A riveting River Rapids day out with terrific Thames Travel
A pre-journey taste of Reading
Start the day with a stroll down beside the Kennet and Avon canal in Reading town centre and then a peruse of the Queen Victoria statue next to the impressive Town Hall and a walk round Foxbury Park Gardens.
Join the X40 River Rapids bus at Reading Station Road (Stop SB)
It’s a fascinating journey, over the bridge with views of rowing boats on the Thames and into Caversham, past the elegant library. Up Caversham Heights the bus makes its way, in and out of the delightful village of Woodcote, close to Dorchester Abbey, next to the Thames and into historic Wallingford.
Alight the bus at Wallingford Market Place (Stop A) for brunch
Next to the bus stop is the grandiose The Old Post Office pub, which is a great place for brunch. Our favourite is the amazing American Waffle Stack, but the Chopped Avocado & Eggs is pretty good too!
Explore wonderful Wallingford
Walk down to the High Street to the Agatha Christie Bench, which celebrates the famous crime novelist and playwright who lived in the town for 40 years. Then, check out the independent shops, from books to antiques and much more. Soak up the calm atmosphere in Market Place, with the backdrop of St Mary Church and the Corn Exchange, which doubles up as a cinema and theatre.
Back on the bus at Wallingford, Market Place (Stop A)
Out of Wallingford the bus makes its way over the ancient bridge and touching the Thames at Benson Marina, through pretty Oxfordshire countryside.
Alight the bus at Nuneham Courtenay for Harcourt Arboretum
Explore the stunning woodlands with some of the oldest redwoods and a 37-acre wildflower meadow. The Arboretum is part of the tree and plant collection of Oxford University’s Oxford Botanic Gardens.
Back on board the X40 at Nuneham Courtenay
It’s a scenic journey, but more built up as historic buildings come into view on the outskirts of Oxford and the Science Park on the right.
Alight the bus at Oxford Westgate
The last stop is in the centre of Oxford, close to Oxford Castle and Prison, which is open for visitors and the Castle Quarter with chic shops and places for a swift pint.
Enjoy a trip on Oxford Sightseeing open top bus tour
There’s no better way to sample the scenic sights and history of this iconic City than on an open top bus tour, a few yards from where the X40 stops. Perched high above the streets, this 60-minute tour showcases the University heritage and green space havens that are so characteristic of wonderful Oxford, as well as the hustle, bustle, charm and amazing architecture.
A bit of retail therapy in Westgate Shopping Centre
There’s time for a peruse of the shops in the Westgate Shopping Centre. Boutique designer stores, books, arts and crafts, pubs and restaurants, there’s something for everyone!
Back on the bus River Rapids from Oxford, Westgate (Stop E1)
One last scenic sojourn and a leisurely but direct journey back on the X40 to Reading, across the pretty Chilterns, as darkness draws in towards the end of this fun-packed trip by the Thames!
Alight the bus at Reading Station Road for dinner at The Three Guineas
It’s been a great day and there’s no more convenient and tasty a place for dinner and a drink than The Three Guineas pub and restaurant outside the front of Reading station. The King Prawn linguine is legendary, so too the Tea & hop smoked haddock & salmon fishcakes! The Three Guineas is ideal for returning home to the many places served by bus a few yards away, including fast and frequent coaches to London Heathrow Airport and trains to major cities and towns across the UK.
The Three Guineas
Great places to visit if you are planning a longer trip!
Dorchester Abbey is a beautifully historic Norman church in Dorchester-on-Thames, renowned for medieval architecture, tranquil cloisters, stained glass and centuries of monastic and parish history, welcoming visitors today year-round events and services.
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Corn Exchange is a Victorian-era civic building in Wallingford’s market square, now serving as a community arts venue hosting theatre, cinema, comedy, music and local events within its restored historic hall. It’s at the heart of this wonderful town.
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Punting in Oxford is a traditional river activity where people glide along the River Cherwell or River Thames in flat-bottomed boats, propelled by a pole, enjoying scenic college views, wildlife, and relaxed summer picnics.
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