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