Following the success of Swanage Railway’s first Roads to Rail steam event last year, it’s returning for 2022 with more steam traction engines and the chance to dress up in period costume.
The three day nostalgic event with up to 20 traction engines, steam rollers and showman’s engines, takes place at Norden near Corfe Castle between Friday 24th and Sunday 26th June 2022.
This year, like in 2021, the Roads to Rail steam rally takes place against the backdrop of Corfe Castle
Steam train trip to Swanage
At the showground next to Norden Station there will also be fairground rides, trade stalls, food stalls, bar and live music, as well as the opportunity to take a steam train trip to Swanage.
The steam rally was first staged in August 2021 after covid restrictions had caused the cancellation of a number of other fundraising events earlier that year.
Steam traction engines and steam locos are both able to be part of the rally in this unique location
“An evocative festival of steam”
Swanage Railway Company chairman Robert Patterson said:
“We’re very proud to be hosting our second Roads to Rail event which combines the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers and vintage fairground rides.
“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 first such event last year was incredibly successful and this year the show ground will be larger with more traction engines and trade stalls as well as a bar and beer tents, food stalls and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
There’s a funfair to visit as well
“We hope it will draw in the crowds”
“People who attend the event will also have the rare opportunity to go on the footplate of one of our steam locomotives. Roads to Rail is a great day out for all the family and we hope it will draw in the crowds.
“Special events such as our Roads to Rail weekend are critical for funding the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway as well as drawing visitors to the Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.
“The event 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.”
Nick Lloyds, Trevor Parsons and Graham Froud who organised the first Roads to Rail event – more effort will be expected this year with their outfits!
“Victorian, Edwardian and pre-Second World War period dress”
Those attending the steam rally are being encouraged by the organisers to make a weekend of it, with camping pitches available to book in a field next to the event.
One of the organisers, Lorna Lock added:
“Visitors to Roads to Rail are welcome to attend in Victorian, Edwardian and pre-Second World War period dress – whether that’s in a showman’s outfit or a steam train driver’s ‘bib and brace’ – to delight in and soak up the period atmosphere.
“We would like to thank our sponsors and advertisers for their help in staging this year’s Roads to Rail event which promises to be bigger and better than last year and takes place within sight of the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle.”
This year’s Roads to Rail steam rally is being sponsored by Miles & Son, City Cruises and O.J. Fabrication.
The location next to Norden Station near Corfe Castle also has space to pitch a tent
Further information
- A combined train ride from Swanage to Norden and return – with entry to the steam rally show ground – is £22 for adults, £8.50 for children aged five to 15 and £57 for a family of two adults and three children.
- Entry to the steam show ground only is £7 for adults and free for children under the age of 16. Evening entry to the show ground from 6 pm is £5 for adults and free for children under the age of 16. Day parking at the steam rally is free.
- More about the Roads to Rail event including how to make a camping booking is on the Swanage Railway website
