Head Of The River Oxford Room photoHead Of The River Oxford Exterior photoHead Of The River Oxford Exterior photo

Head Of The River, Oxford

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From$209 /night
Check-in
01Sept
Check-out
02Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford
-
Close to the city center
Great
8.7
8.9
/10
4.2
3.9
/5

4-star riverside pub and hotel in Oxford

Location

Head Of The River is located on the banks of the River Thames, providing scenic views of the waterway. Just a short walk from the historic city center, it offers easy access to famous attractions like Christ Church College and Oxford Castle. The hotel is well-positioned for exploring the vibrant culture and education of Oxford.

Dining

The hotel offers an on-site restaurant serving a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy meals with views of the River Thames on the terrace or inside the stylish dining room. A selection of fine wines and craft beers complements the menu, enhancing the dining experience.

Rooms

Accommodation at Head Of The River includes well-appointed rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Each room features an en-suite bathroom and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms offer picturesque views of the river, enhancing the overall experience of staying at the hotel.

Outdoor Experience

The riverside terrace provides a relaxed setting for enjoying drinks or meals outdoors. Guests can watch boats pass by while soaking up the atmosphere on sunny days. The terrace is a popular spot for social gatherings and events, making it a vibrant part of the hotel experience.

Events and Functions

Head Of The River offers facilities for private events, including weddings and corporate meetings. The hotel provides a unique backdrop for celebrations with its picturesque riverside location. Event coordinators are available to assist with planning to ensure a smooth experience.

Highlights

Location: On the banks of the River Thames

Dining: On-site restaurant with locally sourced ingredients

Rooms: Well-appointed rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Outdoor Experience: Riverside terrace for dining and events

“The riverside location and uniquely decorated rooms stand out, offering a picturesque Oxford experience. Dining shines with locally sourced ingredients, complemented by a lively pub atmosphere. While some rooms may present minor drawbacks, the overall charm and prime location make it a worthwhile choice.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

Head Of The River offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Superior Double Room
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Small Double Room
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Head Of The River offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Head of the River invites guests to indulge in a delightful array of British cuisine, showcasing seasonal produce and heartfelt flavors. This vibrant pub is perfect for leisurely breakfasts, hearty lunches, and cozy dinners, all set against the backdrop of a charming boatyard.
  • Head of the River

    British
    Ambiance
    A spacious open area surrounding two bustling bars, complemented by cheerful blue tables and chairs in a lively boatyard.
    Key Offerings
    Enjoy a menu that caters to vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences, crafted with fresh ingredients from local suppliers. The rotating selection of craft beers adds an exciting touch to the dining experience.
    Reservation
    Not needed
    Breakfast: Monday to Friday 07:00 - 11:00, Saturday and Sunday 08:00 - 11:00; Lunch and Dinner: Daily from 12:00, with hours extending to 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Head Of The River Location

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford
Explore Oxford
Local Highlights Near Head Of The River
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Christ Church
Christ Church
5 minutes' walk
Famous college with stunning architecture and scenic gardens. Notable for its connections to 'Harry Potter' films.
The Covered Market Oxford
The Covered Market Oxford
9 minutes' walk
Historic market hosting local vendors and shops. Ideal for experiencing local produce and artisans.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
13 minutes' walk
Britain's first public museum with an impressive collection of art. Free admission and insightful guided tours available.
Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle
12 minutes' walk
Medieval castle with a rich history. Offers guided tours that explore its intriguing past and architecture.
Punting on the River Cherwell
15 minutes' walk
Enjoy punting along the river for a tranquil experience. Rentals available nearby, perfect for families and couples.
Cycling at Christ Church Meadow
5 minutes' walk
A scenic spot for cycling or leisurely walks. Bike rentals are easy to find, providing a great outdoor experience.
The White House
5 minutes' walk
Charming eatery known for local dishes and a relaxed vibe. Popular for its brunch and farm-to-table ingredients.
Victors Oxford
9 minutes' walk
Trendy venue offering a global menu. Renowned for its lively atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
9 minutes' walk
Modern Indian restaurant famous for its innovative dishes. Vegetarian options are available, with a vibrant setting.
Sheldonian Theatre
Sheldonian Theatre
8 minutes' walk
Historic venue offering live concerts and theatrical performances. Unique architecture enhances the experience.
Oxford Playhouse
15 minutes' walk
Renowned theater presenting various performances, including drama and comedy. Family-friendly shows are available.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Oxford 8 min  ·  2000 ft
  • Airports
    Gloucestershire (GLO) 111 min  ·  45.7 mi
    London Heathrow (LHR) 118 min  ·  48.6 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 11.95 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
19

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Head Of The River from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Head of the River enjoys a superb location right on the Thames, within easy walking distance of Oxford's key sites. Guests consistently praise the excellent breakfast, including the Full English option. Rooms are generally considered lovely and clean, some featuring river views and spacious bathrooms; however, a few guests have noted the absence of a lift. The hotel also boasts pleasant outdoor seating next to the river, ideal for dinner or drinks.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 783 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
86 %
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Free WiFi
8.2/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Great location
Helpful staff
Tasty evening meal
Cons
Minimal breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 783 reviews
8.4/10
based on 1290 reviews
8.7/10
john from united kingdom
Single
superior double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 13, 2026
6/10

mixed feelings about my stay

dirty bathroom no elevator
the room wasnt very clean. i found hairs in the bathroom and dust on the furniture. it give me the feeling that they dont pay a lot of attention to detail. also, there no elevator which was a pain cause i had a heavy suitcase to haul up several flights of stairs.
0 Helpful
Gordon from United Kingdom
Single
Superior Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 11, 2026
9.0/10

excellent stay

fabulous upgrade attentive staff
i found a superior double room on arrival, a fabulous upgrade. breakfast was delicious. the staff was great. i would not hesitate to stay again.
i noticed a lack of parking at the hotel. i needed to park the car over two kilometers away. then, i took a bus back to the hotel.
Rooms
9/10
the family room had comfortable beds. there was also a great hot shower. the room was well appointed for a comfortable stay, but there was a frosted glass door on the bathroom.
Location
9/10
the location is very convenient to visit nearby attractions. many monuments were accessible from the hotel. there were also public transport options easily accessible from the front of the hotel.
Facilities
9/10
the breakfast included a selection of pastries. cereals and fruit were available. you could also order hot food. the hotel restaurant has a calm atmosphere and variety of dishes.
0 Helpful
|
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Sebastian from Germany
Single
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 19, 2025
6/10

mixed feelings about this stay

noisy room firm bed
The check-in felt impersonal with no acknowledgement of my status. my room faced a noisy street. Soundproofing was minimal. the bed was unusually firm i did not sleep well. i found dining rules restrictive, impacting seating choices. staffing seemed stretched affecting service speed.
0 Helpful
Theodore from United States
Couple
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 16, 2025
9.0/10

Wonderful Stay by the River

great location river view tasty breakfast
The hotel location was great. My room overlooked the river, so beautiful. The staff was friendly, and breakfast each morning was tasty. I liked the cozy room and found the mini bar to be a great touch.
Service
8/10
Staff members were polite. They helped with directions and provided quick room service. I liked they remembered my coffee order each morning. They always greeted me with a smile.
Location
10/10
The hotel is near the river. It is also close to many shops. I found many restaurants within walking distance. The area felt safe at night.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast included fresh pastries. There also was a selection of fruits. The dining area was clean. The staff kept the buffet well-stocked.
Rooms
9/10
The bed was comfortable. There was a large TV with many channels. The room had a kettle and tea bags. I was happy I could make tea in the evening.
0 Helpful
|
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Stella from Italy
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 15, 2025
9.3/10

Riverside Romance

wide selection fresh fruit friendly staff
The hotel features a restaurant connected to the hotel. The food was delicious. The breakfast included a wide selection of pastries , cereals, and fresh fruit, with the option to order hot food. I found the staff detail-oriented and friendly. They contributed positively to my stay.
The frosted glass door on the bathroom provided very little privacy. It might be better with solid glass.
Location
9/10
The hotel has a fun location right on the thames. It allows for an easy walk into the central part of the area. On-site pub serves as a convenient meeting spot.
Rooms
9/10
The double room was well-appointed and cozy. I found the bed very comfortable. A great hot shower made the mornings refreshing.
Facilities
9/10
The on-site pub provided a great atmosphere. The riverside seating area was quite relaxing. Breakfast facilities were clean and fully stocked.
Service
10/10
The staff consistently. Their attention to detail really stood out. Any request was handled with politeness and efficiency.
0 Helpful
|
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Steven from United Kingdom
Single
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 30, 2025
9/10

riverside stay

generous breakfast riverside location
i found the included breakfast quite generous, offering a full english option. the location near the river provided an excellent view and easy access to riverside walks.
0 Helpful
Tom from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 24, 2025
7/10
attentive staff clean room convenient location slow breakfast service small room dim lighting
i found the staff attentive and helpful they addressed my needs quickly the room was clean and well maintained i especially appreciated the river view it was a charming addition to my stay the hotel's location near attractions proved very convenient.
i noticed the breakfast service was slow one morning it took a while to get my order the room felt somewhat small compared to what i expected the lighting in the bathroom seemed a bit dim i wish there was better illumination.
0 Helpful

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