In the heart of Oxford City Centre, The Head of the River offers a tranquil retreat. Enjoy lunch and dinner at its on-site restaurant, take in the views from the garden or unwind with a drink at its charming bar. With free in-room WiFi and helpful staff nearby Christ Church College and University of Oxford.
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
What's nearby
University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Christ Church College - 4 min walk - 0.3 km
Oxford Castle - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Bodleian Library - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
New Theatre Oxford - 13 min walk - 1.2 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
Joe & the Juice - 9 min walk
The Place to Eat - 8 min walk
Sticks'n'Sushi - Oxford - 9 min walk
The Old Tom - 6 min walk
Curzon Oxford - 9 min walk
About this property
The Head of the River
When you stay at The Head of the River, you'll be in a fantastic location, only a five-minute walk from Thames River 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 highlights at this eco-friendly inn include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travellers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English
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
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
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
Pets
Pets allowed*
Service animals welcome
Food and water bowls available
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
No on-site parking
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) 7:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekends
The Head of the River – This pub specialises in British cuisine and serves lunch and dinner.
Awards and affiliations
Eco-certified property
This property participates in Green Tourism Programme – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately GBP 10.00 to 15.00 per person
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 10 per pet, per night
Policies
This property does not have lifts.
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 that you 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. There's a charge of GBP 10 per pet, per night. 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 on-site 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 Thames River and 3 minutes' walk from University of Oxford. Travellers say that the inn is in a great location.
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The Head of the River Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.4/10
Amenities
8.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
16 March 2025
A wonderful last minute stay!
The staff were friendly and welcoming, the pub setting by the river is great and our room was perfectly appointed with comfy bed and pillows and premium teas & coffees. Breakfast was included and the offering was just what we like. We’ll definitely be back, a faultless stay.
Daniel
Daniel, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 March 2025
Great location and cozy
We loved our stay! It was close to the major sights as well as the bus station and right by the river. Such cozy hotel and comfortable beds. We had a family room which was a good size and we enjoyed the complementary tea and coffee in the room. Nice pub and outdoor space.
Rebecka
Rebecka, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
22 March 2025
Loved It
Great property in a great location - right on the Thames and a 5 minute walk to Oxford.
Scott
Scott, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 February 2025
Excellent
Great service .. very lovely room
Helen
Helen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
24 February 2025
Wonderful play to stay and eat
The Head of the River was a really nice place to stay. It was close to all key Oxford sites and easily walkable. Parking was a short shuttle to lot and cheap. The Inn has great indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Inn's food was wonderful. Breakfast was amazing with lots of options. The room was very clean and spacious. Everything you need is in the room including fridge with water. I highly recommend staying and eating here.
Verified traveller
3-night trip
8/10 Very good
16 December 2024
loved the stay
sienna
sienna, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
7 December 2024
Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
LYNN
LYNN, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 March 2025
Had a fab time and the staff were very friendly. We arrived at 2.30 so were told we couldn’t check in until 3 pm so we went to the bar for food and drinks. We were there until 4 so spent quite a bit then when we checked in we were then told we could have 10% off food and drink so my only suggestion would be to have this available as soon as people arrive as we had spent quite a lot.
Natalie
Natalie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1 November 2024
Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Lucy
Lucy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
10 November 2024
would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Bernadette
Bernadette, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 December 2024
Love this place, never fails.
Asha
Asha, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
24 November 2024
We had a great stay at The Head of the River. Our room was really comfy - and our dog Bert was made really welcome too. Breakfast was exceptional.
Melanie
Melanie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 December 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff. Bedrooms were very comfortable with excellent bathroom and shower - although floor of shower was a bit slippery. Lovely choice of breakfast. Can’t wait to return.
David
David, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
31 October 2024
Love this property, everything you could ask for. Great food, lovely room with such character, great breakfast. Close to all the top spots in Oxford and close to the railway station and bus drop off from London.
Helen
Helen, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 October 2024
Lovely
Lovely stay
Carl
Carl, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 November 2024
Great breakfast
Room very clean and comfortable, good view, quiet despite being next to a busy road.
Staff all pleasant and helpful.
Top quality complimentary teas and coffees. Lovely toiletries.
Great breakfast.
Would definitely stay again
Sally
Sally, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
8 October 2024
Enjoyed our stay in this unique hotel on the river Thames. Staff was very friendly and room cozy.
Michele Van
Michele Van, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
3 November 2024
Quick but perfect stay at Head of the River!
We enjoyed a 2-night stay at Head of the River. Fantastic location. Restaurant/pub on site was excellent—and the included breakfast was an added bonus. Staff was lovely! Beds were very comfortable and bed linens were high quality. Loved our stay and would absolutely stay again.
Kelly
Kelly, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
30 September 2024
Convenient location and walkable to town. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Larry
Larry, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
8 July 2024
Beautiful old inn on the river, great food and nice staff
Stephanie
Stephanie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 October 2024
The Head off the river is a stunning place to stay. The room is very clean and has everything you can need. The staff from the beginning were helpful and accommodating. The food at the restaurant had a full and great selection, and delicious.
Helen
Helen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
28 September 2024
Friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable room. Excellent pub/restaurant. No lift.
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
9 December 2024
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Elly
Elly, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
13 August 2024
Lovely rooms and pub in a beautiful old building. No on-site parking is a bit of a nuisance, but also understandable given the amazing location!