The Swanage Railway has announced that they have begun operating steam trains along their heritage line once again.

With changes to UK Government’s advice and restrictions related to COVID-19, the Swanage Railway has been able to reopen and run steam train hauled trains between Swanage and Norden, stopping at Corfe Castle.

The Railway has earned the ‘We’re Good to Go’ certification assessed by the Visit England tourism body, meaning all necessary COVID-19 measures have been met, ensuring safety for everyone at the railway.

There are a number of changes in place until advice changes, such as:

1. Both Harman’s Cross Station and Herston Halt are to remain closed until further notice
2. Assigned Seating
3. Seating with space for social distancing

So far three steam locomotives are operational and working trains, these are:

1. Southern Railway (SR) Bulleid ‘Battle of Britain’ Class No.34072 “257 Squadron”
2. Britain Railways (BR) Standard Class 4 Tank No.80104 – due to be withdrawn from traffic this Spring
3. Southern Railway (SR) U Class No.31806

If restrictions are eased further on Monday 17th of May 2021, the Swanage Railway hopes to:

1. Reopen Station at Corfe Castle
2. Resume catering services at both Swanage and Norden Stations
3. Restart Dining Trains

For more information, to support or to book your visit to the Swanage Railway, please visit their website here.

Swanage Railway trustee and Passenger Services Director Trevor Parsons said: “It was wonderful to smell steam in the air and watch the magnificent sight of a steam train, with excited passengers on board, leave Swanage station for the first time in almost four months.

“Our volunteers and staff have responded wonderfully to the challenge of returning a Covid-safe steam train service and it’s great to see the Swanage Railway again doing what is does best – help to provide people with a wonderful day out in the Isle of Purbeck,” added Trevor who is also a volunteer signalman and train guard on the heritage line.

Swanage Railway Chairman Gavin Johns said: “It was good to see a gleaming ‘257 Squadron’ head our first passenger train of the season and watch it steam past the magnificent ruins of Corfe Castle. Being able to resume our Covid-safe socially distanced steam train services is an absolute delight.

“After a lot of planning work, refresher training and Covid-safe preparation, the Swanage Railway is ready to help people have a great day out in the Isle of Purbeck – whether it’s going to Swanage for the town and sea, visiting Corfe Castle for the village and iconic ruins or Norden for walks over the heathland and the Purbeck Hills.

“The safety of our passengers and staff is always our prime concern and detailed work has gone into our planning for the Swanage Railway’s reopening.

“The Swanage Railway is Covid-19 compliant with a long-life anti-bacterial spray being used on its trains and stations while the trains are cleaned, and the tables wiped, after every round trip,” added Gavin who is also a volunteer signalman on the heritage line.

Trevor Parsons explained: “We strongly recommend on-line booking in advance, via our upgraded and improved website, to avoid disappointment as seat numbers are reduced – to ensure the prescribed social distancing – with any unsold seats being available for sale on the day at our Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage station ticket offices.

“Passengers 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.”

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