X40, ‘River Rapids’, Reading to Oxford

Journey Overview

This is a journey that criss-crosses the Thames, straddling the River, sometimes close-by and never far away and combines cosmopolitan, upmarket Reading with historic, culturally bursting Oxford and with The Chilterns and its pretty villages and small towns in between.

Soon after leaving Reading station, the bus crosses the Thames, with lovely views of barges on one side, beside the Rowing Club and small boats on the other, before arriving in Caversham and the elegant looking library. Leftwards the bus goes, past Caversham Methodist Church and blossom tress abounding (this being a familiar theme of the entire journey when enjoyed in Spring).

Green fields herald the entry into Oxfordshire as Berkshire is left behind, a golf course on the left at Chazey Heath, the enticing Packhouse pub on the right. Trees then line either side of the road as the bus nestles into Woodcote, passing the Village Hall and the Red Lion pub. The bus then winds its way into the open road, with more fields as Ipsden approaches, over the River Thames, once more and into the Market Place at historic Wallingford, next to the eye-catching St. Mary’s Church.

Out of Wallingford and it’s over the Thames, yet again, with the Boathouse pub and restaurant on the left and lovely lime trees on the bridge, before the small village of Benson approaches and a delightful view of Benson Lock on the left side of the bus and the RAF Benson air-base and runway on the right. Horses are visible in fields as Shillingford emerges, then Dorchester, with the Abbey nearby and Nuneham Courtenay – where a Pottery is close to the bus stop by Harcourt Arboretum.

Oxford is getting closer and though the landscape is rural, it’s not long before historic and modern buildings become more prevalent, even if the streets have perfectly manicured hedgerows on both sides. The Oxford Science Park is on the right and the Kassam Stadium, home to Oxford United Football Club is on the horizon. There’s so many enthralling sights from the bus, including the Stour and Steady pub.

Very quickly the bus is plunged in the heart of Oxford City Centre, with the University buildings as a backdrop and the famous Castle, less than 5 minutes from the final stop, so too the Jail, which is now a very popular tourist attraction. It’s been a fabulous journey of entrancing contrasts and customary excellent customer service on the wonderful River Rapids X40.

A Fab Day Out!

A fab day out on the X40 ‘River Rapids’ bus can start with a leisurely breakfast in Reading. Head to the Three Guineas pub next to Reading station and a few yards from the bus a cosy café in the town centre, enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with pastries or a classic English breakfast. Once fuelled up, take an hour to explore Reading’s highlights on foot, ideally along the Kennet and Avon Canal which goes through the heart of the town. A stroll through Forbury Gardens allows you to admire the Victorian flowerbeds and the iconic Maiwand Lion. Pop over to Reading Abbey ruins, imagining the grandeur of this medieval site, or wander along the canal towpath, watching swans and narrowboats glide by.

After an hour of exploration, hop on the X40 ‘River Rapids’ bus bound for Wallingford. The scenic route follows the River Thames, offering glimpses of classic countryside and charming riverside villages along the way. About forty minutes later, you arrive in Wallingford, where you can spend around an hour and a half exploring. Start at Wallingford Castle, where the earthworks tell stories of Norman and medieval England, then meander through the town centre’s narrow streets lined with independent shops, cafés, and historic timber-framed buildings. Pause at the riverside, where boats drift lazily along the Thames, and soak in the village-like charm. For lunch, stop at a traditional pub such as The Crown at Wallingford, offering hearty British fare and riverside views—a perfect spot to rest before heading back on the X40 bus.

Back on the X40, the bus continues to Oxford, arriving with time to enjoy the city’s highlights. Begin with a stroll through the university colleges, like Christ Church and Radcliffe Camera, admiring their iconic spires and courtyards. Then board the City Sightseeing Oxford open-top bus for a full overview of the city’s treasures. From the bus, see Oxford Castle, Pitt Rivers Museum, and The Bodleian Library, while audio commentary brings the history of the “City of Dreaming Spires” to life. Hop off at spots that catch your eye, explore cobbled streets, or enjoy a riverside walk along the Thames Path in Oxford’s northern meadows. By evening, you’ve experienced the charm of three historic towns in a single, relaxed day, with riverside scenery, medieval history, and university grandeur all woven seamlessly together.