The Railway Touring Company
The Dorset Coast Express
Steam day trip from London to Weymouth via Bournemouth and Dorset coast
1 dayfrom $161
100% rail
The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The Swanage Belle
Steam day trip from London to the Dorset coast at Swanage
The Railway Touring Company's Swanage Belle is a one-day steam excursion departing London Victoria and traveling south through the English countryside to the Dorset seaside town of Swanage. The locomotive, No. 34028 Eddystone, hauls the train through Winchester, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Poole, where passengers glimpse Poole Harbour before the journey continues via the reopened heritage line from Wareham to Swanage, passing Corfe Castle. Upon arrival in Swanage, passengers have roughly three hours to explore the sandy beach and Victorian pier, or to walk the mile to Durlston Castle and Country Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The return journey departs late afternoon, initially diesel-hauled but reverting to steam power after Southampton, before arriving back at London Victoria late evening. Three fare tiers are offered: Standard Class with a reserved seat, First Class with morning and afternoon refreshments, and Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner served at your seat on board.
What to know before you look closer
- Currently one departure listed: September 2026. Confirm availability and dates when planning.
- The itinerary description cuts off at Clapham Junction; verify boarding details with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
- Premier Dining and First Class price supplements are substantial relative to the Standard Class base fare.
Day by day
- Day 1
London Victoria to Swanage
Steam-hauled departure from London Victoria (picking up at Clapham Junction*, Brentford, Staines, Woking and Basingstoke), via Winchester, Southampton, Bournemouth and Poole to Wareham, then the reopened heritage link past Corfe Castle to Swanage. Around three hours free time in Swanage before the diesel/steam-hauled return via Romsey and Salisbury to London Victoria late evening. *Clapham Junction is an option to disembark on the return only.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone departs London Victoria, climbing through the southern counties with views of Poole Harbour.
- Day 1The train passes Corfe Castle on the reopened heritage link from Wareham into Swanage.
- Day 1Three hours ashore in Swanage to walk the sandy beach, visit the Victorian pier, or visit Durlston Castle on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company's price includes the full steam and diesel-hauled journey from London Victoria to Swanage and back. Dining tiers determine what food and drink are included on board.
- Which train runs this trip?
- Steam locomotive No. 34028 Eddystone hauls the train from London Victoria through the southern counties to Wareham. From Wareham to Swanage it uses the reopened heritage rail link; the return from Southampton to London is diesel-hauled, with steam taking over again after Southampton.
- How much time do I have in Swanage?
- Around three hours. You can walk the sandy beach, visit the Victorian pier, or take a one-mile walk to Durlston Castle and Country Park on the Jurassic Coast.
- What dining options are available?
- Standard Class includes a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a bacon roll and afternoon tea with a scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
- Where can I board?
- The Railway Touring Company picks up at London Victoria, Clapham Junction, Brentford, Staines, Woking, and Basingstoke.
