Banbury Depot is a major facility operated by Chiltern Railways and received a £9.4 million upgrade in early 2023 to expand its maintenance capabilities.

Chiltern Railways and the Branch Line Society have partnered up for a special service.

On Sunday, 3rd May 2026, a special visit to Banbury Depot on a service titled ‘The Banbury Mountain Climber’ is set to depart from Banbury railway station shortly after 11:00 am.

Participants will travel into the depot on either a Class 165 or Class 168, with plans to cover all available roads before returning to the station at around 1:00 pm.

Standard class tickets are £33 with a discount for under-18’s.

The event will raise money for a Chiltern Railways team taking part in the Three Peaks by Rail Challenge, with all proceeds supporting Railway Children. A souvenir track map will be included for attendees. 

The project to upgrade the depot has delivered four additional sidings and around 950 metres of new track, enhancing the site’s role in train maintenance, stabling and cleaning.

The depot also supports the rollout of new Mark 5 trains on the London to West Midlands route and includes improved accommodation for staff working there.