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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Eco-certified inn with restaurant and bar/lounge

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Interior
Comfy Room
Front of property
Comfy Room

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$380
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct

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, Oxford Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Oxford (OXF)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

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
Electric kettle
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
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
Coffee/tea maker
Free bottled water
  • 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
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
Coffee/tea maker
  • 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
Electric kettle
Espresso maker
Coffee/tea maker
Free bottled water
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin 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 eco-friendly 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. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and on weekends between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 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 Blenheim Palace and Bicester Village.
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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

  • ‪Curzon Oxford - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Maya’s - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪George & Danver - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Pret A Manger - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

Eco-certified inn with restaurant and bar/lounge
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The eco-certified 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
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • 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.

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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Reception

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  • Spa
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
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4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 683 reviews
The price is NZ$458
includes taxes & fees
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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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: GBP 10 per pet, per night
  • Food and water bowls are available
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra 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.

  • 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 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. 

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 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 19 Oct 2025 start from NZ$379.56, 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.

Does The Head of the River serve breakfast?

Yeah, cooked-to-order brekkie is on offer weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

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.

The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 342 out of 679 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 239 out of 679 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 679 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 679 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 679 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful play to stay and eat

The Head of the River was a really nice place to stay. It was close to all key Oxford sites and easily walkable. Parking was a short shuttle to lot and cheap. The Inn has great indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Inn's food was wonderful. Breakfast was amazing with lots of options. The room was very clean and spacious. Everything you need is in the room including fridge with water. I highly recommend staying and eating here.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 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

Darren

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

10/10 Excellent

Helen

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

Excellent

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

8/10 Good

sienna

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

10/10 Excellent

Asha

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

8/10 Good

malcolm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elly

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

rosario

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024