A Historic Celebration of Steam Power
Six magnificent locomotives, dating from the 1890s to the 1940s, will star in this year’s Autumn Steam Gala Spectacular in Purbeck, running from Friday 12 September to Sunday 14 September 2025.
This special three-day event will see steam trains working along the full nine-mile length of the Swanage Railway, with passenger and demonstration freight services recreating the golden age of steam.
Star Guests: ‘Repton’ and the S15
The Gala marks the first Dorset appearance since WWII of the Southern Railway ‘Schools’ class express locomotive No. 926 ‘Repton’. Built in 1934 and based in Bournemouth during the war years, this locomotive is returning courtesy of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Also making history is the arrival of S15 class freight locomotive No. 30506, visiting from the Watercress Line. It’s the first time in over 20 years that an S15 has worked trains in the Isle of Purbeck.
Alexander Atkins, Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director, said:
“With steam locomotives from the 1890s to the 1940s hauling passenger and demonstration freight trains as well as bracing brake van rides, the Autumn Steam Gala will be an exciting spectacular not to be missed.”
A Packed Three-Day Programme
Visitors can look forward to:
- Steam-hauled passenger trains running between Swanage, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle, Norden, and beyond to the River Frome near Wareham.
- Nostalgic demonstration freight trains.
- Evening ‘beerex’ specials and atmospheric night trains.
- The unique opportunity to ride in the brake van of a 1950s freight train.
Swanage Railway Company chair Gavin Johns added:
“We are delighted to be able to offer enthusiasts and the general public such a wide variety of steam locomotives at work through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside, past the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle and beyond Norden to Furzebrook and the River Frome within sight of Wareham.”
Home Fleet in Action
Alongside the guest locomotives, Swanage Railway’s resident fleet will also take centre stage (subject to availability), including:
- Victorian 1893 LSWR T3 No. 563
- 1920s Southern Railway U class No. 31806
- 1940s Battle of Britain class Pacifics No. 34070 ‘Manston’ and No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’
Together, these engines offer a living timeline of British railway heritage.
A Celebration of Heritage and Community
Frank Roberts, chair of the Swanage Railway Trust, expressed gratitude to the volunteers who make the Gala possible:
“I would like to thank all the dedicated volunteers who have worked so hard to plan and stage such a complicated event… it promises to be a wonderfully evocative taste of yesteryear.”
Experience the Steam Spectacle
The Autumn Steam Gala Spectacular in Purbeck promises a truly evocative celebration of rail history, set against the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Purbeck, with its rolling countryside and the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle.
🎟 Tickets and brake van rides are available via the Swanage Railway website. Early booking is recommended.
