A4074 Road

A Complete Guide to Visiting the A4074 Road in Oxford, United Kingdom: Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Why the A4074 is a Notable Route for Visitors

The A4074 road is a vital corridor stretching about 23 miles between Oxford and Reading, traversing the picturesque counties of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Known locally as the “13 Bends Road” for its famously winding sections, the A4074 is much more than a commuter route—it’s a journey through centuries of English history, scenic countryside, and vibrant local culture. Transforming from ancient Roman and medieval pathways into a modern road, the A4074 connects thriving urban centers, tranquil riverside villages, and outstanding natural beauty.

Travelers along the A4074 can enjoy historic landmarks such as Nuneham House and gardens, the atmospheric Dorchester Abbey, the bustling market town of Wallingford, and the scenic riverside communities of Benson and Shillingford. These stops offer a blend of heritage, leisure, and natural exploration. The route also grants access to the renowned Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, river walks along the Thames, and several nature reserves.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for navigating the A4074—covering its history, key attractions, travel advice, safety considerations, parking and public transport, as well as dining and accommodation options. Whether you’re planning a leisurely drive, a cultural tour, or an active break, you’ll find all the essential information here to make your trip memorable.

For up-to-date travel and roadworks information, refer to resources like the Oxfordshire County Council roadworks page, the Dorchester Abbey official site, and the Wikipedia page on the A4074.

Quick Contents

History and Development of the A4074
Route Overview and Key Segments
Major Landmarks and Attractions
Travel Tips, Accessibility, and Safety
Public Transport and Cycling Options
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Planning Your Visit: FAQs and Resources

History and Development of the A4074

Early Origins

The corridor now occupied by the A4074 has been in use since prehistoric times, forming part of trade and pilgrimage routes such as the Roman “Icknield Way.” In medieval times, the road facilitated the movement of people and goods between Oxford and the Thames Valley, nurturing the growth of villages like Benson and Wallingford.

Turnpike Era and Modernization

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the route became a turnpike road, funded by tolls and marked with milestones and tollhouses. Although the rise of railways reduced long-distance road traffic, the A4074 remained crucial for local connectivity.

In the late 20th century, the road was reclassified from the A423 to the A4074, with significant improvements such as road widening, bypasses, and enhanced signage—especially on its winding “13 Bends” section.

Route Overview and Key Segments

The A4074 spans from the Heyford Hill roundabout on the Oxford Ring Road to the A4155 near Caversham Bridge in Reading, covering about 23 miles (Wikipedia). Key segments include:

Oxford to Nuneham Courtenay: Start at Heyford Hill, passing through Sandford-on-Thames and Nuneham Courtenay, with lush river valley scenery.
Nuneham Courtenay to Wallingford Bypass: The road skirts Dorchester-on-Thames and the edge of the Chiltern Hills, offering views and access to walking trails. The Wallingford Bypass helps keep through-traffic out of the historic town center.
Wallingford to Chazey Heath: Through riverside villages like Benson and Shillingford, entering wooded, winding sections near Woodcote and Chazey Heath—known for sharp bends and increased accident risk.
Chazey Heath to Caversham (Reading): Descend towards Caversham Heights, ending at the Thames in Reading.

Further detail on junctions and bypasses can be found in the Wikipedia overview and Oxford Mail roadworks news.

Major Landmarks and Attractions Along the A4074

Nuneham Courtenay

Famous for the 18th-century Nuneham House and landscaped gardens, located in a village that traces its origins to medieval times.

Dorchester-on-Thames

A quintessential English village featuring the magnificent Dorchester Abbey, with roots in the Roman and Saxon periods. The Abbey is open to visitors daily (see Dorchester Abbey official site for hours).

Wallingford

This lively market town boasts Norman castle ruins, a medieval bridge, and literary connections to Agatha Christie. The town hosts regular markets and festivals (see Wallingford Town Council).

Benson and Shillingford

Riverside villages offering leisure boating, riverside walks, and classic English pubs. Benson is also home to RAF Benson, which occasionally holds public events (RAF Benson website).

Wittenham Clumps

A short detour from the A4074, these twin hills provide panoramic views over the Thames Valley and are open year-round (My Global Viewpoint).

Cholsey Marsh and Goring Gap

Nature reserves and dramatic river scenery, perfect for walking and wildlife spotting (BBOWT).

Shotover Country Park

Woodland trails and panoramic viewpoints, accessible from the northern end of the A4074 (Oxfordshire County Council site).

Notable Pubs and Inns

The Trout Inn at Godstow: Historic riverside pub (Komoot).
The Lock Inn: Popular for riverside dining.
The Beetle and Wedge Boathouse: Fine dining by the river.

Travel Tips, Accessibility, and Safety

Traffic and Roadworks

Congestion: Expect delays during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) and holiday weekends.
Roadworks: Check the Oxfordshire County Council roadworks page for up-to-date information.
Benson Relief Road: Infrastructure improvements are ongoing to ease congestion and improve safety.

Safety Advice

Winding Segments: The “13 Bends” near Berinsfield and Chazey Heath require attentive driving. Speed limits and safety upgrades are in place; always observe posted limits and drive cautiously (Let’s Talk Oxfordshire).
Cyclists and Pedestrians: Some sections have dedicated cycle lanes and walking paths. Use marked crossings and wear visible clothing.

Parking and Public Transport

Parking: Available in Wallingford, Nuneham Courtenay, and near popular attractions. Arrive early during busy periods.
Buses: The X39/X40 “river rapids” buses run half-hourly, linking Oxford, Reading, and key villages (GB Bus Routes).
Rail: The nearest station to Dorchester-on-Thames is Cholsey, with onward bus or taxi connections.

Accessibility

Most major attractions (e.g., Dorchester Abbey, Wallingford Castle grounds) offer good accessibility, though some historic or rural sites may have uneven terrain.

Public Transport, Cycling, and Walking

Buses: Frequent services connect Oxford, Wallingford, Reading, and intermediate villages (Wikipedia).
Cycling: The A4074 and its side roads are popular for cycling, especially near the Chilterns and Thames Path. Exercise caution on narrow and winding sections.
Walking: The Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trail are accessible from multiple points along the route, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and nature walks (Great British Bucket List).

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Wallingford BunkFest: Annual September folk music festival.
Abingdon Air & Country Show: Held in summer.
Dorchester Festival: Biennial arts and music event at Dorchester Abbey.

For event dates and details, consult local tourism sites and the Dorchester Abbey official site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are there tolls on the A4074?
A: No, the A4074 is toll-free and open to the public.

Q: What’s the best time to travel?
A: Avoid peak commuter hours; spring and summer are best for sightseeing.

Q: Is the A4074 suitable for cycling?
A: Yes, but use caution on busy and winding sections.

Q: Where can I find live traffic updates?
A: Traffic Update.

Q: Is parking available at attractions?
A: Most towns and villages have car parks, but spaces may be limited during festivals.

Planning Your Visit

To get the most from your journey:

Plan stops in advance for key attractions and events.
Check road and weather conditions before departure.
Download the Audiala app for real-time traffic and route updates.
Reserve tables at popular inns and accommodations during busy seasons.
Consult official attraction websites for opening hours, ticketing, and accessibility.

Conclusion

The A4074 offers an unforgettable passage through Oxfordshire’s heritage and natural beauty. Whether exploring historic abbeys, enjoying riverside walks, or discovering lively market towns, visitors will find the route rich with experiences. By planning ahead—taking note of traffic, accessibility, and event schedules—you’ll enjoy a safe and rewarding adventure.

For further details, consult the following official resources: