Autumn Steam Gala

 We are delighted to announce that our Autumn Steam Gala makes a welcome return for 2025 and will be taking place between 12th & 14th of September.

Our Steam Galas are the best chance to see our exclusive selection of steam locomotives operating alongside each other on both passenger and freight services, and we are delighted to announce the return of services over the branch extension to the SR/Network Rail Boundary!

We are looking forward to welcoming spectacular visiting locomotives alongside our home fleet and are beyond excited to welcome you all back.

Services will be running between Swanage, Norden and over the extension, and trains throughout the weekend will call at Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle as well as Herston Halt (by request.)

Home-Fleet locomotives

• LSWR T3 Class Number 563

• Battle of Britain Class Number 34070 “Manston”

• Battle of Britain Class Number 34072 “257 Squadron”

• Maunsell U Class Number 31806

Guest Locomotives

• TBC – Watch this space!

Highlights

• Passenger Trains over the extension

• Goods trains, local trains and expresses.

• Freight train brake van rides

• Evening & night running

• Evening beer-ex

What is on at each Station?

Swanage

• Main terminus of the railway

• Station Gift Shop full of model railway items and other gift ideas

• Large viewing area with picnic tables which a short walk from the station with great views of the shed area and is perfect to watch locomotives shunting and to see trains arrive and depart.

Herston Halt

• Request Station - Please make guard aware before departing and clearly signal to

driver if you wish to board an approaching train. 

• Garden area looked after by a team of volunteers 

Harmans Cross

• Passing point for trains offering great photo opportunities 

• Recently restored Station Master’s office in the station building

• Please note there is no footbridge to cross platforms – access is via a road bridge outside of the station 

Corfe Castle 

• Passing point for trains offering great photo opportunities

• “Have a go” signalling museum

• Swanage Railway Museum in the Goods shed

• “Steam Café” Station Buffet serving hot and cold food and drinks

Norden

• Large long stay car park a short walk from the platform

• Purbeck Mining Museum open for visits and their Narrow-Gauge Railway operating on the demonstration line 

• Station buffet open for hot and cold drinks and snacks

Tickets to be releAsed soon - watch this space.