Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway

"A really pleasant day out!

I attended on one of the seniors days, which is great value as the over 60s and kids go for just £1 (so bring the whole family!) In terms of value for money I feel £15 for a standard adult ticket is very fair. You also benefit from the tickets being 'Hop on / Hop off' all day so great value!

There were two trains running on the day I travelled (Diesel & Steam), they use the same carriages, so you can take either, but if you want to see and feel the differences, it's worth waiting for the next. Jump off and maybe have a wonder round Chinnor or Princes Risborough with their parks, pubs the usual.

As you arrive at the Chinnor station you have a large carpark that's clean and tidy. You are able to walk down (steps) to the platform, it's small but well appointed with toilets, children's activity area, gift shop and historic hut with a train carriage being restored.

Upon boarding the friendly team will direct you aboard to either your afternoon teas(pre booked only) or the private compartments / the main seating rows with tables. We sat in different places on different parts of the journey to enjoy the variety. Whilst seated a drinks and snacks cart passes through the car with tea coffee and snacks (cheap and great value) card payments are also able to be taken.

A friendly volunteer told us about the charity and it's works including the line extension, the tracks and railway sleepers and where everything was along the journey. He was genuinely interested in our questions and nothing was too much.

All volunteers were easy to talk to and very inviting. Each offered a different experience or perspective which adds to the overal experience, so do ask them questions and have a chat!

The train is traditional in both layout and style, all areas being clean and accessible. One thing I enjoyed as an odd thought was that we were able to walk through a service area where large luggage would have been stored, it's nothing amazing but you wouldn't get to see that part of a train normally.

The private compartments had little teddies in some of them which I was told were from previous children attending events so had a cute finish. I think maybe a themed out suitcase or similar may be a bit fun here too.

Naturally there's lots that could be done, but charities always need more funds (so don't forget to donate!), it would have been nice if some of the wall sconces were working(and had bulbs) and a few seats needed reupholstering (but that's probably prohibitive in a cost perspective). Once the line has been extended, so they are not at the mercy of the main line for travel I'm sure some of the decorative items will happen.

The childrens tent at the main platform was well appointed with a few large railway tracks designed by another friendly volunteer, who was a former teacher, so care has been taken to create some fun looking activity sheets. And kids were encouraged to play with the model which I'm sure many will enjoy.

I feel it's quite a hidden gem of a family experience (especially cost wise being so affordable). Some of the marketing is a little traditional for my taste and I feel could be updated (They should have a go using Canva a free online design tool) as I feel this may bring even more people. It's always important to note that volunteer run organisations run on donated skills, so do get in contact if you want to help!

Well worth a trip to see with family or friends for just a trip or afternoon tea!

It's also dog friendly, so bring your well behaved four legged friends too! Woof!

Thanks again for a great trip!"

Timothy Cakebread

"Santa Steam Special🎅🏼🎄
Where do I begin? We had THE most magical time on Saturday (even with storm Darragh). The staff/volunteers were so friendly and sweet. They were also very informative when a fallen tree had delayed our slot(some parents were less than patient)we however understood how hard it can be.
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed meeting Santa and the elves.
Everything was so well thought out and planned, my daughter loved the colouring pack/letter to Santa to keep her amused.
The train journey was very magical and cosy.
Thank you for everything, we will return."

Amber Constable

"An enjoyable day out which on balance was good value for money seeing as the children travelled free with a cuddly toy, however the only thing to let it down was the non provision for pushchairs which could have easily been folded up and accommodated in the guards van as the norm on other heritage railways plus the situation with the toilets on board whereby not being freely available unless you asked a member of staff to unlock them, otherwise five stars would have been given."

Alexander Bartell