Our base in Benson
About Benson
Benson is located at the quiet and rural end of the Thames where the river is flanked by rolling countryside and farmland and quaint villages. Moorings are easy to find and the distance between locks is slightly greater than at the river’s eastern end – which means more cruising. The dreaming spires and universities of Oxford is a 6hr cruise to the west of Benson. Or, head east and in 6hrs you’ll be in Henley-on-Thames, home of British rowing. Royal Windsor is 12 hrs from Benson.
From Benson it is:
- 15hrs (22 locks) to our base in Chertsey
What you get on the base
Facilities
Toilets and showers
Wifi
Extras & options for your cruise
The following extras are available to prebook or purchase locally at this base. A reduced fee will apply to items that are prebooked. Please see 'Vacation Extras' for more details about each extra. Restrictions apply.
Practical extras
Early check-in & late check-out
Boat cleaning
Parking - (see 'Travel info' tab)
Car transfer (see 'Travel info' tab)
Eco cleaning pack
Lantern
Top-deck cushions
Fun extras
Bike hire
Special occasion gift baskets
Opening hours
Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat: 9am – 5pm. Tue and Thu: 10am – 4pm. Sun: Closed | If there is no one at the base at a specific time during these hours, the phone number below will be diverted and an alternative number will also be displayed at the base.
Address
Le Boat Benson Waterfront Benson
Oxon
OX10 6SJ
Telephone
+44 (0) 1491 824 067
Travel to Benson
By train
Closest train stations:
- Cholsey: 8km
- Reading: 20km
- Oxford: 20km
- Didcot: 16km
By Road
Be prepared
It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local road rules and abide by them. Most European countries have a list of compulsory equipment that you must take with you. For driving advice and a list of the equipment you'll need, please visit www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas
Directions
The Benson base is situated on the A4074 between Oxford and Reading. From London take the M40 and head west, exiting at junction 7. Turn left onto the A329 and follow signs towards Wallingford. Stay on the A329, passing through Little Milton, Stadhampton, Newington and Warborough. At Shillingford, turn left at the roundabout onto the A4074 towards Reading. Follow this road for 0.9miles until you reach another roundabout (you’ll see a McDonalds and a BP garage ahead of you). Go straight over and continue for another 0.4miles. The entrance to the base is on the right hand side, look out for the sign that says ‘WATERFRONT’.
Car rental
- Eurodrive UK: Riches Sidings, Lower Broadway, Didcot OX11 8AG, UK (15 Min from the base)
- Oxford: Hertz Ferry Hinksey Rd, Osney, Oxford OX2 0ES, UK
- Reading : 6-8 Commercial Rd, Reading RG2 0QZ, UK
- Gatwick airport
- Heathrow airpport
Parking
Secure parking onsite (pre-bookable extra – fee applies).
No van or trailer space
By air
Closest airports:
- London Heathrow : 61 km (M25)
- Gatwick : 120 km (M25)
To book a taxi to or from the base you can contact the number below.
Triple A Cars’ (+44 (0) 1189 504 030 | [email protected])
Approximate price (4 passengers) from:
- Heathrow Airport £76
- Gatwick Airport £106
- Reading Train Station £39
Arrival at Benson
For more details about:
- when to arrive at our bases
- what to expect when you arrive
- how to prepare for check-in
- what happens on your final day when you return your boat
visit our 'arrivals' page.
Local info
We’ve been awarded the Visit England ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark. That means our operations meet Government and public health guidance on COVID-19 and that we have all the required health and safety processes in place to safely open. We look forward to see you.
Please note that payment of fuel, deposit & any extras booked and paid locally are required in the local currency of the base. Our bases accept credit card (Visa / Mastercard).
Hotels
The Crown Inn - Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 838 331.
The Three horseshoes - Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 838 242
The George Hotel - Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 836 665
The Boat House - Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 833 188
The Opium Den - Tel: +44 (0) 1 865 248 680
Restaurants
The Three Horseshoes – Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 838 242
The George Hotel – Tel: +44 (0) 1 865 340 404
Stoneys – Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 836 249
The Opium Den - Tel: +44 (0) 1865 248680
Shopping
There are restaurants, shops and a greengrocer all nearby. There is no bank at Benson but there is a cash back facility at the supermarket.
Supermarket opening times: Monday – Thursday 8.00am to 7.00pm Friday – 8.00am to 8.00pm Saturday – 9.00 to 6.00pm Sunday – 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed but the close season is between 17th March – 16th June. A Fishing Licence is required and is available from any main or sub post office, it is recommended that you obtain your licence before you leave home. Cost is approximately £6.50 for a licence covering 8 days (children under 12 do not require a licence).
Electric car charging points
In nearest village (Wallingford), 1,5 mile from base. (2,5 km)
'Pod Point' Lupton Rd, Wallingford OX10 9BS