20th June 2025
After decades of determination, restoration, and community support, the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Association will officially open the long-awaited Chinnor Independent Line to the public on the weekend of July 5–6. This marks a major achievement for the heritage railway and brings full-circle a dream 36 years in the making.
Originally opened in 1872, the railway line between Chinnor and Princes Risborough was closed by British Rail in 1989 and fell into disrepair. While part of the route was revived by volunteers in the 1990s, trains since 2018 have been forced to divert via a Network Rail siding for the final kilometre into Princes Risborough.
Now, thanks to tireless efforts by volunteers and funding from donations, grants, and sponsorships, that missing link — known as the Chinnor Independent Line — has been completely relaid and restored. The reopening also represents a historic moment for the line itself, as this section resumes carrying passengers for the first time since 1957.
Grand Opening Weekend Festivities
To celebrate this milestone, heritage steam and vintage diesel trains will run throughout the weekend of July 5 and 6, giving passengers the chance to experience the newly restored stretch of railway. Trains will operate between Chinnor and Princes Risborough with no seat reservations required — tickets grant unlimited travel throughout the day.
Ticket Prices
Tickets can be purchased online (until 14:00 on the day of travel) or at station ticket offices:
- Adult (16–59 years): £16 (£15 online + £2 booking fee)
- Concession (60+, National Railcard holders): £14
- Residents (OX39 or HP27 postcodes): £11
- Children (3–15 years, max 2 per adult): £1
- Under 3s: Free
Single journey tickets and concessions for less-able visitors and carers are available at station ticket offices only.
Timetables
Friday 5 July – Diesel Services
From Princes Risborough:
- First departure: 09:55
- Last departure: 16:45
From Chinnor:
- First departure: 10:45
- Last service returns to Chinnor by 17:10
Saturday 6 July – Steam and Diesel Mix
From Chinnor:
- Steam services at 10:45, 13:15, and 16:00
- Diesel services at 12:05 and 14:45
From Princes Risborough:
- First departure: 11:20
- Last departure: 16:35
Visitor Amenities
Chinnor station will be serving hot and cold food, drinks, and snacks, and a trolley service will operate aboard select trains. Passengers can also explore nearby attractions in Chinnor village and Princes Risborough via the railway’s “What to see and do” guide.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard for free (on leads and not on seats), but buggies and strollers cannot be accommodated onboard.
Accessibility
The railway welcomes all visitors, including those who are less able. Wheelchair spaces are limited to one per journey and must be booked in advance online. Return tickets for a wheelchair user and companion are available for £17 in total.
Looking Ahead
Organisers expect large crowds over the weekend and recommend that members who have concessionary passes plan visits outside the grand opening dates to help manage demand.
While every effort will be made to operate steam locomotives as advertised, the railway reserves the right to substitute diesel engines or alter timetables due to operational needs.
For more details, visit the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway or contact the booking team at 07979 055366 between 10:00–16:00, or via email at [email protected].
