The Red Train Carriage

Train in Swanage, United Kingdom

  1. 4 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 4 beds
  4. 1.5 bathrooms
Hosted by Sarah
  1. Superhost
  2. 10 years hosting

Listing highlights

50-min drive to New Forest National Park

This home is near the national park.

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Beautiful and walkable

Guests say this area is scenic and it’s easy to get around.
The Red Train Carriage is a special place to stay next to the train tracks of The Swanage Railway. We believe it was built in about 1858 for GER as a 2nd class passenger carriage. It was just a shell when we got it, with it's original walls, doors, ceiling and floor, but the seating had been removed. There was only a few clues about its history in some of the doors and windows. We have saved as much of the original carriage as possible whilst making it a comfortable place to stay for a week.

The space
The layout has been designed to give all the convenience of modern life but in a very small space, so be prepared to squeeze round each other on occasion. Victorian carriages have a smaller width and length than static caravans, therefore we have made the most of the outside space with decking all around as if at the platform. The carriage is very old and therefore not perfect. A window may stick a bit or the window ledges might feel a bit rough as it was 2nd class. Being next to a railway line it also gets dusty quite quickly. We will always clean and make it fresh between guests, but its just a gentle reminder that you are staying in a train carriage which is approx 160 years old and so hopefully it's quirkiness is something to be embraced.

The carriage is situated at the end of our back garden, away from the main house, in a sunny spot right on the Swanage Railway line, so be prepared for a bit of smoke as the steam engines pass by. We strongly do not recommend babies or toddlers to stay in the carriage, it simply would not be safe for them. We have 3 children ourselves and think that it is not suitable for that age range. We also would not recommend it to people who may suffer any reaction to the steam as the trains pass by. Particularly as the carriage is very close to the train line.

The carriage is secure and you will have your own sets of keys as well as a key to the side gate which takes you through our yard and to the footpath to the carriage.

There is storage under all the beds and a cupboard / wardrobe. There is also storage in all the luggage racks. Shampoo, soap, bed linen, towels, tea, coffee, sugar and milk are all provided. Well behaved dogs are welcome, and we would be grateful if you could let us know if you are bringing a dog as we like to leave a towel for them. Again unfortunately if they are puppies and maybe excitable or want to chew things we don't recommend the carriage as a place to stay, because we have young children that live next door and most of the carriage is made up of chew-able pieces of wood :o)

Please be aware we have a cat Kevin that lives at the property.

Guest access
You will be able to access the carriage, platform around it and grass area in front of the carriage. You will also have access through the yard to the train carriage.

Other things to note
The 10am morning train tends to blow a lot of steam onto the track to clean it. You will sometimes see men walking along the track to inspect it.

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Free parking on premises
Pets allowed
TV

Select check-in date

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Rated 4.91 out of 5 from 225 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is a guest favourite based on ratings, reviews and reliability
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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 92% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 7% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 1% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Swanage, England, United Kingdom
This listing’s location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighbourhood highlights

Swanage has the best of both worlds. A beautiful beach, Victorian Pier and a choice of restaurants, pubs and shops and as the start of the Jurassic Coast there are some incredible walks along the South West Coastal Path. Visit in the summer and there is something happening every weekend from the famous Swanage Carnival, Blues Festivals and Fish Festival to the Pirate Festival and nearby Bestival. We are close to Durlston Castle and Durlston Country Park.

Meet your host

Superhost
458 reviews
4.88 out of 5 average rating
10 years of hosting
Lives in Swanage, United Kingdom
Business
Hello, we are Sarah and Brian. We are lucky to back onto Swanage Steam Railway which is where the Red Train Carriage sits. It's a 10 minute flat walk to Swanage's blue flag sandy beach, great for sandcastles, swimming, water sports and town centre, where you’ll step back in time to a typical Victorian seaside town. Swanage is famous for it's walking the coastal path, unique diving experience under the pier, festivals and carnival, nearby Durlston Park, Corfe Castle and Studland. There's something for everyone at the start of the Jurassic Coast. Our Carnival is one of the best along the south coast and our festivals include the Blues, Folk, Pirate and Fish! If you have any questions please get in touch and we look forward to welcoming you to our home.

Sarah is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-Hosts

  • Brian

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 15:00 – 23:00
Checkout before 10:00
4 guests maximum
Safety & property
May encounter potentially dangerous animals
Climbing or play structure
Carbon monoxide alarm