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

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 to 16:00
Sunday: Closed

Late Arrivals

If you are going to be arriving at the base late, you will need to inform the base directly or the general sales office where you booked.

When you arrive at the base there will be a note on the reception door informing you where your boat is. The boat will be left open for you to stay on board that night, but cruising will not be permitted. The base staff will do the full briefing the following morning.

When To Arrive

Your boat will be ready to depart for 15:00 - 17:00. We recommend that you arrive 60 minutes earlier for check-in and instructions.

If you have booked an Early Check-in Service, please arrive at the base from 11:00.

Upon Arrival

Our base staff look forward to welcoming you to their cruising region and aim to make your arrival and holiday as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

When you arrive our base staff will:

Give you a welcome booklet which contains important safety advice and contact numbers.
Ask you to sign documentation to show that certain information has been read and unserstood.
Take a Damage Deposit and Engine Hours Deposit.
Let you know what time to expect your pre-departure briefing.

Hotels and Restaurants

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

Extra Information

Supermarket

Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 08.00 to 19:00
Friday: 08.00 to 20:00
Saturday: 09.00 to 18:00
Sunday: 09.00 to 17:00

Fishing

Fishing is allowed but the close season is between 17th March – 16th June.

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).

Parking

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

Transport 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 www.theaa.com

The base is situated on the A4074 Oxford, in the direction of Reading Road. From London take M40 in the west direction to exit number 7. Then take the A329 in the direction of Wallingford. At Shillingford, turn right on to the A 4074 and follow the road to Dorchester. At the roundabout of Berinsfield, take the A415 and follow this road to Benson.

By Air

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

By Train

Closest train stations:
Cholsey: 8km
Reading: 20km
Oxford: 20km
Didcot: 16km