Present-Day Swanage Railway
The railway now operates a 9.5-mile route between Swanage and Wareham, with regular steam and diesel services. It hosts popular events such as Santa Specials, steam galas, and vintage transport rallies, attracting enthusiasts and tourists alike. The railway also serves as a gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Preservation and Reopening
In 1972, the Swanage Railway Society was formed to save and restore the line. Restoration began in the mid-1970s, and the first section of track reopened for heritage services in 1982. Over decades, volunteers rebuilt the line incrementally, extending it to Norden and connecting with the mainline at Wareham.
History of Swanage Railway
The railway originally opened in 1885 as part of the London and South Western Railway (LSWR), connecting Swanage to the mainline at Wareham. The line served as a vital transport link for the region, supporting both passenger travel and freight, including stone from Purbeck quarries. After the 1923 Grouping, it became part of the Southern Railway, and later, in 1948, it was absorbed by British Railways. The rise of road transport led to declining use of the railway. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1972, and the line was dismantled shortly after, leaving Swanage isolated from the national rail network.