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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Riverwalk inn with a restaurant and a bar

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Photo gallery for The Head of the River

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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
  • Place, University of Oxford
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Christ Church College
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Oxford Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Oxford (OXF)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Comfy Room

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

Comfy Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

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

Indulgence Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double 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
(6 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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About the neighborhood

Oxford

Located in Oxford City Centre, The Head of the River is adjacent to Thames River and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like University of Oxford. This 19-room, 4-star inn has conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Inns in OxfordOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Christ Church College - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • New Theatre Oxford - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Bodleian Library - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Curzon Oxford - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Place To Eat - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Maya’s - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Pret A Manger - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

Riverwalk inn with a restaurant and a bar
Guests staying at The Head of the River enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide front-desk service during limited hours. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Espresso makers, phones, and ironing boards are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Tourism Program, 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 transportation

  • No onsite 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 (35 inches 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 washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (42 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 3 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

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 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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 a free cancellation option available at The Head of the River?

The Head of the River provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to see within easy reach of The Head of the River?

This inn is situated in Oxford City Centre, just steps from Thames River and Thames Path, and within a short walk of Oxford Town Hall. You'll also find Oxford Castle and Bodleian Library less than a mile away.

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

No, there isn't parking available at the inn.

Does The Head of the River include a casino on the premises?

No, The Head of the River doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Head of the River?

No, there is no indoor pool at this inn.

What do couples enjoy most about The Head of the River?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront inn include an espresso maker as well as a bar and a restaurant.

Does The Head of the River have a hot tub?

No, this inn doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Head of the River feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, The Head of the River serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at The Head of the River.

Will The Head of the River allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at The Head of the River for a fee of GBP 10 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at The Head of the River?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this inn.

How close is the airport from The Head of the River?

The closest major airport to The Head of the River is Oxford (OXF), which is 8.8 mi away (14 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Head of the River?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Head of the River.

Reviews

The Head of the River Reviews

8.6

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 351 out of 688 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 239 out of 688 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 688 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 688 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 688 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Louise

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

Christina

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

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

Great value for money, superb service.

This a great spot, with super kind service across the board at a very fair price point. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and it’s nice to have a pub within the hotel. We would happily go back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

MaryJane

Traveled with family
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 traveler

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

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Stayed 1 night in Jun 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

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

Christine

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
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

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew, Hamilton Parish

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

10/10 Excellent

Candice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Stayed 1 night in Mar 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

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

cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Traveled with family
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