Bird's Nest Buffet Swanage Railway in Purbeck

Lots of amazing steam trains to see, we spent about two hours just sat at the bridge filming trains as they came through. Real shame you can't get onto the platform for free, but we still got to do some trainspotting, great for kids, great for train fanatics, and you can request stops. A bit on the pricey side but worth EVERY PENNY and more. Girlfriend loved it, and I loved spending time with her watching the trains go by. Amazing eperience I won't forget for a long time! :)

Swanage railway station is a railway station located in Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck in the English county of Dorset. Originally the terminus of a London and South Western Railway (L&SWR) branch line from Wareham, the line and station were closed by British Rail in 1972. It has since reopened as a station on the Swanage Railway, a heritage railway that currently runs from Norden station just north of Corfe Castle to Swanage station. It now also runs to Wareham on certain services, but not on regular services due to signalling problems.

This is the terminus of the Swanage Railway. The station is very well maintained (better than many mainline stations) and you can see the activity around reversing the train service. Services run from here back to Norden with the odd train that would come off the main line. The services seem quite regular and well staffed.

I took a trip on the Swanage Railway following a visit to Corfe Caste on Sunday 14 July, a weekend during term time. The weather was very good; sunny, some cloud, quite warm. I was with one other person. This was my third or fourth visit to the Swanage Railway.At the Corfe Castle ticket office I was greeted by a member of staff who was friendly and welcoming.This is a standard gauge preserved steam railway operating on a six mile stretch from Norden to Swanage, though during the summer the line connects to the national rail network via Wareham as the line is now reconnected. I took a return train ride to Swanage.The Swanage Railway is easy to navigate and easy to get around. I found it to be interesting and relaxing with plenty of photo opportunities. I enjoyed a wander around Swanage including a look around the shops, a trip to the beach and pier and an ice cream before heading back.I enjoyed my visit to the Swanage Railway and would come again. I think children would also enjoy visiting because kids love trains!For ease of access I give the Swanage Railway 5 out of 5. It is easy to find the site using Google Maps and parking, getting to the right place and getting around was simple.For customer care I give the Swanage Railway 5 out of 5. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming and most of the volunteers are usually retired railway staff or rail enthusiasts - people with passion!For visitor experience I give the Swanage Railway 5 out of 5. This was a unique experience, a very pleasant visit and I would recommend it to anyone who likes steam trains, has any interest in our history, likes taking photographs or anyone who likes an interesting day out.For their on-site facilities I give the Swanage Railway 5 out of 5. Stations were in a good condition and there was a good selection of gifts and refreshments available at standard tourist attraction prices.For value for money I give the Swanage Railway 4 out of 5. It's not cheap but the running costs in an operation like this must be high!Overall I give the Swanage Railway 5 out of 5 - I really enjoyed my visit and would come and visit again.

Great stream train travelling through some fantastic English countryside. A lovely way to get from Swanage to Corfe Castle. Trains are punctual, don't be late!

Super steam (and diesel) railway experience in a beautiful setting. Great for enthusiasts but what a great way to travel between Corfe and Swanage Bay and back again? Best park and ride ever and a great day out!

The heritage railway from Swanage to Corfe Castle was the highlight of our journey to the Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The station is where the journey starts. The station is well maintained with posters of a bye-gone era. The staff are certainly most helpful. Of course, the centre of attraction was the real steam engine.

A quaint preserved railway, with a great selection of locomotives. Route takes you up past the scenic Corfe Castle. Great tea room with easy access to the town.

Even better than the thrill of the steam trains are the amazing cheese scones in the Birds Nest Buffet- spread liberally with marmite they are a taste sensation:-)

We visited with our two young girls and enjoyed the Santa Special experience a great deal. Staff very friendly and got into the festive spirit. Overall journey lasted around 1hr. Children received a quality present from santa plus refreshments while adults were given mince pies and sherry to wash it down with. Would definitely recommend for those with young children as they all loved it!