Photo of Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway in Greater London1 / 3
Trains & Railways

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway

πŸ“ Chinnor, Greater London

β˜…4.6(859 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Heritage railway running steam and diesel trains along a 7.5-mile Chiltern route. Santa Steam Specials include refreshments, gifts, and activities. Cream tea and afternoon tea dining experiences also available.

βœ“ Enthusiastic volunteersβœ“ Santa specialsβœ“ Scenic routeβœ“ Well organisedβœ“ Cream tea experienceβœ“ Hidden gem
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Karen Ashby

Just home after a wonderful afternoon with my daughter and grandson. All aboard for the Santa special! We had a wonderful time! The volunteers were so engaging and came with activity sheets and other goodies for the children. On arrival at Chinnor we left the train one carriage at a time and entered the grotto. It was a walk through with lights and decorations then an extensive model railway, ahead of a chat with Mrs Santa and the postbox to send their letter to Santa. Then on to see the big man himself! He was jolly and kind and each child is given a (much better than expected) gift. Then through to the refreshments area where everyone can have complimentary tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a mince pie. Gluten free were available! Cold drinks for the little ones. There is a food van selling other drinks and snacks and that was reasonably priced. Then a wander along the platform, checking out the carriages and the engine before heading back to Risborough. My grandson was delighted with his Rudolph face paint. The whole experience was magical and I can't wait to take him again next year πŸŽ…

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with train-loving children who want a heritage experience with real character. Santa Steam Specials deliver exceptional value with gifts, refreshments, and children's activities included in the ticket. Volunteers are the standout element β€” knowledgeable, engaged, and visibly passionate about the railway.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Book direct with the venue for the best availability and pricing
⏰Santa specials include refreshments, gifts, and activity sheets β€” no extras needed
🎟️Allow time at the station to browse before your departure
πŸš—A food van on-site covers snacks and drinks for the whole family

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
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859 Google reviews

Exceptional volunteer enthusiasm40%
Well-organised special events35%
Scenic countryside journey15%
Good on-site refreshments10%
K

Karen Ashby

3 months ago

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β€œJust home after a wonderful afternoon with my daughter and grandson. All aboard for the Santa special! We had a wonderful time! The volunteers were so engaging and came with activity sheets and other goodies for the children. On arrival at Chinnor we left the train one carriage at a time and entered the grotto. It was a walk through with lights and decorations then an extensive model railway, ahead of a chat with Mrs Santa and the postbox to send their letter to Santa. Then on to see the big man himself! He was jolly and kind and each child is given a (much better than expected) gift. Then through to the refreshments area where everyone can have complimentary tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a mince pie. Gluten free were available! Cold drinks for the little ones. There is a food van selling other drinks and snacks and that was reasonably priced. Then a wander along the platform, checking out the carriages and the engine before heading back to Risborough. My grandson was delighted with his Rudolph face paint. The whole experience was magical and I can't wait to take him again next year πŸŽ…β€

M

Monika Lewandowski

5 months ago

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β€œA wonderful steam train experience. I've been on the steam train 3 times now at different times of the year, including the cream tea. Very well organised, the staff and volunteers are so full of enthusiasm that it's almost contagious - we all love a steam train! Nice journey through beautiful countryside, and the cream tea included delicious freshly made scones. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”

T

Trevor Cutler

a year ago

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β€œCracking day April 2nd 2025. Diesel driving experience 50015 Valiant. Well worth the visit. Lovely place staff very kind and polite, bostin food and drink.πŸ‘πŸ»β€

J

Joseph Francis

10 months ago

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β€œA really nice and pleasant relaxing ride today on the train….. until the guard on the train made really loud announcements through the train tannoy which was on way to loud! Made me any many passengers jump and cover our ears. The line is about 3 miles each way, about 15 mins. Overall a nice day out”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway operates steam and diesel trains through Chiltern foothills on a 7.5-mile route, with each journey covering roughly 3 miles each way in about 15 minutes. Special experiences include Santa Steam Specials, cream teas, Brake Van rides, and Steam Footplate Observer sessions. Volunteers run every aspect and bring genuine enthusiasm. Gluten-free options available on special event days.

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