Swanage Railway’s Steam and Lights train trip is back for Christmas

The surprise success that lit up the festive season during a period of gloom in 2020, Swanage Railway’s Steam and Lights experience, is returning for 2021.

Once again the steam locomotive and railway carriages will be covered with brightly coloured lights and the interior of the carriages festively decorated for the one hour round trip passing the historic ruins of Corfe Castle.

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The special festive service will run from Saturday 27th November to Friday 31st December 2021.

Steam and Lights train at Swanage Railway Station
Swanage railway's steam and lights train
Andrew PM Wright

Lighting displays at stations and key points

Stations and key points along the line will be specially lit as the Steam and Lights train passes through in the dark.

On board the train, there will be festive music synchronised to the lighting displays passing the carriage windows as well as an on-train commentary.

Swanage sign at Swanage station with festive lights
Swanage railway's steam and lights trains
Andrew PM Wright

“All the lights really bring life to the town

Swanage Railway’s passenger services director Trevor Parsons said:

“It was such a success last year and with plenty of positive feedback, that we just had to do it again. We hope it will be something exciting to look forward to.

“All the lights really bring life to the town in the depths of winter and it’s lovely to see, whether you’re on the train or experiencing it from the many viewpoints between Swanage and Corfe Castle.”

Swanage railway's steam and lights trains
Andrew PM Wright
Steam and lights at Harmans Cross railway station

Booked in advance

Steam and Lights trains must be booked in advance and can only be joined at Swanage Railway Station where the brightly lit festive train start and end its journey.

Departing from Swanage station at 5.15 pm and 7.15 pm, the return trip will last approximately one hour.

Swanage railway's steam and lights trains
Andrew PM Wright
Swanage railway's steam and lights trains
Andrew PM Wright

A precautionary measure

This year, mindful that as winter approaches the government may reintroduce stricter Covid measures, the railway is selling tickets in blocks of four, to keep groups together and separate from others. A table for up to four people is £85.

This has disappointed some who may not wish or be able to book in a group of four. It’s understood that this booking system is a precautionary measure and will be reviewed in line with government guidance.

Tickets are already selling well and are available to book via the Swanage Railway website

Watch the Swanage Railway Steam and Lights train in 2020

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