What Can I Expect

Exclusive train drives at the Chinnor Railway! These one-to-one experiences will see you driving a restored, Type 4 British Railway diesel locomotive for a full return journey of the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.

This wonderful heritage railway line in Oxfordshire runs for around eight miles from Chinnor station to Princes Risborough. You’re on the edge of the Chilterns here and your journey will take you past ancient woodlands and along a 1 in 68 descent, where you'll toot as you cross Wainhill Halt.

After you emerge from the cutting, you may see a cricket match on the green at the Bledlow club, as you then head past the former watercress beds to go over Perry Lane bridge, with stunning views across open fields.

As the driver on this Type 4 diesel train, you’ll negotiate the turn towards Thame Junction. At this point you leave the heritage line and you’re on Network Rail for the remainder of the journey to Princes Risborough.

Time for a short break, before it’s back onto the footplate of this powerful 1960s Brush-built diesel to drive the train all the way back to Chinnor Station.

And don’t forget, these exclusive train driver sessions at Chinnor are just for you, so you’ll enjoy a personal, bespoke experience onboard the wonderful Type 4 driving for a full 16 miles on your train day to remember!

When Is It Available

• Selected weekday and weekend dates throughout the year
• There will generally be 4 dates per month
• Due to the popularity of this experience please book well in advance to avoid disappointment

Suitable For

• Minimum age 16
• Participants should be reasonably fit and in good health - fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided

Anything Else

• Old clothing that fully covers the arms and legs should be worn
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots that protect the feet - trainers are not permitted