              
Welcometo Dorset's premier standard gauge preserved steam railway. The award-winning Swanage Railway currently operates on the six miles of track between Swanage and Norden, through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, passing the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle. The goals of the Swanage Railway Trust (the controlling body of the Swanage Railway) are to restore the rail link between Swanage and Wareham, re-establishing a daily service to connect with main line trains, and to create a comprehensive historical record of steam railways and steam technology in Southern England. This goal was brought a step closer on3rd January 2002 when the remaining sections of track were laid at Norden. A special sevice operated on 8th September when the first through train from the main line at Wareham visited Swanage. For fully illustrated reports please visit the news pages by clicking on theLatest Swanage News button above.  | Our title photograph by Andrew P.M. Wright shows Bulleid Pacific No. 34072257 Squadron approaching Corfe Castle from Norden.Ournews pages provide up-to-date news of activitiesand events on and around the railway, with many other superb colour photographs, so please explore and enjoy this website and come to visit us at Swanage. Trains operate every weekend and Bank Holiday from mid-February to the end of the year, and every day of the week from April to October.For full details see thetimetable andspecial events pages.The Timetable and Information brochure provides information on the stations and attractions along the Purbeck Line. Copies of the printed brochures are available from the Swanage Railway at the main address given on the membership and contacts page which can also be used for specific queries not answered in these pages. From late March to early November you can also enjoy the pleasure of dining whilst you travel on theWessex Belle Dining Train. See the dedicated pages for details. Visit theSwanage Railway Shop pagefor details of videos and the Swanage Railway Stockbook and information on the Mail Order service. |
Santa Special events will be held on the relaid Purbeck Line Every Saturday and Sunday in December until the 19th December then daily from the 22nd - 24th December.Santa Specials will depart at 10.30,12.00,13.30 & 15.00. Full timetable details are now available. Please clickhere or on the picture of Santa to visit our dedicated page where you will findfull details.
The Swanage Railway is a predominantly volunteer organisation, and depends onvolunteers in all departments. If you would like to join us and help to run ourrailway then please see thevolunteers page. Please see theHow to find the Railway page for a map and links to bus timetables for services from the mainline station at Wareham to the Swanage Railway. Also visit theSwanage Railway Accommodation Index page for details of places to stay in and around Swanage. 257 Squadron Appeal and Grand Prize Draw The Swanage Railway has announced a major fundraising Prize Draw tohelp to restore its flagship locomotive Battle of Britain Class unrebuiltlight Pacific no. 34072257 Squadron, shown in our title photograph and which has been out of service since January 2003. To get back into steam,257 Squadron will need a new boiler and a complete overhaul.Ticket sales have now stopped pending the draw on 20th November. Ticketsoffer the chance to win a brand new car aswell as numerous other prizes. For more details please clickhere or on the Grand Prize Draw logo.
Enjoy the benefits of the Swanage Railway Credit Card The Swanage Railway offers you the chance, subject to status, to help it raise funds by taking out its Credit Card backed by MBNA Europe Bank Limited. For full details, please see the dedicated page by clickinghere.
Swanage Railway Lottery You can also support the Swanage Railway by taking part in the new Great Weather Lottery. For only£1 per week, you can support the Swanage Railway Trust and you can also ensure much needed funds are available as our railway grows - every lottery entry helps. You may also win£10,000 per day! Just follow the simple instructions on the inside of theleafletand you too will be part of our exciting Weather Lottery game.
Please see our Visitors Book where you can find comments from supporters of the Swanage Railway from all over the world, so please visit and let us have your own comments.Remember to follow the Swanage Railway Guide link or use the Back button on your browser to return to this page.
 
This page was last updated 5th Nov 2004 byKeith Morgan |