Swanage Railway volunteers are staging a steam rally next to Norden station near Corfe Castle to raise funds
Featuring up to 20 traction engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines, the four-day Roads to Rail gathering takes place during the August Bank Holiday, from August 27-30.
A special intensive steam train service between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage will be operating during the event – including a special evening heritage diesel railbus service on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Camping pitches, which must be pre-booked via a special Roads to Rail event page on the Swanage Railway website, will also be available during the event in a field close to Norden station.
Nick Lloyd, Swanage Railway volunteer, said: “It’s the first time that the public will have the chance to explore and enjoy steam on road and rail together on the Swanage Railway in an event that everyone involved in it is looking forward very much to staging.
“It’s a chance for the public to step back in time for a long weekend of steam-powered demonstration and vintage fairground fun. Featuring traction engines, steam rollers, showman’s engines and more, our ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally will be bringing the Isle of Purbeck to life with evocative re-creations of a bygone steam age.
“Taking place in the field opposite Norden station, the event is ideally located close to the historic village of Corfe Castle as well as next to the Swanage Railway and the access road to Dorset Council’s Purbeck Park long-stay car park for Norden station.
“Our nostalgic and evocative ‘Roads to Rail’ event, next to Norden station, will be on a small scale with an intimate and friendly family feel to it – perfect for both enthusiasts and the general public.
“A lot of detailed planning work has gone into the special event which is the first special event to be staged by the Swanage Railway since 2019 before the pandemic.”
A combined train ride from Swanage to Norden and return – with entry to the steam rally showground – is £20 for adults, £8.50 for children aged five to 15 and £53 for a family of two adults and three children.
Entry to the steam showground only is £5 for adults with children under the age of 16 free.
Evening entry to the showground from 6pm is £5 for adults with children under the age of 16 being free. Day parking at the steam rally is £3.50 per car.
Information about the Roads to Rail event can be found on the Swanage Railway website where camping bookings can also be made.
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