‘SANTA SPECIAL’ STEAM TRAINS TO RUN ALMOST 400 MILES DURING DECEMBER - FROM PURBECK TO SOUTHERN FRANCE ! - 5th December 2008

News Item and Press Release from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 5th Dec 2008
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright.
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Dedicated Swanage Railway volunteers start running their fund-raising ‘Santa Special’ steam trains this weekend and, by the end of Christmas Eve, the 32 festive trips will have run a total of almost 400 miles - the equivalent distance from Purbeck to Bordeaux in southern France.

Enjoyed by excited children and adults alike, profits from the trains go towards extending and developing the award-winning six mile heritage line between Norden park and ride, Corfe Castle, Harman’s Cross, Herston and Swanage which has been rebuilt from nothing since 1976.

Starting from Swanage station - and offering an evocative journey through the beautiful Purbeck countryside with Father Christmas - the ‘Santa Special’ steam trains run on Saturdays and Sundays until 21 December, 2008, inclusive and also on 23 and 24 December, 2008.

There are four ‘Santa Special’ steam trains on each operating day - departing a festively decorated Swanage station at 10.30am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 3pm for the one-hour round trip during which children receive their festive present from Father Christmas.

To avoid the hassle of trying to park in Swanage, ‘Santa Special’ passengers can leave their vehicles in the no hassle attended car park next to Norden station, north of Corfe Castle.

‘Santa Special’ passengers then take a special heritage diesel railbus down to Swanage from where the exciting and magical journey behind steam with Father Christmas begins.

Swanage Railway General Manager, Mick Dean, said: "There is always a lovely and very unique atmosphere on the ‘Santa Special’ steam trains.

"There is the excitement and atmosphere of travelling on a steam train matched with the excitement and expectation of meeting Father Christmas during the journey.

"Our volunteers love working on the Santa Specials because it is lovely to see the children’s faces as they see a real steam train, often for the first time.

"Once on board the train, the children get to meet Father Christmas, receive their present and chat to him while the steam train travels from Swanage to Norden park and ride and back.

"The excitement of seeing the ruins of Corfe Castle pass by the train window only gives added excitement as the children open their presents from Father Christmas and the adults tuck into mince pies and a festive drink.

"It really is lovely," added Mr Dean.

‘Santa Special’ steam train tickets are £10.50 per person - adult or child - or £38.95 for group tickets covering any combination of four people.

Reduced fares apply for the weekend of 6 and 7 December, 2008 - £9.95 per person - adult or child - or £35.95 for group tickets covering any combination of four people.

Full ‘Santa Special’ service details are available from the Swanage Railway on 01929 425800 or 01929 475207 - or by following this link.

Please note:
Booking via "on line ticketing" is now closed and shows such all dates except 23rd December as fully booked. HOWEVER there are seats left on some of the other trains - although not large enough numbers to allow booking via on line & telephone at same time. Please enquire by phone.