Day 2 – The nostalgic Swanage Railway to battle-worn Corfe Castle
This morning your group heads by coach to Poole Quay for a boat
to the Victorian seaside town of Swanage. Sailing the open blue
sea, you pass Brownsea Island, the beaches of Studland Bay and the
unique geological formations of the Jurassic Coast. The white chalk
cliffs of Old Harry Rocks come into view as you drift closer to
Dorset's eastern end of the Jurassic Coast.
Swanage is an atmospheric town with a long beach, interesting
shops and delicious food. On arrival, you have time to grab some
lunch before joining the Swanage Railway to Corfe Castle. The
heritage journey runs along the beautiful Purbeck countryside
through waving green fields and charming village..
Reaching the Isle of Purbeck, you can look around the
fascinating 1,000-year-old Corfe Castle at leisure. Sitting on a
hill overlooking the peaceful village, the dramatic ruins have an
intriguing history, having survived siege, destruction and the
English Civil War. The keep of this fortress castle was built in
the early 12th century for William the Conqueror's son, King Henry
I. After exploring the ruins of the royal castle, your coach takes
you back to your hotel before dinner this evening.
Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to
timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel
locomotives may be running instead.
Includes