Return Trip: Benson, via Oxford & Henley
Allow 7 to 14 nights
Stately Oxford captivates your mind as you admire the famous botanical gardens, an experience of the senses.
Itinerary & Activities
- Waterways:
- The Thames
- Lock types:
- Automatic operated by lock-keeper
Benson
This large, attractive village lies at the foot of the beautiful Chiltern Hills and it home to Le Boat’s main marina on the Thames. There is a village adjacent with a small supermarket, off licence and an attractive pub serving meals.
Dorchester-on-Thames
Dorchester-on-Thames is a village at the confluence of the River Thames and its tributary The Thame. It is ideal for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside by foot or bicycle. For something different to do, nearby Day’s Lock hosts the World Pooh Sticks Championships every spring.
Abingdon-on-Thames
Abingdon, a lovely market town, has some 56 buildings from the 17th century and prior. Evidence also exists of a 6,000 year old settlement, making this the oldest, continuously-occupied town in Britain. By contrast, it’s known for its MG car manufacturing and was one of the UK’s first towns to offer free wi-fi for all.
Oxford
Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, will inspire and enchant you with its architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Home to royalty and scholars for over 900 years, it is full of old buildings, many owned by the famous University. Excellent shopping, museums and tours will keep you busy for a whole day at least.
Wallingford
Wallingford, home to world famous crime writer Agatha Christie, is an attractive town that dates back to Caesar’s time. It has a wealth of independent shops, traditional English architecture, antiques shops, cafes and restaurants. It has featured many times in the quintessentially English TV series, Midsomer Murders.
Moulsford
A small, but pretty village which faces South Stoke on the opposite bank. South Stoke has a quaint church and a 17th century village pub. Neither village has any shops but the highlight in Moulsford is the famous Beetle and Wedge Hotel.
Goring
This pretty town sits between the Chilterns and the Berkshire Downs within a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. The Norman church of St Thomas can be seen overlooking the river and there are many shops, restaurants and bars to help while away a lazy afternoon.
Pangbourne-on-Thames
Pangbourne dates back to Saxon Times. Lord Nelson's Bo’Sun lived in Pangbourne and is buried at St James the Less church, built in 1660. The individual shops are full of character and the surrounding area is ideal for walkers, photographers and artists alike.
Mapledurham
Mapledurham is one of the most picturesque spots on the Thames with views of Mapledurham House and the country's last working mill, which still produces stone-ground flour. Mapledurham has one pub, The Pack Saddle, in Chazey Heath.
Reading
Famous as one of the UK’s top ten retail destinations, the heart of Reading offers much more than superb shopping. The Forbury Gardens, a nationally acclaimed Victorian formal garden, leads you beautifully to the ruins of Reading Abbey, an ancient monument and burial place of a King of England.
Sonning-on-Thames
Sonning-On-Thames is a picturesque riverside village with half timbered Tudor houses and is one of the prettiest stops along the Thames. Sonning Lock, with its colourful gardens, is lovely place for a stroll and the impressive arched bridge, built in 1775, spans the River Thames perfectly.
Henley-upon-Thames
Best known for its Royal Regatta, Henley is synonymous with rowing and attracts some of the world´s finest rowers. Just a few strides from the riverbank is the heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days.
Marlow
Marlow is a charming Georgian market town, spanned by an elegant suspension bridge. Marlow is the venue for the annual royal ceremony of 'Swan Upping' when cygnets are tagged, and for the Marlow Town Regatta, held in June. With its many restaurants and bistros, every month in Marlow has a holiday feel.
A great university
Come and visit one of the most famous university over the worl: the great University of Oxford.
Visit historic Dorchester Abbey
Local history lives in quaint Dorchester! See the Cloister Gallery exhibit at the abbey museum!
Amazing Reading
Stop here and take time to visit this huge city with its great patrimony, its typical restaurants, and shops.
Hear musical delights
Every Monday near Henley concerts sponsored by the Nettlebed Folk Club bill top rock and folk artists.
Play a sporting round of golf
Tee off at Wallingford’s The Springs Hotel and Golf Club, with 133 acres of parkland and pretty river views.
Catch your meal in the Thames
The River Thames is a real angling heaven. Roach, perch, barbel or carp, there is something for pleasure such for serious anglers !