Roads to Rail Steam Rally
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Join us from 26th - 28th June for a memorable day out at the Swanage Railway, where road and rail come together in a unique celebration of transport through the ages.
Roads to Rail brings together historic vehicles, heritage trains and family-friendly entertainment, offering something for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
This year, the event field has been relocated to a larger area previously used as the car park near Norden Station. The move provides more space, easier access, and a safer environment for both visitors and exhibitors.
Event Highlights:
- A stunning display of full-size and miniature steam engines
- Tractors, stationary engines and commercial vehicles
- Classic cars, motorcycles and military vehicles
- Steam train rides on the Swanage Railway
- Traditional funfair, food stalls and a real ale bar
- Live music throughout the weekend
- Family activities, including alpacas and circus skills
- Brake van rides from the event field
Showground tickets start from £15, with children and dogs admitted free. Combined showground and train tickets are available from £40.
Book your tickets below.
Dates for Roads to Rail Steam Rally
| 26th Jun 2026 | Book Tickets |
| 27th Jun 2026 | Book Tickets |
| 28th Jun 2026 | Book Tickets |
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Camping & Evening Tickets
Make a weekend of it with our on-site camping, or join us later in the day with a relaxed evening visit.
Camping
Stay on-site and enjoy the full Roads to Rail experience. Pitches are available for tents, caravans and motorhomes, with options for three-night stays across the event weekend.
Book your camping pitch here.
Evening tickets
Visiting later in the day? Evening entry is available from 5pm:
- £10 for train and showground access
- £5 for showground only
Book your tickets here.
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Brake Van Rides
For the first time, Swanage Railway is offering brake van rides from the event field, travelling north along a rarely used section of track towards Furzebrook.
£10 per person. Terms and conditions apply – find out more in the FAQs below.
Please book here
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Take away Cream Teas
Pre-order a takeaway cream tea and enjoy a classic treat during your visit.
Each box includes two scones, jam, cream, butter, fresh strawberries, and a tea or coffee.
£6 per person. Terms and conditions apply – find out more in the FAQs below.
You can add your cream tea when booking your tickets, or purchase separately below.
Order yours here
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Vehicle & Engine Exhibitors
We welcome a wide range of vehicle and engine exhibitors to help bring Roads to Rail to life.
We are particularly interested in full-size and miniature steam engines, stationary engines, classic cars and motorcycles, military vehicles, and historic or specialist commercial vehicles.
Spaces are limited and allocated to ensure a varied and high-quality display. Terms and conditions apply – find out more in the FAQs below.
Vehicle & Engine Exhibitors Registration Form
Demonstration Exhibitors, Stalls, Craft & Makers and Catering Pitch Fees
We welcome high-quality caterers, demonstration exhibitors, stallholders, craft traders and makers to be part of Roads to Rail, helping to create a vibrant and engaging visitor experience.
Pitches are available across the full three-day event, with prices starting from £50 + VAT.
Find out more in the FAQs below.
Register your interest below
FAQs
Tickets & booking
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to guarantee your place.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Yes, tickets are usually available on the day, subject to availability.
Are train rides included in the ticket?
Train travel is not included in all tickets. Showground entry starts from £15, or you can purchase a combined ticket including train travel from £40.
Food & Drink
Are there food and drink options available?
Yes, there’s a wide range of food and drink available, including pizza, Yorkshire pudding wraps, pasties, burgers, jacket potatoes, coffee and cake, ice cream, ploughman’s lunches, and takeaway cream teas. There will also be two bars on site.
Families
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, this is a family-friendly event with plenty to see and do.
Is there anything for children to do?
Children can enjoy circus workshops, an alpaca experience, a treasure hunt, a dedicated kids’ activity tent, and exploring all the vehicles on display.
Do children need a ticket?
Children under 16 go free, including for evening entry.
Evening tickets
What does an evening ticket include?
Evening tickets (from 5pm) include access to the showground, with the option to include train travel.
Can I just visit the showground in the evening?
Yes, showground-only tickets are available at a reduced rate.
Camping
What does a camping pitch include?
Each pitch includes space for tents, caravans or motorhomes, plus two adult full-day passes for each day of the show.
How long can I stay?
Pitches are available for three nights: either Thursday - Saturday or Friday - Sunday.
Are children and dogs allowed?
Yes, children under 16 and dogs are welcome free of charge.
Brake van rides
Who can take part?
Participants must be aged 13 or over. Those aged 13–15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Are there any physical requirements?
You must be able to climb up to and down from the brake van unaided.
Is there seating?
No, there is no seating - the experience is standing throughout.
What should I wear?
Brake vans are open and can be draughty, so warm clothing is recommended.
Are there any restrictions?
Participants must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Can I bring a dog?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on brake van rides.
Takeaway cream teas
What’s included?
Each box includes two scones, jam, cream, butter, fresh strawberries, and a tea or coffee.
How do I order?
You can add a cream tea when booking your tickets online, or purchase one separately.
Do I need to pre-order?
Pre-ordering is recommended to guarantee availability on the day.
Vehicle & engine exhibitors
What types of exhibits are you looking for?
We welcome working, display or interpretive vehicles and engines, including steam engines, classic vehicles, military vehicles and specialist commercial vehicles.
Do exhibits need to be operational?
Not necessarily, but engaging displays are encouraged. Where appropriate and safe, demonstrations or interpretation for visitors are welcome.
Are there any requirements for exhibitors?
All vehicles must be suitably insured, well presented, and comply with railway safety requirements.
How are exhibitors selected?
Applications are reviewed based on suitability, variety and operational considerations, with space allocated accordingly.
Exhibitors, stalls & catering
What types of exhibitors are you looking for?
We welcome caterers, demonstration exhibitors, stallholders, craft traders and makers offering high-quality, relevant products or experiences.
What are the pitch fees?
- Catering pitch: £300 + VAT
- Demonstration exhibitor: £50 + VAT
- Stall / Crafts / Makers market: £100 + VAT
What does the fee cover?
Pitch fees cover all three days of the event.
Is VAT included?
No, all prices are exclusive of VAT. VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate.
How do I apply?
Please complete the relevant registration form using the links provided.
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