How to get to Benson

Benson is a picturesque village and civil parish in Oxfordshire, situated at the foot of the Chiltern Hills on the banks of the River Thames. This destination attracts travellers with its classic English atmosphere, historical architecture, and the peaceful landscapes of the United Kingdom. You can get here in various ways: tourists usually combine a flight with a journey by train, bus, or car via neighbouring major transport hubs.

There is no civil airport in Benson itself, so travelling by air involves flying to major international hubs. Tourists most often choose London airports (Heathrow or Gatwick), from where it is convenient to reach the cities closest to the village by ground transport — Oxford or Reading.

The airport in the city of Oxford (18 km from the destination) mainly serves private and business aviation, so it is rarely used for mass tourist flights. Proximity to major transport arteries allows you to quickly cover the final leg of the journey by bus or taxi.

There is no direct railway connection to Benson, but the region possesses a developed transport network. Travellers are advised to travel to major railway stations in the cities of Reading (20 km) or Oxford (18 km), which receive trains from many parts of the country. From these stations, you can easily continue your journey by bus.

For those who wish to get as close as possible by train, a convenient option is the station in the neighbouring village of Cholsey, located just a few kilometres away. From there, you can quickly reach your final destination by local transport or taxi.

Bus services are a reliable and scenic way to get to Benson. The most popular route runs from the city of Oxford: the bus covers the distance of about 20 km in approximately 50 minutes. This is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the views of Oxfordshire along the way.

There are also regular trips from the city of Reading (about 29 km), and the travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Buses run frequently, ensuring a stable connection between the village and the major cities of the region.

Travelling by car provides flexibility and allows you to plan your route independently. The fastest way leads from the city of Oxford: the distance of 19 km can be covered in just 25 minutes with free-flowing traffic.

The road from the city of Reading (24 km) will take about 30 minutes. If you are driving from the Brize Norton area (44 km), expect to spend approximately 40–45 minutes on the road. Travelling by car on the roads of the United Kingdom will give you the opportunity to see picturesque English landscapes.

Before travelling to Benson, it is useful to familiarise yourself with local features so that your journey is comfortable and without surprises.

1. Clothing and Belongings: The weather in England is changeable. Even in summer, it is worth taking an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, and dressing in layers is best.
2. Transport: It is pleasant to walk in the village, and buses are suitable for trips to neighbouring cities. Remember the left-hand traffic when crossing roads and driving.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Pound Sterling (GBP). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a little cash is useful for small purchases.
4. Health and Safety: This is a safe place. The single emergency number is 999. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the sign "Pharmacy".
5. Communication: The language of communication is English. Locals are polite and ready to help tourists.
6. Local Etiquette: Queuing is mandatory. Do not forget to say "please" and "sorry" — courtesy is highly valued here.
7. What to Avoid: Do not make noise in public places or try to skip the queue — this is considered a rude breach of etiquette.
8. Additional Tip: Be sure to visit Benson Lock on the Thames — it is an ideal place for a peaceful walk by the water.

By following these simple recommendations, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the English countryside and get the most out of your trip.