Purbeck’s popular Roads to Rail rally shows no signs of running out of steam after more exhibits than ever before went on show across a bumper weekend of fine weather at Norden.
Hundreds of visitors arrived at the event by both road and rail, to wonder at more than 60 traction and miniature engines, watch displays of falconry and forestry skills, and sit back in the sunshine to listen to live music.
In the shadow of Corfe Castle, the parade of steam vehicles was larger than ever before
Dorset Axemen, one of the first time attractions to the rally, thrilled visitors with their forestry skills
Family friendly three day show
The family friendly three day show, which ran from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June 2025, is now in its fifth year and has had to create a second show arena to cope with all of the events.
A busy steam train service operated between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage across the weekend, including a special evening heritage diesel service on Friday and Saturday.
First time attractions for 2025 included the Dorset Axeman from Sturminster Newton, falconry displays from the Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, based in the New Forest, and a children’s treasure hunt on each of the three days.
A Victorian steam organ provided nostalgic music in the fairground section
And on a smaller scale, the organ grinder and his monkey were out raising money for the Navy Wings charity
Nostalgia of steam rail travel
The steam rally combined the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers, music from steam organs and vintage fairground rides.
Slots for exhibitors and trade stalls were all fully booked as the steam rally continued to grow in size, and with food stalls, a beer tent and live music, the atmosphere was definitely chilled, unlike the weather.
Alexander Atkins, volunteer commercial director of Swanage Railway Company
Part of the procession of steam driven vehicles from a bygone era
“We continue to go from strength to strength”
Alexander Atkins, the volunteer commercial director of Swanage Railway Company said:
“We were very proud to host our fifth Roads to Rail event with more exhibits than ever before – although last year’s event was incredibly successful, we still continue to go from strength to strength.
“More than a hundred exhibitors took part in this evocative festival of steam, held in the perfect setting with the ruins of Corfe Castle in the background, and this year with perfect weather as well.
“It turned out to be a brilliant traction engine rally at Norden, with trains running every 45 minutes with our Battle of Britain class 34070 Manston and the visiting class 20 20066.”
Visits to the footplate of the beautifully restored T3 locomotive were popular throughout the weekend
Exhibits were kept looking at their best, even in hot, dusty and smoky conditions
Proceeds will help restore the T9
Alexander added:
“We also had our Victorian T3 on display too, for footplate visits so that our guests could admire this amazing piece of history.
“For those who came to look at the T3, we also offered the chance to blow the whistle for a pound a time, with all proceeds going towards the group restoring our wonderful Victorian T9 – and we had lots of takers!
“These special events are critical to help us fund the continued operation and development of Swanage Railway, and also draw hundreds of visitors to the beautiful Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.”
The steam loco leaving for Corfe Castle, with the showground behind, is 1940s Battle of Britain class Bulleid Pacific No. 34070 Manston
Return journeys late into the evening
Many visitors also took the opportunity to include a steam or heritage diesel train ride through the Isle of Purbeck to Norden, with return journeys running late into the evening for those who took the opportunity to stay for live music from local bands.
Setting out to give Glastonbury a run for its money – without any of the controversy! – were the Savage Underdogs, Oktober Rust, Carley Varley, Stone Cold Sober and Phoenix Rock and Roll.
There were smiling faces wherever you looked at the Roads to rail steam rally
A fascinating array of tractors from several decades were on display at the rally
Further information
- More Swanage Railway events and experiences are listed on its website
More Roads to Rail 2025 photos
Welcome to the 2025 Swanage Railway Roads to Rail steam rally!
All sorts of vehicles took part in the parades in the main showground
Volunteer fireman Thomas Brigham cooks bacon for his breakfast
All sorts of steam machines large and small were on display
There’s no better way to spend a sunny afternoon than sitting down with a pint and watching the entertainment
When it got too hot, Daisy the Purbeck Ice Cream van, was on hand to dispense cool treats
A steam driven sawmill was put through its paces at the rally
And when more timber was needed, a steam powered crane was at hand
The Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre put on some spectacular displays with their birds of prey
Although not every bird agreed to do what it was asked to…
Volunteer staff from Swanage railways were hoping to recruit new members
The Nelson steam car, a replica of an early 1900s coffin nosed Stanley steam car, took pride of place in the fairground
A Triumph motorbike and sidecar drew a lot of attention at the show
A steam driven cider truck which used to operate in the New Forest
A Ringwood Brewery truck from a long past era also took part in the show
