From the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage to the stunning, historic ruins of Corfe Castle, a day on the Swanage Railway is an unmissable experience, and it wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated force of volunteers who make sure our services run safely and that all of passengers have the best day possible and keep coming back.
Regardless of your interests, availability or skills, there is a place for you on the Swanage Railway.
The information provided on this site is designed to give you more information about what it’s like to volunteer on the Swanage Railway.
We’d love to hear from you to arrange a visit to the railway to talk more about volunteering please either use the contact forms on this site or send an email to iwanttovolunteer@swanagerailway.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Browse By Department
We welcome volunteers across all aspects of the railway, so explore the worthwhile work all of our departments to find the role(s) that best suit you.
Browse By Role
Your time is precious and valuable and we understand that, so why not see what roles are available before you decide what’s best for you.
Our Volunteers
Why Volunteer at the Swanage Railway?
Many studies have shown over the the years that regular volunteering can have many benefits ranging from increased confidence to learning new skills and meeting new people.
If you were to take a survey of our current volunteer force, there would be as many reasons for volunteering as there are volunteers, but there are several motivations that would hear over and over.
At its heart. the Swanage Railway is a charitable trust and a community organisation, so all of our volunteers are contributing to the community as well as playing an important part in keeping things moving.
We have volunteers with a lifetime of experience working on the national rail network, whereas others have no experience (or in some cases, interest!) in working with trains, let alone steam trains.
What they all have in common though, is a desire to expand their horizons a little, to try something new and to make a difference. Heritage railways around the country bring joy to thousands every year, either through the power of nostalgia or the amazement of seeing something unique from days gone by. Each one of our volunteers plays their part in bringing that happiness to our passengers and whatever your interests, background or skills, there is a place here for you too.
To arrange a meeting at Swanage Station to discuss volunteering further, please either fill in the form below or email our Volunteer Recruitment Office at