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Mon – Fri: 9am – 11pm | Sat: 10am – 5pm | Sun: Closed

Our base in Benson

Waterfront, Benson, OX10 6SJ
River Thames

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.

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Emerald Star base
Point of interest

View our Benson base on Google Maps

What you get on the base

Facilities

  • Toilets and showers 
  • Wifi
  • Luggage storage available (at own risk)

Local info

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

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 Old Post Office, Wallingford – Tel: +44 (0) 1 491 836 068

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

Grocery Deliveries

We recommend ordering and paying for a grocery delivery at sainsburys.co.uk. You can arrange for your order to be delivered to the base between 9.00am – 11.00am on the morning of your departure.

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 licence before you leave home. Cost is approximately £14.30 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

Travel to Benson

View our Benson base on Google Maps

By train

Closest train stations:

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

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 (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 airport

Parking

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

By air

Closest airports:

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

Approximate cruising times

From Benson it is:

Plan your days with confidence using our approximate cruising times for the River Thames.

Thames Guide

River Thames Region Guide

Curious about where the water could take you? This guide will spill the secrets of the region.

  • Must-stop towns and villages, plus local tips on markets, moorings and mouthwatering eats.
  • Cruise times, lock numbers and handy need-to-knows to help you plan your trip.
  • Region-specific info on moorings, locks, and facilities – so you’re always one step ahead on the water.
DOWNLOAD The River Thames region GuidE

Detailed Itineraries

Sometimes too much choice can feel overwhelming, so we’ve drawn on our 55+ years of experience and in-house expertise to create a collection of detailed itineraries exclusively for Emerald Star customers. Featuring handpicked routes, must-see attractions and local dining gems, they’re designed to guide you on your boating holiday and make planning easy.

Aerial view of Oxford cityscape with cathedral towers, historic university city near the Thames in Oxfordshire.
66 KMs 12 locks 3 nights

3-Night River Thames Itinerary: Benson to Oxford Return

Set off from Benson on a leisurely cruise on the River Thames, following a round-trip route along peaceful stretches of water framed by rolling hills and lush farmland. Your itinerary leads to Abingdon, a historic market town where pretty gardens, riverside walks and local museums offer plenty to explore. Continue on to Oxford, England’s famous city of learning, where centuries of academic tradition blend with lively cafés, galleries and stunning architecture along the water’s edge.
View Itinerary: 3-Night River Thames Itinerary: Benson to Oxford Return
Windsor - The Long Walk
148 KMs 35 locks 7 nights

7-Night River Thames Itinerary: Benson via Windsor Return

A cruise from Benson is the best choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the lush British countryside with its tranquil stretches of waterway and acres of open pastures, hills and farmland. On this 7 night itinerary you’ll travel as far as royal Windsor, with the opportunity to explore several iconic English villages and sights along the way, including Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and Cliveden House.
View Itinerary: 7-Night River Thames Itinerary: Benson via Windsor Return

Emerald Star’s Sustainability Plan

Our ‘Climate, Nature & Community’ plan includes our carbon reduction actions, our efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste, and our support for local nature and communities. Learn more about our sustainability efforts, including how you can play your part in preserving waterways for many generations to come.