Benson Base Information | Boating Holidays

Nestled in the banks of the Thames, which snakes its way through the lush green countryside of England, the village of Benson is in the heart of a tourist area, which combines heritage and history. Follow the "Kings Highway", the famous "Thames" and discover the varied landscape of meadows and hills, the small flower bedecked towns and their cottages of genuine Old England, creating an atmosphere of timeless charm.

View the routes from this base

Routes in a Google Map

At the Base

Base Opening Hours

Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat: 9am – 5pm.

Tue and Thu: 10am – 4pm.

Sun: Closed

Fishing

Fishing is allowed but the close season is between 17th March – 16th June. A Fishing License is required and is available from any main or sub post office, it is recommended that you obtain your license before you leave home. Cost is approximately £6.50 for a licence covering 8 days (children under 12 do not require a licence).

Parking at the Base

Secure parking onsite (pre-bookable extra – fee applies).
No van or trailor space.

Travel Information

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 https://www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe

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 (youll 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 airport

By Rail

Closest train stations:

Cholsey: 8km
Reading: 20km
Oxford: 20km
Didcot: 16km

By Air

Closest airports:

Gatwick : 120 km (M25)
London Heathrow : 61 km (M25)