Social for Life
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Daily 10:00 - 17:00 (Check timetables)
Station House, Swanage BH19 1HB

A breathtaking gateway to the Jurassic Coast, the Swanage Railway offers one of the most iconic rail journeys in Britain. Meandering through the Purbeck Hills, the line provides an unrivaled view of the thousand-year-old ruins of Corfe Castle—a spectacle best experienced from the window of a vintage steam carriage. This meticulously restored line is a masterpiece of volunteer persistence, linking the seaside charm of Swanage with the ancient heart of the Isle of Purbeck.

Infographic

Infographic

Railway History

The Purbeck Line

The Swanage Railway is a testament to the power of volunteer persistence. After the line from Wareham was closed in 1972, local residents and supporters fought for its restoration. Today, the railway is a key part of the Dorset tourism landscape, offering a unique perspective of the iconic Corfe Castle ruins as the train whistles through the gap in the Purbeck Hills on its way to the Jurassic Coast.

Technical Specifications

Swanage Railway

Track Gauge
1435mm
Line Length
6miles
Original Line
1885AD
Heritage Reopening
1976AD
Locomotives
Steam fleetSR
Iconic View
Corfe CastleCastle