The Swanage Railway has announced that it is planning to reopen with COVID-safe steam trains running between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage from Monday 12th April 2021.

A ‘We’re Good To Go’ certificate has been awarded to the Swanage Railway to show the railway has complied with all precautions to keep the public safe.

This same service ran during the Summer, as well as the Steam and Lights trains in December.

Whilst no trains have run in the last lockdown, maintenance work has been completed on track, signalling and the fleet of steam locomotives.

Swanage Railway chairman Gavin Johns said: “We are pleased that the Government’s plans, and guidance, to bring the country out of the Covid-19 restrictions enable us to plan for the resumption of our train services on Monday, 12 April, 2021.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is our prime concern as we look forward to resuming our train services and open our on-line booking service at swanagerailway.co.uk on Thursday, 1 April, 2021.

“While on the day walk-up bookings will be able to be made at our Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage ticket offices – subject to seats being available – we would encourage passengers to book in advance, via our website, to avoid disappointment as seat numbers are reduced to ensure the prescribed social distancing.

“The Swanage Railway has a great part to play in giving people a wonderful day out in the Isle of Purbeck – whether it’s to visit Swanage and the beach, Corfe Castle and its magnificent ruins or simply to walk and enjoy the fresh air in the beautiful countryside.

“Our train services and stations are fully Covid-19 compliant with regular cleaning taking place.

“Passengers will still have to wear face coverings on our platforms and trains – unless they are exempt – with hand sanitiser points available on our stations. Children under the age of 11 do not need to wear a face covering.

“We are taking all reasonable steps to ensure that our passengers are safe while travelling with us and passengers can travel with us in the knowledge that all fares go towards supporting the re-built Swanage Railway and ensuring its survival for future generations,” added Mr Johns.

Additionally, it is also hoped that from Monday 12th April 2021, the fundraising shop at Swanage will be able to reopen.

Subject to restrictions, the Swanage Railway hopes to also reopen the museum at Corfe Castle from the 17th May 2021.

However, Harman’s Cross and Herston Halt will remain closed but will reopen when the Government lifts social distancing restrictions.

Gavin Johns explained: “We recognise the Government’s dates for the reduction and final lifting of restrictions are dependent on progress in reducing cases of Covid-19 and we will be looking for confirmation of these dates by the Government nearer the time.

“The dates published by the Government give us time to complete essential maintenance work and ensure that everything is prepared for us to complete staff refresher training so that the Swanage Railway is ready to resume its train services when we receive the green light from the Government,” added Mr Johns who is also a volunteer signalman on the heritage line.

To prepare for the resuming of trains, test steam trains, not carrying any passengers, will operate ahead of the reopening on the 12th April 2021.

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