Princes Risborough: Railways, Trails and History

Princes Risborough and its surrounding area offer a range of reasons to stay: a circular walk through the Chilterns countryside, a traffic-free cycling route linking two towns, and rail journeys ranging from a heritage railway to services with Chiltern Railways. There are also historic places and destinations at Whiteleaf Hill. What you include in your plans depends on whether you are most interested in walking, cycling, rail travel or exploring history.

Walking Trails and Cycling Route

The Princes Risborough Circular Ridgeway Walk is a 7-mile circular walk through the Chilterns countryside. It follows the Ridgeway and the Chiltern Way, passing through nature reserves and historic sites. The stated distance and circular route help you plan a walk; conditions on the trail may vary. Check them before setting out.

The Phoenix Trail offers a different kind of route: a traffic-free cycling route between Princes Risborough and Thame. Along the way, there are artworks and views of the Chiltern Hills. The two options therefore have different focuses: the Circular Ridgeway Walk is a 7-mile circular walk, while the Phoenix Trail is a cycling route between two towns.

Rail Journeys and Train Services

The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway is a preserved standard-gauge heritage railway. It runs between Chinnor and Risborough and offers train rides with steam and diesel locomotives throughout the year. Check operating dates and booking options before travelling.

Chiltern Railways offers services from London Marylebone to Aylesbury or Banbury via Princes Risborough. Check the timetable before travelling to make sure your plans fit the services available. The heritage railway and Chiltern Railways services are two different rail offerings; check their routes and operating dates separately.

Historic Places and the Kop Hill Climb

St Mary's Church in Princes Risborough is a medieval and post-medieval parish church. The Mount is thought to be the likely site of the Black Prince's palace in Princes Risborough. The church and the historical interpretation of The Mount offer two different points of interest for visitors interested in the town's history.

For services, St Mary's Church is open on Sunday mornings between 8am and 1pm. Before visiting, check whether the church is currently accessible during this period.

At the Kop Hill Climb, more than 400 historic vehicles drive up the hill, and a further 200 vehicles are on display. Programme details may change. The Kop Hill Climb is a 15-minute walk from Princes Risborough railway station. The route goes through the town and uphill to the festival site; check access arrangements before visiting.

Whiteleaf Hill and Market House

In the area around Princes Risborough, Whiteleaf Hill has firm, level paths from the car park to the hilltop. They are suitable for most pushchairs, all-terrain buggies and wheelchairs. Conditions may change, so it is worth checking before visiting. The Cross Dyke on Whiteleaf Hill is also open to the public.

The town council's annual report from March 2025 states that the space beneath Market House is used every Thursday and Saturday by a local country market group and a fruit and vegetable vendor. As market arrangements may change, check the current days and times before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Hazlemere, Burnham, Fulmer, Long Crendon, Stone, Little Horwood, Easington, Worminghall.

For the wider travel overview: Buckinghamshire.