovering the history of the railway and the extraordinary battle to save and then rebuild every single foot of track, stepping back in time to a bygone era, catching a photograph of the iconic Corfe Castle and steam trains, exploring the delightful village, enjoying a walk or cycle ride through Purbeck or just sitting back and enjoying the view and weather, Corfe Castle station is a “must see” when visiting the Swanage Railway.

The Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum is located next to Norden Station. Visitors can discover part of Purbeck’s fascinating hidden past and explore the rich history of ball clay mining in the Isle of Purbeck. The Museum tells the story of the clay industry, the narrow gauge railways built to serve it and the lives of the workers who toiled to extract the clay from the mines. The museum is open on selected days April to October.