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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Riverfront inn with restaurant, near Thames River

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Exterior
Garden
Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Front of property
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.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Main amenities (6)

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

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free toiletries
The current price is £116
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Comfy Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed - double
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Indulgence Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Cosy Room

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Espresso maker
Free bottled water
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

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  • Parking available
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About the area

Map
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
VISIBILITY

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
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk height (centimetres): 107
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Handrails in stairwells
  • Stairwell handrail height (centimetres): 89
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Lever door handles
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Step-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
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Housekeeping (on request)
STAR_OUTLINE

Special features

Dining

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.
MONETIZATION_ON

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 is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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

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

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, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent
Great service .. very lovely room
Helen, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
LYNN, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Lucy, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Bernadette, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Love this place, never fails.
Asha, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely
Lovely stay
Carl, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Enjoyed our stay in this unique hotel on the river Thames. Staff was very friendly and room cozy.
Michele Van, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Convenient location and walkable to town. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Larry, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful old inn on the river, great food and nice staff
Stephanie, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable room. Excellent pub/restaurant. No lift.
Paul, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Leigh, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful place to stay and relax
veena, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great location, quaint atmosphere!
vasvi, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Overall good stay
Hotel and bar was nice staff helpful just a shame that other customers had to ruin the experience for us but the staff went out there way to make sure we was ok Walls are very thin and can here other people talking /snoring The pub garden was beautiful to sit in, with the sun
susi, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

This place is lovely and very cute! It was our first trip to Oxford and the location was really convenient to the town center. The outdoor bar and restaurant is very charming and popular. The service was excellent- very friendly and helpful staff. Overall, excellent location, property and service
Meena, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great location and delicious meals.
Irena, 1-night trip