The heritage steam rally for traction engines and steam locos at Norden in Dorset, will also include falconry displays and the Dorset Axemen for the first time in 2025.
Now in its fifth year, the nostalgic Roads to Rail event, organised by the Swanage Railway, is to take place from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June 2025.
Lovingly restored traction engines from a bygone era
Falconry displays and axemen!
The family friendly three-day event will feature more than 60 traction and miniature engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines – as well as fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, a bar and live music.
New for 2025 will be falconry displays from the Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, based at Ringwood in Hampshire, as well as a children’s treasure hunt on each of the three days.
The Dorset Axemen from Sturminster Newton will be exhibiting their woodman skills for the first time at this event, with impressive displays of chopping and crosscut sawing with razor sharp axes and saws.
See the impressive birds of prey from the Libert’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre
The Dorset Axemen also letting off steam!
“Going from strength to strength”
Volunteer Swanage Railway Company commercial director Alexander Atkins said:
“With more exhibits than ever before, we are very proud to be hosting our fifth Roads to Rail steam rally which combines the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers and vintage fairground rides.
“Going from strength to strength with two arenas this year – this is an evocative festival of steam large and small for all of those who love vintage steam-powered vehicles on the road or on the rails.
“Our Roads to Rail steam rally is a great day out for all the family and we hope that it will again draw in the crowds.
“Special events such as our Roads to Rail three-day event are critical for helping to fund the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway as well as drawing visitors to the wonderful Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.
“The steam rally takes a lot of dedicated planning and organising from our staff and volunteers and I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that has been put into the event.”
Heritage funfair attractions
Swanage Railway’s steam locos are part of the show
Special steam train service
A special opportunity at this rally is the chance to visit the footplate of one of the Swanage Railway’s heritage steam locomotives, with the railway line running next to the Roads to Rail showground.
A special steam train service between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage will be operating during the event – including a special evening heritage diesel service on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
More nostalgia on display with the blue Ford tractors
Corfe Castle makes for an impressive backdrop to the showground
“In sight of the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle”
One of the event’s organisers, Patrick Cattle, said:
“Our Roads to Rail steam rally is unique because there is also the opportunity to include a steam or heritage diesel train ride through the Isle of Purbeck.
“We would like to thank our generous sponsors and advertisers for their important help in staging this year’s Roads to Rail event which will be even better and takes place within sight of the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle.”
An enthusiast’s playground
Lots of interesting engines
Further information
- A combined train ride from Swanage to Norden and return – with entry to the showground – is £30 for adults, £11 for children aged five to 15 and £76 for a family of two adults and three children
- Entry to the showground only is £10 for adults – with children under 16 being free – and £20 for a family of two adults and two children aged 5 to 15. Evening entry to the showground from 6 pm is £5 for adults with children under 16 free. Day parking at Roads to Rail is free
- More about Roads to Rail steam rally on the Swanage Railway website
