The fascinating history of the Swanage Railway

If you've ever considered visiting the seaside town of Swanage, then you've probably heard at least a thing or two about the Swanage Railway. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in town, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Found on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, this historic railway has a rich and colorful history.

The Swanage Railway was opened in 1885 and operated for 87 years. In 1972, British Rail closed the line, but since then locals had never stopped longing for the railway to operate again.

Volunteers decided to take matters in their own hands. They rebuilt now redundant parts of the railway, and in August 1979 Swanage Railway was again ready for operation. Its first passenger train started running, and it had an immediate impact on the lives of locals and remains a firm tourist feature of the town today.

A slow process then began to re-operate trains from Norden to Wareham, which would once again connect the Isle of Purbeck to mainline train services. A two-year trial began in 2017.

Swanage Railway now serves as the starting point for plenty of tourists. According to Swanage News, plenty of tourists hop on the trains to enjoy all of the amazing sights along the way. And to those who are well aware of the railway's history, it's their way of showing their appreciation and gratitude to all of the people involved in the rebuilding process.