Expensive for a short journey but nostalgic and beautifully maintained (Swanage Railway (Dorset))

Member Name: bucksfizz66

Product:	Swanage Railway (Dorset)
Date:	06/06/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wonderful views and plenty of parking spaces

Disadvantages: expensive, not all trains are steam and trains are busy resulting in standing.

Whilst on holiday in east Dorset we wanted to visit Swanage and it was recommended that we use the park and ride from Norden, however this park and ride is not a bus service but a steam and deisel railway line, located between Poole and Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck.

It is possible to book tickets in advance online. The tickets were £9 for an adult and £7 for children.

The journey from Norden to Swanage is 6 miles and stops at Corfe, Harmans Cross and Herston Halt (by request only). I would recommend stopping off at Corfe to visit the castle (see seperate review) to enjoy the superb views of the Isle of Purbeck.

All of the stations that you pass through are old fashoined and beautifully maintained. The station masters room at Corfe Station is open to view and worth a look. I also enjoyed the old fashioned book stores on barrows at each station, especially if you are a steam enthusiast.

The journey time from Norden to Swannage is just over half an hour. The car park at Norden shuts at 6pm.

The trains were crowded and we stood for the return journey. For steam enthusiatrs check the time table as the trains were alternate between deisel and steam. The trains also didn't leave on time. There were no steps to the platforms at either stations making access for all easy.

Swanage is a typical seaside town and I would recommend a boat trip from the harbour to see old Harry's Rock and enjoy the veiws of the cliffs. also you can participate in a bit of crab fishing from the habour walls.

Summary: Great views, easy to use but expensive