Trains to Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

Planning a visit to Cholsey & Wallingford Railway soon? Why not take the train - frequent Great Western Railway services run from London Paddington and Didcot Parkway to Cholsey, from which you can easily change onto this charming railway. During 2021, all services are pre-booked and run from the Wallingford end - which requires a bus transfer; more of that below.

The Cholsey & Walingford Railway runs steam and diesel trains of the 1950s through the lovely countryside of South Oxfordshire. Trains run on selected weekends and bank holidays throughout the year, so visit Cholsey & Wallingford Railway’s website for more information.

The railway is run in the style of a typical country branch line, and so has small locomotives and relatively short trains. It's the perfect activity for a few hours' relaxation; trains run at sedate speeds and because the line isn't too long, the trip won't break the bank either. Wallingford, the northern terminus, is an attractive market town and is well worth spending a bit of time in for lunch or tea. Wallingford station itself is the proud new home of an ornate and historically-important Brunel-designed station canopy, once at Maidenhead but recently relocated by volunteers and contractors thanks to grants from bodies like the Railway Heritage Trust.

During 2021, all train tickets require pre-booking here (we are told that online booking closes 48 hours before departure due to popularity) and are return trips beginning and ending at Wallingford. That means if you're coming by mainline train to Cholsey, you'll need to get a 136 bus (search for timetables here) or a taxi to Wallingford. Please do allow sufficient time for this transfer; do book taxis ahead to meet your mainline train.

In "normal" times, you can either purchase tickets for your heritage railway visit at Cholsey and Wallingford stations on open days, or if you're starting your journey from a local Great Western Railway-managed station, you can even obtain an inclusive "Through ticket" - just ask for a Wally Rover ticket at the GWR station ticket office. Infants (under 5) travel free. We hope this may return in future years.