Now that the second lockdown in England is over, steam trains will be returning to the Swanage Railway from this weekend.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Areas have been placed in Tier 2 and mean that the Steam and Lights and Christmas Luncheon services can operate as planned from Saturday 5th December 2020.

Train services will operate with COVID-compliant procedures in place, and the Swanage Railway also has a ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation from Visit Britain.

The new Steam and Lights service replaces the Swanage Railway’s Santa Specials, which cannot operate due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of Father Christmas handing out presents to children, the new service will see trains covered in coloured lights as they steam through the Isle of Purbeck in the dark.

Swanage station will only be open to Steam and Lights passengers, whilst Herston Halt, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden will be closed to the public.

Trains must be pre-booked and there is limited availability for the Steam and Lights event, please visit the Swanage Railway website by clicking here to book now. You can book Christmas Luncheon tickets by clicking here.

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