Cholsey & Wallingford Railway - (Wallingford Station) — Attraction in South Oxfordshire

Way, way, way more to this than the website portrayed. Extremely happy we went to the military vehicle weekend. Obviously the weather played it's part in a very enjoyable day out at this lovely little railway. The event coincided with a classic car parade from the nearby fields, so it was a great day out altogether. At the railway there was a display of war themed vehicles, people dressed in period costumes with militaria of all kinds on display. And to cap it all, a live period singsong from the wonderful Fiona Harrison, which was excellent! All that said, I would definitely recommend a visit at any opportunity. The hardworking volunteers who run it were all extremely helpful, friendly and clearly happy to have so many people at the event. The railway itself is the whole of a former branch line from the Great Western mainline at Cholsey, where you can still join from the national Network. It mainly operates with heritage diesels, and you can ride as many of the trains you wish for £13 for adults and enjoy the lovely Oxfordshire countryside and wildlife. Something unique to this line is it's connection to Agatha Christie, who was a long time resident of Cholsey. St Mary's Church is her final resting place and a shortish 15 minute walk from Cholsey station. Some facts: Magnetic Totems: Apparently on order Ticket: Traditional small card - big tick Stations! Two - one with connection to the mainline a calling point between Reading and Didcot. Parking: At Wallingford. Good. Thanks to Lidl who let them use the back of their car park. USP: The happy smiling and waving drivers and passengers on the A329, which the railway crosses just outside Wallingford....

Could have been amazing, but unfortunately the start and finish were not great so made the experience much more unenjoyable. Firstly please don’t miss understand, the train journey for the polar express experience was fantastic, the staff and actors onboard were truly incredible. The kids loved it and even though we only went back and forth it was magical for them. Unfortunately the bus from the car park was over 30 minutes away, after almost two hours in the car, it wasn’t a welcome addition. Then worst of all, toilet facilities were shocking. That many people trying to use so few toilets that are so small you couldn’t fit an adult and child in a cubicle it was awful. PortaLoos would have been far better ( and at least 15-20 are needed) Then we waited soooooo long for the train with no information no communication. Another 30 minutes later we went to the platform and waited another 10 minutes for the train. The conductor came out and gave what I can only imagine was a wonderful and inspiring performance (but the tannoys didn’t works so almost no one heard it)

Again the train ride from here was superb, cannot fault, and that’s saying something for me.

The gift shop and “market” after could of been better organised as it was chaotic and then came the toilets again, not worth the 50 person deep queues.

Another very long and winding buss journey to the car park and we went home.

If your kids are patient and you like waiting around then I’m sure you would love it, but for us and our kids, not something I want to repeat without some changes to the organisation.

Also FYI they dealt very well with...

Attended the Christmas polar express event and it was absolutely amazing! Staff were fantastic, the actors were superb and the event was very well planned. The train just looked fab! Plenty of marquees for you to get in the warm, a bar for the adults, food stalls, coffee stand and a shop. Park and ride from Didcot parkway station worked really well. Just wanted to respond to a couple of one star reviews on here (I don’t work for the railway so views are my own… 1. If you turn up late for this experience, you won’t get on. It’s completely sold out. Regardless of why you are late. It’s not the railway’s fault. The park and ride drivers aren’t connected with the event. They will simply drive you there to speak to customer services. Drivers can’t tell you whether or not the railway will take you. 2. Premium Seats - now, if you have purchased these, you aren’t getting first class style seats. All this means is that you get a few extra goodies. So those moaning of ‘poor seats’ when paid for premium, you’ve unfortunately misunderstood the product you have purchased. One little grumble, but mainly to the other parents who were at the event. When on the station, please have patience. Stop asking other adults, ‘can you move out of the way’ so your little Johnny or Sarah can see! It’s packed folks!!!! You can’t move if you tried. I heard numerous adults asking other adults to move whilst I was there and this led to bad feelings. Just don’t do it! You’ll be on the train in no time...