Present Day Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
The C&PRR currently operates a 3.5-mile route between Chinnor and Princes Risborough, with plans for further development. In 2016, the railway re-established a connection to Princes Risborough Station, allowing heritage trains to run directly to and from the mainline station. The railway features both steam and heritage diesel locomotives, offering regular services and special events, such as themed train rides, dining experiences, and Santa Specials. The restored stations and rolling stock provide an authentic heritage experience, celebrating the railway’s role in the region’s history.
Preservation and Reopening
In 1990, the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association was formed to preserve and restore the line. Volunteers began work on restoring the station at Chinnor and laying track along the old route. The first heritage passenger services began operating between Chinnor and Thame Junction in the early 1990s.
History of the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway
The line originally opened in 1872 as the Watlington and Princes Risborough Railway, designed to connect the market town of Watlington with the mainline at Princes Risborough. The Great Western Railway (GWR) took over the line in 1883, upgrading it to their standards and integrating it into their network. The railway primarily served rural communities, transporting agricultural goods and providing passenger services. With the rise of road transport, passenger numbers began to decline in the mid-20th century. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1957, although freight services continued to operate, serving local industries such as the cement works in Chinnor. The line closed completely to freight traffic in 1989, leaving the route abandoned.