The Swanage Railway have announced that their ‘Purbeck Explorer’ mainline charters will be returning for the 2018 season.

The charters are in conjunction with this year’s annual Diesel Gala and Dorset Beer Festival.

Using the restored London Underground 4TC unit, the ‘Purbeck Explorer 1’ charters will start on Thursday 10th May 2018 from Ealing Broadway to Swanage, hauled by Class 33, D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis RN.

Departing at 10:40 from Ealing Broadway, the train will have pick-up stops at Kensington Olympia, Clapham Junction, Woking, and Basingstoke before going non-stop run to Swanage at 15:59.

Welcoming Class 20 20007 back to the mainline after 16 years, the loco partners No. 20142 with the Purbeck Explorer 2 on the afternoon of Sunday 13th May 2018. The train runs from Corfe Castle to Ealing Broadway (departure 15:25). It will call at Basingstoke, Woking, Clapham Junction and Kensington Olympia before terminating at Ealing Broadway.

How much is this tour?

Prices for this charter are £39.50 (in advance) or £45 on the day.

• Visit the Swanage Railway website
  For more information