Swanage Railway
in Local Attractions

The Swanage Railway is a heritage railway located in the seaside town of Swanage in Dorset, England. The railway runs on a section of the former London and South Western Railway branch line that once connected Swanage to the main line at Wareham.

The railway first opened in 1885, providing a link between Swanage and the main line at Wareham, allowing residents and tourists to travel to and from the town easily. However, due to the rise of car and bus travel, the line was closed by British Railways in 1972.

In 1976, a group of railway enthusiasts formed the Swanage Railway Company with the aim of reopening the line. After many years of hard work and fundraising, the railway officially reopened in 1982, operating on a section of the original line between Swanage and Norden.

Since then, the railway has been operated by volunteers and has grown to become one of the most popular heritage railways in the country. It now runs on a 9.5-mile stretch of track and offers a variety of services, including regular trains between Swanage and Norden, steam and diesel galas, and special events throughout the year.

One of the railway's most popular attractions is its collection of vintage steam and diesel trains, which have been restored to their original condition. Visitors can ride on one of these trains and experience the nostalgia of travelling by rail in the 1950s and 60s.

In addition to its trains, the railway also offers a variety of other attractions, including a museum, a signal box, and a carriage restoration workshop. These provide visitors with a unique insight into the history and workings of the railway.

The Swanage Railway is a popular tourist attraction and an important part of the local community. It provides an important link between the town and the surrounding countryside, and its success has played a significant role in the regeneration of Swanage.

In conclusion, the Swanage Railway is a unique and fascinating heritage railway that allows visitors to step back in time and experience the nostalgia of travelling by rail. Its collection of vintage trains and other attractions make it an essential destination for anyone interested in railway history.

On April 1st 2009, the “The Purbeck Pioneer”, a diesel-hauled rail tour, ran from London Victoria to Swanage via Wareham. Departing from Victoria Station at 8:45 am, it arrived in Swanage just after 2:00 pm. This was the first public passenger service to run between Wareham and Swanage since 1972. You can view the latest events and news about Swanage Railway at www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Stations

Swanage

The railway station at Swanage is the terminus of the heritage railway line and serves as the starting point for many of the railway's services. The station is located in the heart of the town and is easily accessible by foot or by car.

The station building itself is a restored Victorian structure, complete with a ticket office, waiting room, and shop. The station also has a large car park nearby and is accessible to wheelchair users.

The station also serves as the starting point for the railway's special events and steam galas, popular tourist attractions. These events allow visitors to see vintage steam trains in action and ride on one of the railway's special trains.

In addition to the heritage railway, the station also serves as a hub for local bus services, providing easy access to other parts of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Overall, the railway station at Swanage is an important part of the heritage railway experience and offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its restored Victorian architecture and vintage train carriages. It serves as a transportation hub, tourist destination, and community gathering point.

Herston Halt

Herston Halt station is located at the western end of Swanage, just off Washpond Lane. The station was opened in 1984 as a temporary terminus for the heritage railway and was originally built using a simple wooden construction; the station is now being reconstructed with a concrete platform. Train services stop at Herston Halt on request only.

Harmans Cross

Located in the village of Harmans Cross halfway between Swanage and Corfe Castle this station was not originally a part of the Purbeck line but was opened by the heritage railway in 1989 as a temporary terminus. The station was updated in 1995 following the extension of the line to Corfe Castle with a new signal box and passing loop added. This allowed Harmans Cross to be used as the main crossing point for trains between Swanage and Norden .

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle railway station is on the Swanage Railway heritage line, located in the village of Corfe Castle in Dorset, England. The station was originally built by the London and South Western Railway in 1885 but was closed by British Railways in 1972 along with the rest of the branch line.

The station was rebuilt and reopened by the Swanage Railway Company in the 1990s, and it serves as an intermediate stop on the heritage railway's services between Swanage and Norden. The station features a platform, a restored Victorian waiting room, and a signal box.

Corfe Castle station is also located close to the Corfe Castle village and the famous Corfe Castle ruins, a National Trust property and a major tourist attraction in Dorset. The station offers a convenient and picturesque way to get to the village and the castle for visitors.

The station also has a small museum that provides visitors with an insight into the history of the Swanage railway and the local area.

Norden Park & Ride

Currently the terminus at the northernmost end of the Swanage Railway, Norden station is located about 1 kilometre to the north of Corfe Castle village. The station was not a part of the original London and South Western Railway line but was opened in 1995 to reduce the traffic congestion at Corfe Castle. The site is home to the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum.