An evening heritage diesel train service linking Swanage with Corfe Castle and Norden in Dorset, is being launched over summer 2025 to provide a car free way to visit pubs, restaurants or Swanage Carnival events including the fireworks.
Combining value, convenience and beautiful countryside views, the Sunset Shuttle service is to operate from Thursday 24th July 2025 on selected evenings during late July, August and early September.
The Sunset Shuttle will stop at Harmans Cross station
Take the train for an evening out
It will travel between Swanage and Corfe Castle, calling at Herston Halt and Harman’s Cross, allowing people in Swanage to travel up the line to visit Corfe Castle for an evening out.
During Swanage Carnival from Saturday 26th July to Saturday 2nd August 2025 it will provide a way to get into Swanage for the evening, from Corfe Castle or the nearby campsites, without having to worry about parking.
Some of the Sunset Shuttle trains will operate from Norden station next to Purbeck Park, the long-stay car park just outside Corfe Castle, effectively offering a park and ride service, which is an attractive option when Swanage is packed on the carnival fireworks evenings.
Swanage Carnival fireworks take place from 9.45 pm on Saturday 26th July, Wednesday 30th July and Saturday 2nd August 2025.
Take the evening train to and from Corfe Castle
The timetable operates from the end of July to September 2025, during Swanage Carnival week and on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Tenner a ticket
Unlimited evening travel tickets on the Sunset Shuttle are £10 for adults, £5 for children aged 5 to 15, £25 for a family of two adults and two children aged 5 to 15 with dogs travelling free.
As well as operating in the evening during Swanage Carnival, it will also serve those wanting to travel to Corfe Castle for two evenings of outdoor cinema.
On Friday 22nd August 2025, the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is being shown in the grounds of the National Trust’s Corfe Castle, followed by Paddington in Peru on Saturday 23rd August 2025.
The Sunset Shuttle will also operate during Swanage Folk Festival, which is taking place from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September 2025.
The team which will take passengers for a trip along the tracks
Sitting at the front, passengers can see into the heritage cab
“Skipping the stress”
Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Alexander Atkins said:
“There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside than from our summer holidays Sunset Shuttle heritage diesel train service, connecting hotels as well as camping and caravan sites with restaurants and bars in Corfe Castle and Swanage.
“Our convenient evening train service makes it easy to enjoy evenings out exploring charming pubs, dining at local restaurants or experiencing summer events, while skipping the stress and hassle of driving and finding somewhere to park with the train carrying you home.”
Depending on operational requirements, the Sunset Shuttle trains will be formed of the Swanage Railway’s 1950s diesel mechanical multiple unit – known as a DMMU – or a rake of its 1950s Mark One carriages hauled by 1960 Class 33 heritage diesel-electric locomotive D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’.
First train leaves Swanage at 5.45pm with the last train arriving back in Swanage at 10.32 pm
Further information
- Book the Sunset Shuttle via the Swanage Railway website
