Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat
Information About Benson, The Thames
Alternative Location: 
Things to do in Benson
Back to topWhy do we recommend stopping here?
This large, attractive village lies just 10 miles from Oxford at the foot of the beautiful Chiltern Hills. There is a village adjacent with a small supermarket, off licence and vegetable shop as well as an attractive pub serving meals
What is there to see?
Benson Lock attracts a wide variety of wildlife, including the kingfisher, red kites and owls, while the river here has its share of large pike, according to local anglers.
Is this place famous for anything?
One of the interesting facts about Benson Lock is not the lock itself, but the river. The distance between Benson and Cleeve Lock is exactly 6.5 miles - making it the greatest distance between locks on the Thames.
Insider Information
We are told by locals that the Crown Pub is best avoided at present as standards seem to have slipped. However, it is rumoured to be under new ownership, so we are hopeful that things might imporve.
Is there a market day?
No
Is there a public swimming pool?
No
Alternative: There is a small pool just along the tow path at Wallingford.
Is there a tourist office?
The nearest is the Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0EG Tel: 01491 826972
Is there a golf course here or nearby?
The Springs Golf Club Wallingford Road, North Stoke, Wallingford
Tel: 01491 836687. Set in 133 acres of parkland, this par 72 course borders the river, with 3 lakes and challenging wetland areas.
Are there any museums near here?
Dorchester Abbey Museum
The award-winning Cloister Gallery display, described as the best of its kind in the country, tells the story of the Abbey and picks out special features of the village of Dorchester-on-Thames. The attractive village buildings are regularly used as sets for period films and TV series such as Midsummer Murders
Location: High Street, Dorchester-on-Thames, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 7HH.
Opening Hours: The Old Schoolroom Exhibits are open daily 14.00 - 17.00 from Easter until the end of September. The Cloister is open daily from 08.00 to 18.00
Is there anything else worth mentioning?
The famous university town of Oxford is only 15 minutes drive from Benson. Tour buses run from Oxford to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace.
Eating and Drinking in Benson
Back to topBest places to drink an aperitif?
The Three Horseshoes, 2 Oxford Road, Benson
Atmosphere: 17th Century pub. Anyone over 5'9" tall - mind your head!
Contact Details: Tel: 01491 838242
Budget restaurant
Waterfront Café
Address: Benson Waterfront
Atmosphere: Relaxed atmosphere, taking advantage of the views over the river
Cuisine: Typical pub/café menu serving food all day. Full English breakfasts are served from 8am and daily specials are on offer. There is a bistro menu in the evenings and takeaways are also available.
Speciality: The café is well known for its impressive selection of homemade cakes and desserts
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08.00 -18.00. Saturday and Sunday 08.00 - 19.00
Contact Details: On the waterfront next to the base. Tel: + 44 (0)1491 833732
Moderately priced restaurant
The Three Horseshoes
Address: 2 Oxford Road, Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6LX - a short walk from base.
Atmosphere: Pub with food
Cuisine: pub food
Upmarket restaurant
You would need to go into Wallingford, just along the river for a larger selection of restaurants. At Wallingford there are a couple of Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants, as well as some attractive pubs which offer food.
Shopping in Benson
Back to topSupermarket
Somerfield Supermarket
24 High St, Benson, Wallingford
Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 08.00 - 20.00. Sunday 09.00-17.00
What other shops are there??
Benson village has an excellent range of shops including a supermarket, butchers, greengrocers, vets, chemist, doctors, post office and beauty salon.
Opening Hours: Typically 09.00 to 17.00
Practicalities at Benson
Back to topMooring
This is our base and there is ample mooring here at the quay.
Can I get water here?
Yes
Can I get fuel here?
Yes
Are there any waste pump facilities here?
Yes
Are there any public waste bins here?
Yes
Are there toilet/shower facilities here?
Yes
Is there a bank?
Nearest banks are at Wallingford, just a couple of minutes along the river. Lloyds TSB, 4 Market Place, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 0EH. Barclays Bank is also in the town.
Is there an ATM?
Yes
Is there a post office?
46 High Street, Benson, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 6RP
Is there a doctor?
Mill Stream Surgery, Benson, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 6RL 01491 838286. www.millstreamsurgery.nhs.uk
Is there a pharmacy?
Benson Pharmacy, 23, High St, Benson, Wallingford Tel:01491 838686
Is there a taxi company here?
Hills Taxis Ayres Yard, Station Rd, Wallingford, Tel: 01491 837022 or Busher's Taxis Chiltern View, Old Henley Rd, Ewelme, Wallingford. Tel: 01491 826161
Can I get internet access here?
Wallingford Library, High Street, Wallingford. Tel: 01491 837395. The library gets quite busy but you can phone ahead to reserve a 1 hr slot if you wish.
