Swanage Railway Community Weekend

🗓️ Saturday 14^th – Sunday 15^th February 2026

Swanage Railway’s Community Weekend returns for another year this February.

The open weekend gives members of the public the chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at a working heritage railway, along with discounted travel tickets for Dorset residents, allowing passengers to travel for half price.

You’ll get to see aspects of the railway often not seen or accessible by visitors, along with the chance to take part in activities at each of the line’s stations.

“The special weekend is about opening our doors, celebrating 50 years of heritage and reminding the public that the Swanage Railway belongs to everyone – whether you have been involved in the heritage line for decades or are visiting for the first time.

“The community weekend is also a valuable opportunity to shine a light on the volunteers who are at the heart of everything that the Swanage Railway does, as well as encouraging people to become involved.”

ABBIE KING – Swanage Railway chief executive officer

Find full information on the Swanage Railway website: https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/community-weekend-1

Swanage Station Restoration: 50 Years On

Some notable timings across the weekend:

• Saturday 14^th February: At 11am some of the volunteers who started the restoration of Swanage Station on this day in 1976 will gather at Corfe Castle Station to recall this moment 50 years ago
• Saturday 14^th February (10am – 4pm) & Sunday 15^th February (10am – 2pm): There will be a special commemorative photographic exhibition at Harman’s Cross Station covering the rebuilding and restoring of the Swanage Railway since 1976

Additional Experiences

Drive a Diesel Experience

Drive a 1950s heritage diesel shunter at Swanage Station.

You’ll drive a Class 08 diesel shunter from Platform 1 to the siding and back.

• Pre-booking required
• Age 18+ only
• Duration: 10 minutes approx.
• Cost: £25

Train Guard & Travelling Ticket Inspector Experiences

Learn all about the equipment used and checks that need performing on these on-board tours.

• Pre-booking required
• Duration: £20 min tour
• Cost: £7.50 (Plus travel ticket)

Signal Box Tours

Explore a real working Victorian signal box and learn how the equipment works at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross Stations.

• Pre-booking required
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Cost: £7.50

Narrow Gauge Engine Shed Experience

Head to the Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum for this new experience for 2026: A guided tour of the museum and engine shed, where you’ll learn all about the maintenance equipment and the old tram way’s fascinating history.

• Duration: 20 minutes
• Cost: £5

Tickets

For all the latest updates, to book onto individual activities and purchase your half price Dorset residents’ tickets in advance, please visit the Swanage Railway website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/community-weekend-1

Volunteer at the Railway

The team of volunteers here are always looking for new people and are the heart of Swanage Railway.

“I am so excited to again be throwing open the doors of the Swanage Railway and welcoming the public to see behind the scenes of how one of Dorset’s major tourist attractions is operated and maintained by our dedicated team of staff, most of which are devoted volunteers.

“Volunteering on the Swanage Railway is very fulfilling. It’s a great way of meeting new people while assisting with worthwhile community projects.”

Clare Collins – EVENT ORGANISER & VOLUNTEER TRAIN GUARD

If your experience inspires you to join the team of volunteers at the railway, you can visit their dedicated volunteering page to find out how to get involved: www.swanagerailwaytrust.org/volunteering