Cholsey and Wallingford Railway

Volunteer-run heritage railway on the former Wallingford branch line, running short diesel and steam-hauled trains between Wallingford and Cholsey on event days.

Ask the museum for opening hours Partially accessible

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About the museum

The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway runs on the surviving section of the Wallingford branch line in South Oxfordshire, known locally as the Bunk Line. The line to Wallingford opened in July 1866, built by the Wallingford and Watlington Railway Company, and was bought by the Great Western Railway in 1872. Passenger services ended in June 1959, freight to Wallingford station ended in 1965 when the line was cut back to serve a maltings, and a freight-only siding stayed in use until 29 May 1981.

The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1981 by enthusiasts who had travelled on a special train to Wallingford earlier that month. Volunteers have since restored the track and station, and the railway ran its first public train in 1985.

Today heritage trains cover the roughly 2.5 miles between Wallingford and Cholsey in countryside with views of the Wittenham Clumps, with a stop of around ten minutes at Cholsey. A round trip takes about 45 minutes. The collection includes Class 08 diesel shunters, a Sentinel steam shunter, an inspection trolley and 1950s coaches. The railway does not run a regular timetable but operates on advertised event days, including fish-and-chips evenings, fireworks trains and Santa specials.

Highlights

Heritage diesel and steam shunting locomotives
1950s coaches on a 2.5-mile branch line
Views of the Wittenham Clumps and gravel lakes
Santa Express and cream tea trains on selected dates
Short stop at Cholsey with a view of the engine running round

Permanent exhibition

Heritage locomotives and rolling stock – Class 08 diesel shunters, the Sentinel steam shunter Isebrook, an inspection trolley and 1950s coaches.

Founded: 1981
Operated by: Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society

Admission & discounts

Visitors with disabilities	–companion free · One carer or companion generally travels free with each wheelchair user, visually impaired passenger or passenger whose disability requires a carer. Concessionary fares do not apply to dining services.
Families	£7Fireworks Flyer, 7 November 2026: family of four.
Fireworks Flyer return ticket (7 November 2026)	£3Valid from either Wallingford or Cholsey.

Fares differ by event and are shown on each event page. Booking is recommended; online sales close 24 hours before departure and some walk-up tickets may be available. Well-behaved pet dogs travel free.

Accessibility

Partially wheelchair accessible
Elevator: no information
Accessible restroom: no information
Accessible parking: no information
Service dogs welcome: no information
Tactile models & exhibits: no information
Sign language tours: no information
Easy-to-read materials: no information
Audio description: no information

The 1950s coaches offer very limited access for passengers with reduced mobility. A wheelchair user can travel with one companion in the guard's brake van and a boarding ramp can be provided; contact the railway in advance.

Kids & families

Family ticket	£7 · Fireworks Flyer, 7 November 2026: family of four.

Family tours & workshops
Stroller-friendly

Children receive a present on the Santa Express trains. Buggies can travel in the guard's brake van.

Getting there & parking

By public transit

Wallingford Market Place (bus)

GWR trains run from Oxford, Reading and London to nearby Cholsey and Didcot. On normal running days you can usually join at Cholsey station. During special events a local bus from outside Cholsey station to Wallingford may be needed. Buses from Oxford (stop H5, St Aldates) and Reading stop in Wallingford Market Place.

By car

Free parking

Free car park at Wallingford station for passengers; it may be unavailable during special events such as the Santa Express. Please do not park on residential streets.

Sat-nav postcode OX10 9GQ. Wallingford lies halfway between Oxford and Reading; from the A4130 bypass the station is signposted near the first roundabout.

Get directions

Amenities & dining

Volunteers sell refreshments on the trains and station, and pre-booked catering (including cream teas on selected dates) is available when boarding at Wallingford.