Chinnor Village is a vibrant and welcoming small community with ancient origins - the village seems to have been named after a man called 'Ceonna', who was reputed to have lived hereabouts in the Dark Ages. The older parts of the village are mainly based around the four roads of Station Road, Church Road, High Street and Lower Road. Industries based in and around Chinnor have previously included lacemaking, chairmaking and agriculture, and until 1999 there was a large cement works whose tall belching chimney and associated deep quarries were well-known local landmarks.
Before starting or having finished your steam train journey at Chinnor station - then what else is available in Chinnor village that just may be good to take a peek at - or simply take a stroll and have a look around?
Parts of Chinnor, including the railway station, have been used as locations in the popular Midsomer Murders TV series and these include The Made to Measure Murders and Death in a Chocolate Box (and see Wainhill, which is a little further up the Line). Opposite the station are the now defunct quarries which dramatic backdrop has been used in filming and for example, during April 2002 villagers had to get used to the sound of explosions and machine gun fire - the quarries and now demolished cement works were used to film part of the opening hovercraft sequence in the Bond movie, Die Another Day.
Parts of St. Andrew's Church date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, although the greater part dates from the 14th century. It is only 10 minutes stroll from the station and of particular note is a wooden screen which is reputed to be the sixth oldest in England. St Andrew's also has one of the largest collections of monumental brasses in the country.
One particular attraction which we think is well worth a visit is the recently restored Chinnor Windmill and it is an 18-minute gentle stroll from the station. The restoration team are generally available at the Windmill on the first and third Sundays of the month between 10.00 and 15.00 and they always make visitors feel very welcome (but do see here for the most up to date opening times).
If you are looking for something to eat or drink on your stroll around Chinnor Village, then do call in at the Chinnor Village Centre (not open on Sundays). Alternatively, the nearest pub' to the station is The Crown P.H. - no website but TripAdvisor seems mostly favourable and you can stroll there in just 5 minutes - there is a restaurant section and reasonably priced bar meals are served - if you are thinking of taking a Sunday Lunch then it is probably best to book in advance. Alternatively, only 11 minutes walk away is The Wheatsheaf P.H. who are specialists in South African cuisine and beers (no passport required!). The third pub' in Chinnor is The Red Lion, which under new management now has some great TripAdvisor reviews and still only 13 minutes walk from the station.
If you enjoy walking, then either before or after your heritage train ride why not take a gentle stroll on a Chinnor Circular Walk. The Chilterns Conservation Board also suggests both short and long self guided walks along local rights of way whereby you go past flower rich chalk pits and holloways and through beech woodland. You can also break your walk with refreshments at an attractive local pub such as at The Peacock Country Inn in the nearby hamlet of Henton. You can also walk along on Chinnor Hill to get stunning views over the Vale of Aylesbury and see the Railway in the landscape.