NORTHERN PUSH FOR THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE
You could be forgiven on arrival at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for believing it comprised only a well-appointed visitor centre, an onsite miniature railway, and a short section of demonstration track. Certainly, these are the parts of the attraction where the visitors spend the most time – however, there is a surprising amount more to be discovered at the 25-acre site that surrounds Quainton Road station.
Like many organisations, the Covid-19 pandemic affected the way Quainton was managed, with the introduction of a one-way system to help maintain distance bewteen customers. In doing so, the team realised that many visitors were discovering parts of the site they had never seen before. So, with the restrictions lifted, while they are encouraged to follow the one-way system, visitors are able to freely roam to get the most out of their visit.
The site is divided by the former Aylesbury & Buckingham Railway, with several sheds and the museum on one side of the line and the visitor centre, miniature railway, and steam rides on the other.
Explore 25 acres
The demonstration track provides a live steam experience for those who wish to travel, and The Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineering Society’s extensive miniature railway is equally popular with families. Quainton Road station preserves an example of a Metropolitan Railway station, while an exhibition gives an insight into the history of the Brill Tramway, and the site is dotted with unique examples of rail heritage.
The restoration sheds allow visitors a peek at the progress being made on returning locomotives to steam, the Buffer Depot Museum is a railway museum of Tardislike size, and the jewel in the crown is the visitor centre, which houses the shop, café and a display of locomotive and carriages of pedigree.
The Rewley Road visitor centre is an attraction in its own right, comprising the former station building that once formed the Oxford terminus of the Buckinghamshire Railway. Dismantled in 1999, Rewley Road was rebuilt at Quainton in 2001 and, in addition to the external exhibits, boasts
