Your Cruise
Updated information on front page – but you can keep an eye on things also on the Benson Ferry page on Facebook or on www.bensonferry.wordpress.com.
Ferret
The Benson Waterfront to Benson Lock Ferry (and vice versa!)
SERVICE WILL CHANGE FROM SEASON TO SEASON, DEPENDING ON DAYLIGHT HOURS.
This ferry carries foot passengers across the River Thames from the slipway near the Waterfront Cafe, across to the lock cutting at Benson Lock, and also from the Lock to the Waterfront!
We set the service up as the foot bridge across the weir at Benson Lock was damaged, and could well take 3 years to get it back into service! We knew how important the bridge was to Thames Path walkers, local residents and holidaymakers alike, to be able to walk down to Wallingford and beyond – and similarly, people coming from the other way, so the Ferry was put in operation.
The trip takes roughly 4 minutes, but allowing for people getting on and off and fares being taken – can take 10 minutes.
The Ferry goes back and forth across the river, between the hours of 9:30 am and 5:30 pm. These hours will change depending on the time of year as you can imagine! We have put signs up to inform you of current times.
We can only take up to 10 people at a time, due to regulations, so please be patient if the wait is a bit longer than normal.
Prices are:
£2.00 single trip
£3.00 return trip
Children under the age of 3 are free – over 3 and up to 16: Half price
We also do a ‘loyalty card’ which is for individuals: Cost is £12.00 for 10 trips
Dogs are welcome – and travel free.
The Ferry is manned by Volunteers! A great group of people, whose community spirit is 2nd to none – ensuring the Ferry runs, no matter the weather.
We keep the Ferry going as long as we can, hopefully in to the late autumn / early winter months, but when the weather is too bad, river in flood or minimal passengers, we have to reconsider things. Obviously we will let you all know as soon as possible if that happens, so keep an eye on this site or Facebook.
Ferrette
The Benson Waterfront to Benson Lock Ferry as needed – and further afield!
Carries foot passengers as the ferry, when needed, because of inclement weather!
Generally though, Ferrette is hired out as a day boat, for 2 hours, 4 hours or full days as required. A trip to Days Lock and back is 2 hours. You can however also hire her to go to places such as the Beetle & Wedge, or even Goring or Pangbourne
Again she can only take 10 people maximum per trip. This is for comfort reasons!
Prices:
2 Hours – £100
4 Hours – £150
Full Day – £250