The Head of the River

Property class: 4
Riverfront inn with restaurant, near University of Oxford

Choose dates to view prices

You'll be in a fantastic location at The Head of the River, just a 5-minute walk from River Thames and University of Oxford. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge. Other features include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (5)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Limited hour front desk

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free toiletries
$148 nightly
The total price is $178
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Comfy Room

Room

Comfy Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(16 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

A bedroom with a bed, bedside table, lamp, dresser, mirror, and window with a view.

Indulgence Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 172 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Cosy Room

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window.

Cosy Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

A bedroom with a bed, a wooden wall, a window with curtains, a table with a chair, and a hanging light fixture.

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Christ Church College - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Carfax Tower - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • New Theatre Oxford - 12 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Oxford (OXF) - 14 min drive
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 63 min drive
  • Abingdon Radley Station - 10 min drive
  • Oxford Parkway Station - 11 min drive
  • Oxford Station - 17 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪Black Sheep Coffee - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pret A Manger - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪itsu - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Breakfast Club - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

  • You'll be in a fantastic location at The Head of the River, just a 5-minute walk from River Thames and University of Oxford. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge. Other features include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 19 rooms
    • Arranged over 3 floors

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Late check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

    • The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 9:30 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
    • If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets allowed (2 total)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation*
    • Pets must be supervised
    • Food and water bowls available

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • No onsite parking

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk height (inches): 42
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stairway handrail height (inches): 35
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Vibrating pillow alarm
  • Lever door handles
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Digital TV channels

Home comfort

  • Heating
  • Espresso maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Housekeeping on request

Special features

Dining

The Head of the River - This pub specializes in British cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Sustainability Certifications
This property is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Green Tourism Program. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.

Fees & policies

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 20 per pet, per stay

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club

Also known as

Head River
Head River Inn
Head River Inn Oxford
Head River Oxford
Head Of The River Hotel Oxford
The Head of the River Inn
The Head of the River Oxford
The Head of the River Inn Oxford

Frequently asked questions

Does The Head of the River offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Head of the River does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at The Head of the River?

Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of GBP 20 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.

Is parking offered on site at The Head of the River?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at The Head of the River.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Head of the River?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at The Head of the River and nearby?

The Head of the River has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near The Head of the River?

Yes, The Head of the River offers British cuisine.

What's the area around The Head of the River like?

The Head of the River is located on the waterfront in Oxford City Centre, a short 1-minute walk from River Thames and 3 minutes' walk from University of Oxford. Travelers say that the inn is in a great location.

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Reviews

The Head of the River Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently described as delicious, excellent, and generous with a range of options. (51 reviews)
  • The restaurant offered excellent food, great value, and a lovely atmosphere with a wide selection of options for breakfast and dinner. (36 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
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Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Location
River
Food
Bed
Pub
Shower
View

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We stayed in a family room which was good size and clean. Mattress of the sofa bed was a bit too soft, but the main bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was amazing! Staff were very helpful too.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Fab room. Has everything you need with a view. Helpful staff. Good food, drink and beer garden and terrace on river. Near town, v convenient.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We had a great time Hotel was excellent in every way room perfect & spotless, Staff were all friendly & extremely helpful, we celebrated our 56th wedding anniversary.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful spot overlooking the River. Very close to all amenities. Would highly recommend.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Gorgeous hotel , perfect location . Great breakfast and staff
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Really excellent location for exploring Oxford and the room had everything we needed. Staff were very friendly and accommodating, and the breakfast was excellent with a range of hot options and continental. Would definitely stay again.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

A fun, traditional, well-located hotel with a hopping bar and restaurant located right on the river (Thames or Isis, call it what you will) about 6-8 minutes by foot south of city center. Breakfast is included with the price of the room, and it's quite good. Not a fancy hotel by any means, this one does have a lot of charm.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

absolutely gorgeous hotel, the room was clean and well presented with a full coffee machine and kettle, the staff were lovely and welcoming and breakfast was really nice the location is beautiful too right on the river will definitely stay again
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

great hotel, friendly staff and ideal location
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Good English breakfast
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel. Lovely room and decor and covered all the small things. Friendly staff. Amazing breakfast.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

This is now my hotel of choice for stays in Oxford. Attractive, compact room with all relevant amenities, a really comfortable bed, and attractive views of the river. Breakfast was excellent. Service by the staff was also first rate.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Nice room, great location and at a competitive price. Staff were very friendly and the breakfast was good.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amzing stay! Everything you want at proper B&B. Cozy, comfortable rooms, great food and lovely atmosphere. Situated next to the river with a short walk to the Centre, it’s perfect for enjoying Oxford. Will definitely come back!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great room, lovely breakfast, fantastic location next to the river.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Fabulous location right on the river, had a great dinner on the terrace overlooking the boats and breakfast in the morning had a full range at the buffet as well as cooked options, went for the full English which was excellent. All the staff were friendly and informative and made us feel welcome. Our room had everything we needed including air conditioning as it was very hot when we stayed. There were a couple of areas in our room with thick dust on, the bed headboard and skirting boards in particular, the dark colour scheme shows up the dust. Also there was an ironing board in a black bag propped up against the wall on the way to the bathroom which I clattered into in the middle of the night as the bedside light didn’t work. Overall a fabulous stay though.
Verified review

6/10 Good

Great location, just outside the main high street and close to beautiful walking paths along the river. Also, surprisingly quiet. The only downside was the quality and price of the food. However, great place for a drink on the patio and lots of food options available within walking distance. Felt a bit sorry for the staff, they seemed overwhelmed and as a result, not very happy. Overall, would return if visiting Oxford again.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Charming and lovely hotel with delicious breakfast. Perfect location for walkability to city center and all sites in Oxford, and the indoor and outdoor pub/restaurant areas are very sweet. The "Family Rooms" vary, with some being too small for a family of 3 so ask about which room you will get, especially if your third person is an adult child. We would stay here again!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing rooms, great location, exceptional service.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Loved my stay here. Amazing location with riverfront views. Easily walkable to main attractions in Oxford. Would definitely stay here again!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Everything is wonderful. The only issue is the room is so tiny even we live in the family room. It is so hard to move around. Staff are very nice and helpful.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great location, quaint atmosphere!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

My husband and I had a wonderful stay. Loved the river view and the breakfast. The room was clean and comfortable. The only thing that could improve was the mattress which felt old and sunken.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Good location