In a new marketing push to attract more visitors, Swanage Railway is offering a day out deal that includes a round trip on a boat and the bus, as well as the heritage branch line.
Tying up with City Cruises and Morebus, passengers will be able to go on a scenic round trip on a boat between Poole Harbour and Swanage, a steam train between Swanage and Corfe Castle, and anywhere on a bus operated by Morebus.
City Cruises operates a regular service during the summer between Poole Harbour and Swanage Pier
Unlimited day travel by rail, bus and boat
Although the trip called the Jurassic Adventurer is aimed at visitors coming from Bournemouth and Poole, there’s no restrictions on starting the journey in Swanage, with unlimited travel during the day on the train, boat and the Morebus network.
Swanage Railway’s commercial director, Robert Patterson said:
“We are keen to emulate the success of the Dartmouth Steam Railway which offers a round trip in South Devon on a steam train, river boat and bus, taking in the popular towns of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes.
“When City Cruises approached us with the idea of working together and including the Purbeck Breezer buses, we could see the potential of expanding the opportunity of travelling on Swanage Railway to a wider area.
“There’s nothing to stop people buying this ticket and catching a bus from Salisbury or Weymouth – or anywhere within the Morebus catchment.
“This is a fantastic additional feature to the local tourist economy, allowing for integrated travel opportunities to, and across, the Isle of Purbeck.
“It has taken a lot of planning and effort from the partner organisations, and we are confident the Jurassic Adventurer will become an unrivalled round-trip attraction.”
Always great views from the top of a Purbeck Breezer
Stunning coastal and countryside scenery
The scenic trip will be available to book from Saturday 30th March 2024, when City Cruises starts its summer operation, just in time for the Easter holidays.
Although weather dependent, tickets should be available every day until the end of October 2024.
The journey will offer amazing views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Sandbanks, Old Harry, Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham and all the stunning coastal and countryside scenery in between.
Encouraging more visitors into Swanage is good news for shops and businesses, as it’s likely to increase spending in the town.
The boat trip sails around Old Harry before docking at Swanage Pier
“Expected to be very popular”
Morebus general manager, Richard Wade said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a magical day out exploring our magnificent Jurassic coast.
“It is expected to be very popular among those visiting the area this holiday season – and we’re hoping local people will take advantage of it too.”
Helen Bull from City Cruises Poole added:
“We are so excited to be part of this amazing trio of boat, bus and train and looking forward to introducing this trip to local residents and holidaymakers alike.
“I believe it will be a popular and very enjoyable day out – and a fantastic way of seeing this beautiful part of Dorset from many angles!”
There’s the extra bonus of an Easter egg hunt on Swanage Railway between Good Friday, 29th March 2024 and Bank Holiday Monday, 1st April 2024
Further information
- The Jurassic Adventurer ticket costs £39.50 for adults and £28.50 for children, offering unlimited travel, all day, on any Morebus route, Swanage Railway and any City Cruises trip.
- Tickets can only be purchased from City Cruises and are available via its website
- Timetables for Swanage Railway and Morebus
