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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Riverside inn with restaurant, steps from Thames River

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Exterior
Comfy Room
Interior
Comfy Room

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is NZ$303
includes taxes & fees
22 Feb - 23 Feb

Explore the area

View map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
  • Place, University of Oxford
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Christ Church College
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, New Theatre Oxford
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Oxford (OXF)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Comfy Room

Comfy Room

Comfy Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room

Cosy Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

About the area

Oxford

The Head of the River places you in the centre of Oxford, steps from Thames River 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 New Theatre Oxford and Blenheim Palace.
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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

  • ‪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

Riverside inn with restaurant, steps from Thames 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.

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The price is NZ$316
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

  • 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: 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
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. 

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 16 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 22 Feb 2026 start from NZ$303.13, 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. 361 out of 699 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 240 out of 699 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 699 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 699 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 699 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

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

10/10 Excellent

Seyitnur

Stayed 1 night in Nov 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

Senem

Stayed 1 night in Nov 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

Michelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Head of the River is the perfect spot for a trip to Oxford. Nestled next to the river, it’s a picture perfect taste of the old world wirh really lovely modern bathrooms
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lancy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good
Stayed 1 night in Sep 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

Louise

Business traveller
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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 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

Christina

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

Travelled 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

Travelled 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