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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Travelers can savor authentic British cuisine and drinks while enjoying the scenic riverside setting in this historic Oxford city location

Choose dates to view prices

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is ฿5,418
฿6,502 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

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

Indulgence Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Cosy Room

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

Cosy Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

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

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single 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. Thames River and Wittenham Clumps reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Waterperry Gardens and Millets Farm Centre. Millets Falconry Centre and Didcot Railway Centre are also worth visiting. Visit our Oxford travel guide
View more Inns in Oxford
Map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB

What's nearby

  • Oxford, United Kingdom
    University of Oxford
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Tom tower at Oxford university
    Christ Church College
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Oxford Castle Unlocked featuring château or palace, heritage elements and heritage architecture
    Oxford Castle
    9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Bridge of sign with the Sheldonian theatre background - Oxford, UK
    New Theatre Oxford
    11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Bodleian Library which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
    Bodleian Library
    12 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • The Place To Eat
    8 min walk
  • JOE & THE JUICE
    8 min walk
  • Curzon Oxford
    8 min walk
  • Pret A Manger
    8 min walk
  • Maya’s
    8 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:
  • 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 program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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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

  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 20 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
  • 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

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, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 20 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

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

As of 9 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 15 Mar 2026 start from ฿5,418, excluding 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.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Head of the River Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 368 out of 707 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 241 out of 707 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 707 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 707 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 707 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice room, great location and at a competitive price. Staff were very friendly and the breakfast was good.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved my stay here. Amazing location with riverfront views. Easily walkable to main attractions in Oxford. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

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

GILLIAN

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First and foremost, the hotel has lovely staff. Very helpful and very pleasant. Our room ovetlooked the river and wasvery comfortable with robes, nice Bramley toiletries, a good bed, a nespresso coffee machine and stocked fridge.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 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

Robert

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

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel, great location, beautiful terrace by the river. The room was super cosy and comfortable. Breakfast was more than adequate with a buffet style continental and hot dishes made to order. The only area for improvement would be the food at dinner. The menu was a little dull and the food 3/5.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 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

Lucy

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

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic building, very well located. The room was cozy and with a beautifull view to the river
Stayed 1 night in Jun 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

Bernadette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 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

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

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old inn on the river, great food and nice staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our rooms, very clean, excellent facilities. Little extras with quality teas, coffees etc. Good service, comfortable beds and pillows. Will definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Feb 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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Michele Van

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay in this unique hotel on the river Thames. Staff was very friendly and room cozy.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

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

Robert

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

Great Stay

Staff was extremely courteous and helpful!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Helen

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

Excellent

Great service .. very lovely room
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025