Description
The Cholsey & Wallingford Railway is a heritage attraction in South Oxfordshire that offers nostalgic journeys through the picturesque countryside on a branch line affectionately known as "The Bunk". Passengers can travel back in time on heritage diesel-hauled trains or visiting steam engines, departing from the historic market town of Wallingford. The railway serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting a diverse calendar of events ranging from interactive 1940s weekends and Easter egg hunts to festive "Santa Express" rides.
The venue features 45-minute round-trip rides in vintage 1950s coaches where visitors can enjoy cream teas on selected dates or watch for local wildlife along managed hedgerow corridors. Notable attractions include the historic Maidenhead Canopy, a restored Brunel-era structure, and the "Singing Train" experience during BunkFest which features live music and a real ale bar. Activity highlights include seasonal magic shows, historical re-enactments with vintage vehicles, and themed interactive experiences like meeting Santa Claus or hunting for Easter eggs.
Individual unreserved seating is priced at £13.00 for adults and £6.00 for children aged 3 to 18. For a more private experience, groups can book the exclusive use of a table for up to four passengers for £28.00 or a full compartment for up to six people for £45.00.
A visit to the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway provides an authentic and heartwarming escape into the charm of traditional rail travel. It is a must-visit destination for families and history enthusiasts who wish to experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era while supporting a dedicated team of local volunteers. The combination of relaxing rural views and high-quality themed entertainment ensures a unique and memorable outing in the heart of the Thames Valley.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
- Welcome to the Cholsey and Wallingford heritage railway, where you can experience the charm and nostalgia of a bygone era. Our railway offers a unique opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy a leisurely journey through the picturesque countryside.
- A round trip from Wallingford to Cholsey takes around 45 minutes, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery (with a cream tea on selected dates). We offer a range of fares to suit all requirements, including exclusive use of a table or compartment for groups of up to four or six passengers.
- Jump aboard our heritage train ride and enjoy the beautiful countryside of South Oxfordshire. The round trip takes around 45 mins from the historic market town of Wallingford to Cholsey. Travel on our 1950s coaches, hauled by one of our Heritage diesels locomotives or by a visiting steam engine.
- Heritage railways are a haven for wildlife as they are often undisturbed for long periods of time. Planting and managing hedgerows can create corridors along which wildlife can travel between what otherwise might be fragmented communities that may be too small to survive.
- The magnificent Maidenhead Canopy dates from the early days of Brunel's Great Western Railway. It was rebuilt here at Wallingford in 2020 thanks to funding from the Railway Heritage Trust and the hard work of our volunteers.
Visit the website for event information.
0.68 miles
