Tornado Driver Experience

14th Sep 2026

Drive 60163 Tornado at Swanage Railway

Experience the thrill of driving 60163 Tornado, one of Britain’s most celebrated steam locomotives, during its special guest appearance at Swanage Railway following the Autumn Steam Gala.

We’re offering two different Tornado Driver Experiences, giving you the choice of just how far you want to take this incredible locomotive!

Monday & Friday – Full Line Driver Experience | £799

Enjoy the ultimate Tornado experience and drive our whole line! (Swanage - Norden Return) 

Under the expert guidance of our experienced footplate crew, you’ll take the regulator of 60163 Tornado and experience this incredible locomotive across the full length of the Swanage Railway.

Your experience includes:

• A journey covering the whole Swanage Railway line
• The opportunity to experience the different gradients and characteristics of our railway from the footplate of a main line express steam locomotive
• Time on the footplate with our experienced crew
• A Swanage Railway gift bag, including a framed certificate and Swanage Railway Driver Experience mug to remember your day

£799 per person

Tuesday & Thursday – Norden Driver Experience | £599

Take the regulator of 60163 Tornado for a return journey between Norden Rail Road Interchange and the boundary with Network Rail.

Your experience includes:

• One return journey between Norden Rail Road Interchange and the boundary with Network Rail, driving 60163 Tornado
• The opportunity to experience the gradients and operation of a main line express steam locomotive
• Around 30 minutes on the footplate with our experienced crew
• A Swanage Railway gift bag, including a framed certificate and Swanage Railway Driver Experience mug to remember your day

£599 per person

Whichever experience you choose, this is a rare opportunity to get behind the regulator of one of Britain’s most famous steam locomotives.

Whether it’s an unforgettable gift for a steam enthusiast or the chance to fulfil a lifelong ambition, driving Tornado at Swanage Railway is an experience you won’t forget.

Other Dates

• 14th Sep 2026 |

• 15th Sep 2026 |

• 17th Sep 2026 |

• 18th Sep 2026 |

---

Location

Swanage Railway
Station House<br /> Railway Station Approach<br /> Swanage<br /> Dorset<br /> BH19 1HB