Swanage Railway 140

You are invited to attend this special event marking the 140th anniversary of the the first ever passenger train from Swanage on Saturday, 17 May, 2025, from 1pm. Please dress in Victorian costume if you wish.

The Swanage Town Band will be playing on the platform to welcome dignitaries and other guests – just as their predecessors did in May, 1885 – including the Lord- Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley, who is His Majesty the King’s representative in the county, the Mayor of Swanage Tina Foster as well as Swanage Railway Trust patron Sir Philip Williams.

After speeches from Swanage Railway Trust chair Frank Roberts and dignitaries, the London and South Western Railway brass horn will be blown at Swanage station to mark the departure at 2pm of a special 140 th anniversary steam train bound for Herston Halt, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden.

Public admission to the 140 th anniversary ceremony at Swanage station is free but members of the public wishing to travel on the special steam train departing Swanage at 2pm will need to purchase travel tickets.

Swanage Railway volunteers attending the special 140 th anniversary ceremony – as well as those volunteers on duty on the heritage line on Saturday, 17 May, 2025 – will be presented with a special commemorative badge designed by Swanage Railway Trust director and volunteer Clive Hardy who is organising the special event.