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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Riverwalk inn with restaurant and bar/lounge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Front of property
Comfy Room
Interior
Comfy Room
The Head of the River offers a peaceful retreat in Oxford City Centre. Enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, relax in the garden, or unwind at the bar. Free WiFi in each room. Staff can guide visitors to Christ Church College and University of Oxford.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$322
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Comfy Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room

Cosy Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

Located in Oxford City Centre, a neighbourhood in Oxford, The Head of the River is near a train station and on the waterfront. Blenheim Palace and Tom Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Oxford Ice Rink and Waterperry Gardens. Millets Farm Centre and Didcot Railway Centre are also worth visiting.
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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 - 0.4 km
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • New Theatre Oxford - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Bodleian Library - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Oxford Station - 17 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 63 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Curzon Oxford - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Maya’s - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Place To Eat - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪George & Danver - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

Upscale inn near University of Oxford
Consider a stay at The Head of the River and take advantage of a terrace, a garden and a bar. The on-site British cuisine restaurant, The Head of the River, offers lunch and dinner. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this inn include:
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) and smoke-free property
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guest rooms at The Head of the River include amenities, such as free WiFi, espresso makers and free bottled water.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, heating and housekeeping

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.

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; GBP 10 to 15 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Head of the River

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Handrails in stairways (89 centimetre high)
  • Lever door handles
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (107 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 3 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 10 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately GBP 10.00 to 15.00 per person
  • Pet fee: GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is 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

Is The Head of the River pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of GBP 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at The Head of the River?

As of 19 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 17 Nov 2025 start from AU$321.68, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Head of the River?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Head of the River?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Head of the River?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is The Head of the River located?

Located in Oxford City Centre, this inn is within a 5-minute walk of Thames River and University of Oxford. Thames Path and Christ Church Meadows are just steps away. Oxford Station is 17 minutes by foot.

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Reviews

The Head of the River Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.6

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 343 out of 680 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 239 out of 680 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 680 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 680 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 680 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kristen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room, lovely breakfast, fantastic location next to the river.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location and staff. Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing rooms, great location, exceptional service.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

MaryJane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
This is the best boutique hotel in which i have ever stayed. The breakfast was excellent and the rooms well appointed. Lovely to be adjacent to the Thames. Unbeatable!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wow!

Very quaint boutique hotel with excellent pub and gorgeous flower boxes!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good food and the accommodation is great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bed and breakfast feel! Beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Katy

Great stay

Lovely riverside pub with well decorated rooms. Bed was comfy and nice pillows. Good selection of complimentary tea and coffee and nice to have biscuits! A bit noisy if you have a bar side room but other than that a great stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I cannot wait to return!

Our experience at The Head of the River was just perfect. The property was unique, ideally located, and oozing with great energy. The pub/restaurant was excellent and the staff was the absolute best. The rooms were lovely and comfortable. Cannot recommend highly enough!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samrah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful, laid back, clean, on-the-water pub with very charming rooms & great breakfast that was included in the room rate. Great dining menu, outdoor terrace always busy. Overall a very friendly & accommodating staff. Walkable to City Centre, Christ Church, Ashmolean, Botanical Gardens, groceries, train station, you name it! Loved it! Special thanks to Emms & the gentleman managing the guests on the outdoor terrace.
Room with a view
Charming exterior
Charming interior
Breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

LYNN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

sienna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
loved the stay
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good polite flexible service.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved It

Great property in a great location - right on the Thames and a 5 minute walk to Oxford.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Irena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location and delicious meals.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

vasvi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, quaint atmosphere!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location and walkable to town. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Asha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Love this place, never fails.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

veena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place to stay and relax
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024