X40, ‘River Rapids’, Reading to Oxford

Journey Overview

This is a wonderful journey cutting through the heart of lush Berkshire and Oxfordshire countryside on the ‘River Rapids’ X40.

As the x40 navigates its way out of chic Reading, there are splendid views of the Thames on Caversham Bridge, then some twisting and turning upwards to Caversham Heights. As Chazey Heath approaches, the scenery is more rural and increasingly so as it moves towards the delightful Woodcote.

The adventure becomes more remote with each mile passed, small hamlets of Ipsden and South Stoke are fairly close by but still some way and the X40 bus finds its way to Wallingford then cutting westwards slightly, edging past RAF Benson, through Sandford on Thames and over the River, with views on the horizon of Iffley Lock to the right out the window.

The scenery is a mix of industrialised and of varied residential architecture as Oxford approaches with all its prestige and glory. It’s back over the Thames for the third time on this fab journey on the X40 and with expansive greenery again on the right, towards Bog Garden and Waterlilly Pond in the far distance and the famous Serpent Fountain closer by, before the bus nestles its way into the bus station in Norfolk Street, right in the heart of this majestic University City.

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.