Cholsey & Wallingford Railway
Cholsey & Wallingford Railway
Cholsey & Wallingford Railway
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
65 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
20
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
1
RJH29
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Jul 2021
The construction of the lovingly restored Maidenhead Canopy has hopefully begun transformation for this line's main station at Wallingford. It's actually starting to look like a proper branch line terminus for the first time.
With a visiting pannier tank a great visit was assured. I would thoroughly recommend the pre-ordered on-train home made cake and the coffee, served from a cafetiere with proper china cups. Oh, and a nice little run through unremarkable countryside to the Network Rail station at Cholesy where you can alight for a few minutes whilst the locomotive runs round and watch the main line electrics hurtle through.
With a visiting pannier tank a great visit was assured. I would thoroughly recommend the pre-ordered on-train home made cake and the coffee, served from a cafetiere with proper china cups. Oh, and a nice little run through unremarkable countryside to the Network Rail station at Cholesy where you can alight for a few minutes whilst the locomotive runs round and watch the main line electrics hurtle through.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken J
Birmingham, UK1,407 contributions
Aug 2021
This GWR branch line that was first opened in 1866. A round trip takes around 45 mins from the historic market town of Wallingford to Cholsey main line station and back. There are no facilities at Cholsey. The line runs through the beautiful countryside of South Oxfordshire using MK1 1950s coaches, normally hauled by an 08 diesels locomotive. Sometimes they have a visiting steam engine. They also have sentinel steam engines to be restored.
Known locally as "The Bunk", passenger services ceased in 1959. Having secured the line in 1981, the CWR Preservation Society now aims to enhance the facilities that the railway offers and to improve the Wallingford site including the excellent station canopy which came from Maidenhead.
Two of the 08 shunters are early examples from the Guinness factory at Park Royal and are seen in that livery complete with their nameplates of Unicorn and Lion.
On the journey, look out for Cholsey Church, where Agatha Christie is buried,
Known locally as "The Bunk", passenger services ceased in 1959. Having secured the line in 1981, the CWR Preservation Society now aims to enhance the facilities that the railway offers and to improve the Wallingford site including the excellent station canopy which came from Maidenhead.
Two of the 08 shunters are early examples from the Guinness factory at Park Royal and are seen in that livery complete with their nameplates of Unicorn and Lion.
On the journey, look out for Cholsey Church, where Agatha Christie is buried,
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizziebizz
Crowmarsh Gifford, UK70 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
My husband & visited Sunday after renewing our vows on Saturday, it was our little “mini moon”. We can not get over how beautiful, vintage & and lovely the whole experience was. The staff were so attentive and welcoming and the attention to detail for the tea & cake with a beautiful quirky teapot , Eternal Bow China, and the most delicious lemon drizzle cake! . We thought the scenery to be most fascinating as we rode along the line especially fir us locals, the fields orchards churches and houses. Beautiful rolling Oxfordshire countryside. The staff where all dressed the part . And we felt like we’d gone back in time in a good way ! Just wish the shop had been open today , as I would’ve probably bought a lot lol 😂 Thankyou for the experience the customer service the photos you agreed to take & the historical information about the steam train we rode - fascinating and beautiful day.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MDB_000
Moreton-in-Marsh, UK2 contributions
Dec 2021
This was a very second rate experience. Cold, damp, and dirty. We were left waiting watching a simply appalling stage show,. The train was late, we were left hanging around in freezing conditions with children in pyjamas. No safety barriers on the station and staff who could not have been less interested. People were being charged more to sit on the side of the train where you could see out the window - all the other poor people saw little or nothing! The only saving grace were the US dance team on the train who could sing - the rest of it pretty dreadful. Stay at home and watch the film!
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen A
73 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Visited today for the first time. Small station but great size car park.
Really organised and committed volunteers. I had booked on line for 4 seats at a table plus 4 teas.
Delighted to arrive at the ticket office and all was in order tickets issued without any problem and advised table 1 first carriage.
Boarded the train to find lovely China cups and saucers ready on the table for us and just prior to departure 2 large pots of fresh tea arrived. Absolutely wonderful!! I had taken scones as cake was offered but unsure which type at booking and I had a fussy eater with me 🤣 however the cake at a neighbouring table looked homemade lemon drizzle and very attractive.
Trip 45mins and you can get off briefly at Cholsey to watch the engine change ends.
Added bonus on return one of the volunteers had organised a fly past of the Vulcan bomber absolutely fabulous!!
Definitely worth a visit
Really organised and committed volunteers. I had booked on line for 4 seats at a table plus 4 teas.
Delighted to arrive at the ticket office and all was in order tickets issued without any problem and advised table 1 first carriage.
Boarded the train to find lovely China cups and saucers ready on the table for us and just prior to departure 2 large pots of fresh tea arrived. Absolutely wonderful!! I had taken scones as cake was offered but unsure which type at booking and I had a fussy eater with me 🤣 however the cake at a neighbouring table looked homemade lemon drizzle and very attractive.
Trip 45mins and you can get off briefly at Cholsey to watch the engine change ends.
Added bonus on return one of the volunteers had organised a fly past of the Vulcan bomber absolutely fabulous!!
Definitely worth a visit
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lulu1000
Reading, UK39 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We went on Friday 3 June for one of the Jubilee rides; we had a really amazing time. It’s actually really relaxing and the food and drinks service was done on really lovely crockery
The staff are beyond lovely and are all dressed up
It was so cheap as well. Amazing
The staff are beyond lovely and are all dressed up
It was so cheap as well. Amazing
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy C
Abingdon, UK58 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Visited today for Wallingford at War event, which was well organised & very enjoyable. My 96 year old dad was fascinated by the displays & seeing people dressed up in wartime clothing. We all enjoyed the ride on the steam train & the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend a visit.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor5N
Cardiff, UK93 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Excellent evening. We booked the pie and mash excursion. The meal was great value, the quality of the pies were superb as was the mash and accompanying vegetables. The journey itself was very relaxing, a great backdrop to the evening meal as the train trundled between Wallingford and Cholsey. I can’t recommend this event more highly.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie024
Llantwit Major, UK482 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
My husband has been keen to visit this preserved line for quite a while, and today we finally made it., taking the 11am train to Cholsey.
There is plenty of parking at Wallingford station, a pleasant seating area for visitors to wait until their train is due, and an excellent shop. This sells ice creams, model railway second hand items, books and souvenirs, and a very good range of railway picture greeting cards. After a short journey to Cholsey, the train stopped for a few minutes so passengers could get out and have a short wander, before returning to Wallingford. When we got back, we enjoyed looking at the small museum, which explained why this is called the Bunk Line. In the old days, the line used to distribute live bees in special boxes, one of which is on display. On the platform there was a refreshment stall, and there are some toilets in the main concourse. All the staff were friendly and exceptionally helpful. Our only areas for improvement would be for the refreshment stall to open earlier, to catch visitors arriving early, and for the website to have a more user friendly interface. We struggled with finding when the trains run, and when they are steam hauled. A very nice excursion that can be combined with seeing Agatha Christie’s grave in Cholsey church yard, not far away
There is plenty of parking at Wallingford station, a pleasant seating area for visitors to wait until their train is due, and an excellent shop. This sells ice creams, model railway second hand items, books and souvenirs, and a very good range of railway picture greeting cards. After a short journey to Cholsey, the train stopped for a few minutes so passengers could get out and have a short wander, before returning to Wallingford. When we got back, we enjoyed looking at the small museum, which explained why this is called the Bunk Line. In the old days, the line used to distribute live bees in special boxes, one of which is on display. On the platform there was a refreshment stall, and there are some toilets in the main concourse. All the staff were friendly and exceptionally helpful. Our only areas for improvement would be for the refreshment stall to open earlier, to catch visitors arriving early, and for the website to have a more user friendly interface. We struggled with finding when the trains run, and when they are steam hauled. A very nice excursion that can be combined with seeing Agatha Christie’s grave in Cholsey church yard, not far away
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Didcotgal1993
Didcot, UK9 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
While I enjoy the site as a heritage railway, they have many issues regarding membership. I find it very concerning their website asks for payment for membership before sigh up... then when I email THROUGH THE SITE I get no reply then I get placated on their facebook.. I'd hoped that with the departure of some not so good volunteers it would be worth signing up again I suppose not
Currently I've paid £24 for a membership I don't have...
Currently I've paid £24 for a membership I don't have...
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there easy on road parking near Wallingford Station?
Written December 10, 2022
Yes there is and also. Lidl car park next door
Written December 12, 2022
What are the operating times?
Written January 2, 2017
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