Nostalgia for the romance of a bygone era makes travelling by steam trains more popular than ever. This poster displayed at Swanage station certainly captures that glamour!
Steam trains run on the “heritage line” of 9 miles between Swanage and Norden (a park and ride destination for visitors to Corfe Castle and Swanage) only on certain days.
The “Freedom Ticket” that we bought was not cheap (£25 each). However as the railway is run largely by volunteers and a small staff, it’s worth paying to preserve the heritage.
Swanage and Corfe Castle Stations
The stations at Swanage and Corfe Castle certainly preserve that romantic aura of the age of steam trains. People young and old reached for their cameras at the sight of a steam train puffing its way in and out of the station!
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It was partly destroyed in 1646 during the English Civil War. The history of the castle is a yarn of skulduggery, murders and other intrigues. It was bequeathed by the Bankes family to National Trust in 1981.
Nowadays when travelling on A351 between Wareham and Swanage, the remaining ruins still stand defiantly on the hilltop for all to see!
From the castle, the spectacular view of the village and surrounding hills are as majestic as the castle once was!
Every time the steam train rolled past billowing clouds of steam and sounding its whistle, visitors invariably stopped in their tracks to watch and take photos, including me!
Corfe Castle Village
I had visited Corfe Castle many years before but I didn’t know Corfe Castle is also the name of the village, and what a charming village it is, with no fewer than 4 pubs!! Having lunch under the restful shades in the garden of Bankes Arms Inn was a joy.
It’s a pity that the busy A351 runs right through the village!
We had perfect weather on our day out as can be seen!
Check out also the connecting blogs “Welcoming Wareham and The Blue Pool” http://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=14376 , “Swanage – more than a seaside resort” http://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=14497
