Frequently Asked Questions
See our selection of FAQ's below, if you need further help please feel free to contact us.
Dogs are welcome on board but need their own ticket, must be kept on a lead, and remain on the floor. For ticket prices see here. There is no charge for registered assistance dogs. Dogs are not permitted in the Buffets, the Dining Trains, or on the Santa Specials (assistance dogs excepted).
Yes - You can break your train journey at Corfe Castle station which is in the centre of the picturesque village and a short level walk to the village square. The Swanage Railway's free to enter museums - the goods shed museum, the cinema coach and exhibition coach - are located at Corfe Castle station.
Norden station - a dedicated 350 space car park and coach parking operated by Purbeck District Council (charges apply) just off the A351 Wareham - Corfe Castle main road. SAT NAV Post Code BH20 5DW Corfe Castle station - No customer car parking at Corfe Castle station. Limited parking in the village - Charges apply. We recommend parking at Norden (see above). Harmans Cross station - small car park, operated by local council (charges apply) SAT NAV Post Code BH19 3EB Herston Halt - No Parking Swanage station - Victoria Avenue car park, 5 minutes walk from the station (charges apply). SAT NAV Post Code BH20 1PW Coach drop off point adjacent to the station.
A single journey is 25 minutes, a return journey is 1 hour, 10 minutes. A return ticket between Swanage and Norden allows you to break your journey at Corfe Castle. At Corfe Castle Station there are the Swanage Railway Museum (housed in the Old Goods Shed) and the Exhibition Coach which charts the history of the branch line focussing on the rebirth of the line as a heritage railway. At Norden Station there is the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum dedicated to the history of Purbeck Ball Clay Mining, the industrial heritage of the Isle of Purbeck and its narrow gauge railways. See website for details of opening days. http://www.purbeckminingmuseum.org Don't forget to make the most of your Freedom Ticket which gives you travel All Day Long.
Advance booking is recommended but not essential except for Dining Trains, Santa Specials and Driving Experiences for which advance booking is essential.
We are sorry but we do not offer a Senior Citizen Fare.
The footpath has steps and a stile on route.
Contact Dorset Council for more information.
Carers travel for free when accompanying any registered disabled passenger. Carers still need to visit the booking office on the day of their visit to obtain their own ticket.
We request customers requiring carers ticket please produce of one of the following forms of ID (UK issued) when collecting tickets: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Document, Disability Living Allowance Record Book, Attendance Allowance Book, Invalidity Benefit Book, Visual Impairment Registration Card (BD8), Blue/Orange Parking Permit or written confirmation of the above from the DWP with photographic identification.
Swanage Railway has joined a long list of businesses by only accepting card payments. This means we no longer accept cash payments at our ticket offices, gift shop, our refreshment kiosks, or for on-train purchases.
We accept all major credit and debit cards except American Express.
