Benson

About

Benson, once known as Bensington, is a large Thames-side village in South Oxfordshire, a short distance from Wallingford, with a history dating back to around 10,000 BC. As well as a popular High Street and two pubs including the 18th-century coaching inn, The Crown Inn, Benson Lock is on the outskirts of the village and there are camping, lodges and eating facilities on Benson Waterfront. The River Thames played an important part in the life of the village, being a major trading route.

As well as a long history including a mention in the Domesday Book as "the richest royal manor in Oxfordshire" and a key site during the Civil War, there are many historic buildings. Parts of The Church of St. Helens date to the 12th century. A building is still known as the Court House from the time that King Charles I held court there during the Civil War. A tour of the village can be found on the local village history site. Benson Veteran Cycle Museum has over 500 cycles from 1818 to 1930 in its large private collection. The Benson Veteran Cycle Club annual rally on the first Sunday in July attracts hundreds of riders on veteran bicycles, followed by cyclists on modern bikes. The event was founded in 1960 by the club’s life president Ned Passey, now aged 95, after he saved a penny farthing being thrown out by his father. Open Apr-Aug by appointment only.

Benson Lock's history goes back into the late 1300s, when a mill and weir were recorded. The current lock was built in 1870.

RAF Benson lies to the east of the village between Benson and the village of Ewelme.

DID YOU KNOW?

The clock on the church tower has the nine o'clock marker painted as "XI". The eleven o'clock marker is also XI. This mistake gained fame during the Second World War when Germany's English-speaking propaganda broadcaster, William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) promised an air raid on "an airfield near the village whose clock had two elevens". RAF Benson was bombed soon afterwards.

Boating Holidays

Holiday Hire boats are available from Benson. Le Boat is Europe’s No 1 boating holiday company and provides a wide selection of boats, with different features and styles and sizes to suit any party size. Le Boat operates from two bases on the River Thames – Benson and Chertsey. 

During the summer months, Salters Steamers scheduled public cruises may stop here certain days of the week to pick-up or drop off. You do not need to pre-book. However, please check the schedule on the website to see if and when there is a service.