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The Head of the River

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

A riverside restaurant with outdoor seating, a sign reading "The Head of the River," and a bridge connecting to another building.
Comfy Room
A room with a wooden desk, a chair, a mirror, and a shelf with a box and a small plant.
A historic building with a waterfront view, featuring multiple levels with outdoor seating areas and a dock with boats.
A bar area with wooden furniture, hanging lights, and a bar counter.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is AU$344
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Comfy Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(16 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Indulgence Room

A bedroom with a bed, bedside table, lamp, dresser, mirror, and window with a view.

Indulgence Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Cosy Room

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window.

Cosy Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Family Room

A bedroom with a bed, a wooden wall, a window with curtains, a table with a chair, and a hanging light fixture.

Family Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Oxford

The Head of the River places you in the centre of Oxford, steps from River Thames and within a short 5-minute stroll of University of Oxford. Highlights at this inn include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .The Head of the River serves British cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. The inn's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a terrace and a garden. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. .Attractions within a 20-minute drive of this 4-property class Oxford City Centre inn include John Radcliffe Hospital and Blenheim Palace.
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What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Christ Church College - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Carfax Tower - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • 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
  • ‪The Old Tom - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Breakfast Club - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Pret A Manger - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Head of the River also features a terrace and a garden.

This 4-star Oxford inn is smoke free.

  • 19 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Head of the River offers 19 accommodations with espresso makers and complimentary bottles of water. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Standard Twin Room
Royal Oxford Hotel
Oxford City Centre
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 755 reviews
The price is AU$290
includes taxes & fees
23 Aug - 24 Aug
Royal Oxford Hotel

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
  • Vibrating pillow 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
  • 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

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: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

What is the cancellation policy at The Head of the River?

The Head of the River offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 30 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 26 Aug 2026 start from AU$344, 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.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Head of the River?

No, The Head of the River does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at The Head of the River?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves British cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at The Head of the River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Head of the River?

Furry friends are welcome at The Head of the River, with food and water bowls on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets.

The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 394 out of 745 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 251 out of 745 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 745 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 745 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 745 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really excellent location for exploring Oxford and the room had everything we needed. Staff were very friendly and accommodating, and the breakfast was excellent with a range of hot options and continental. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philippa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous hotel , perfect location . Great breakfast and staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
absolutely gorgeous hotel, the room was clean and well presented with a full coffee machine and kettle, the staff were lovely and welcoming and breakfast was really nice the location is beautiful too right on the river will definitely stay again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Octavia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect place to stay for a night in Oxford
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Arthur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a wonderful, quaint, little hotel. The hallways and stair cases are tiny, but the rooms are plenty spacious. I don't think there's a lift so be mindful if you have large luggage. The food in the restaurant for breakfast and dinner was amazing. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suyash

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good English breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is now my hotel of choice for stays in Oxford. Attractive, compact room with all relevant amenities, a really comfortable bed, and attractive views of the river. Breakfast was excellent. Service by the staff was also first rate.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bhupinder

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
great hotel, friendly staff and ideal location
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel. Lovely room and decor and covered all the small things. Friendly staff. Amazing breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amzing stay! Everything you want at proper B&B. Cozy, comfortable rooms, great food and lovely atmosphere. Situated next to the river with a short walk to the Centre, it’s perfect for enjoying Oxford. Will definitely come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Easy walking distance to town
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Felipe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Exelent Staffs Room Restaurant and Bar
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dorian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charming and lovely hotel with delicious breakfast. Perfect location for walkability to city center and all sites in Oxford, and the indoor and outdoor pub/restaurant areas are very sweet. The "Family Rooms" vary, with some being too small for a family of 3 so ask about which room you will get, especially if your third person is an adult child. We would stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay. Cute property close to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
What a great find in a beautiful setting. Staff were helpful and the food was good. Great location too. I would definitely recommend staying here if your visiting Oxford and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room and delicious breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was nice, good amenities. Shame it was so loud in the room next door and in corridors which meant we did not sleep very well. Nice breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed it!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is wonderful. The only issue is the room is so tiny even we live in the family room. It is so hard to move around. Staff are very nice and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Josephine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Pros: Great location, picturesque river view, nice large outdoor patio, cosy bar restaurant area, good breakfast, friendly staff. Cons: Room requires a thorough cleaning, very dusty with a musty smell, carpet should be cleaned or removed. Given the price paid the room was uncomfortable and disappointing.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026