See all properties

The Head of the River

Property class: 4

Choose dates to view prices

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.
A bar area with wooden furniture, hanging lights, and a bar counter.
Room
A historic building with a waterfront view, featuring multiple levels with outdoor seating areas and a dock with boats.
A room with a wooden desk, a chair, a mirror, and a shelf with a box and a small plant.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
The current price is $201
$168 nightly
$201 total
Total with taxes and fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9

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
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Oxford Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Oxford (OXF)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Comfy Room

Room

Comfy Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(16 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)
  • 172 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

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

Similar properties

A hotel room with a shower, two beds with multiple pillows, a painting on the wall, and a window with curtains.
Royal Oxford Hotel
Oxford City Centre
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 769 reviews
$143 nightly
The price is $172
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Royal Oxford Hotel

About the neighborhood

Oxford

With a stay at The Head of the River, you'll be centrally located in Oxford, steps from River Thames and 3 minutes by foot from University of Oxford. .This inn is 10.8 mi (17.3 km) from Blenheim Palace and 14.7 mi (23.7 km) from Bicester Village.
View more Inns in OxfordOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Christ Church College - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Carfax Tower - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • New Theatre Oxford - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Black Sheep Coffee - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pret A Manger - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪JOE & THE JUICE - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪itsu - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Breakfast Club - ‬8 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

The Head of the River offers 19 accommodations with espresso makers and complimentary bottled water. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

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

Make yourself at home in one of the 19 guestrooms featuring espresso makers and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and coffee/tea makers.
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
At The Head of the River, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge.
The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
The Head of the River - This pub specializes in British cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Open daily.

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

  • 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
  • Vibrating pillow 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

Pets 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 at 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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 elevators

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

The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 412 out of 763 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 251 out of 763 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 763 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 763 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 763 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great time Hotel was excellent in every way room perfect & spotless, Staff were all friendly & extremely helpful, we celebrated our 56th wedding anniversary.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful spot overlooking the River. Very close to all amenities. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A fun, traditional, well-located hotel with a hopping bar and restaurant located right on the river (Thames or Isis, call it what you will) about 6-8 minutes by foot south of city center. Breakfast is included with the price of the room, and it's quite good. Not a fancy hotel by any means, this one does have a lot of charm.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good food and the accommodation is great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great location, just outside the main high street and close to beautiful walking paths along the river. Also, surprisingly quiet. The only downside was the quality and price of the food. However, great place for a drink on the patio and lots of food options available within walking distance. Felt a bit sorry for the staff, they seemed overwhelmed and as a result, not very happy. Overall, would return if visiting Oxford again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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