"The food was phenomenal, especially the Sunday Roast."
Chloe W from United States
read full review
"This hotel, which is literally on the River and only a 5 minute walk to the start of the buzzing City centre, is a gem."
Juliatonkinson from United Kingdom
read full review
"We had a room on the river and it was perfect."
Corina Hawkins from United Kingdom
read full review
"Best hotel experience I've ever had!"
David N from United Kingdom
read full review
4-star riverside inn in Oxford
Enjoy riverside dining
Head Of The River offers a riverside terrace and a charming bar to enhance guests' dining experience. The kitchen serves seasonal meals with locally sourced ingredients, providing flavorful, fresh options. The on-site restaurant boasts a well-curated wine list to pair with each dish.
Centrally located accommodations
This hotel is located along the River Thames, placing guests within easy reach of historic Oxford landmarks. The location allows for effortless exploration of the university city, with attractions such as the Ashmolean Museum and Magdalen College just a short walk away. Each room includes contemporary amenities alongside traditional decor reflecting the essence of Oxford.
Versatile event spaces
Head Of The River includes event spaces suitable for both business and social gatherings. The hotel provides private rooms equipped for meetings, ensuring a balanced environment for productivity. For special occasions, the picturesque views of the river enhance celebrations hosted on-site.
Comfort for all guests
The hotel accommodates families with spacious rooms that offer ample space for relaxation. Children receive a warm welcome with specific offerings tailored for their enjoyment. The atmosphere encourages a friendly and inclusive experience for visitors of all ages.
Engaging local experiences
The hotel's convenient location allows guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. Nearby attractions include walking tours of iconic university buildings and the bustling Covered Market. Various outdoor activities along the riverfront attract both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking a leisurely afternoon.
Highlights
Dining: riverside terrace and seasonal meals
Location: River Thames, historic Oxford landmarks
Events: event spaces and private rooms
Family: spacious rooms with family-friendly offerings
“I found this inn's location remarkable, sitting right on the water with truly charming rooms that felt both comfortable and beautifully appointed. The accompanying dining menu and a popular outdoor terrace create a lively atmosphere, all supported by genuinely friendly and accommodating staff. It's a place that strikes a fine balance between its historic setting and a welcoming, laid-back vibe.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukoxfordshire
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 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Small Double Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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
No parking available.
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
Show more
Dining Onsite
At Head of the River, indulge in authentic British cuisine crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Experience the charming atmosphere of a traditional pub, complete with a spacious outdoor dining area and a selection of craft beers from around the globe.
Head of the River
British
Ambiance
A traditional pub setting featuring a spacious open area with cheerful blue tables and chairs surrounding a historic winch, complemented by an al fresco bar.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a rotating selection of brilliant craft beers and a diverse menu accommodating vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The talented chef team prepares dishes using fresh, local produce delivered daily.
Reservation
recommended
Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Friday: until 10:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Head Of The River Location
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
1.55 km
Castle
Oxford Castle
960 m
Museum
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
1.06 km
Museum
Pitt Rivers Museum
1.64 km
Market
The Covered Market Oxford
740 m
Tower
Carfax Tower
630 m
University
Bridge of Sighs
1.13 km
Landmark
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
960 m
Botanical Garden
Oxford Botanic Garden
1.17 km
Museum
Museum of the History of Science
1.18 km
Landmark
Magdalen College Deer Park
1.24 km
Landmark
Bodleian Library
1.06 km
Library
Radcliffe Camera
980 m
University
Merton College
840 m
University
Balliol College
960 m
Church
Exeter College
900 m
University
Trinity College
1.04 km
University
Brasenose College
900 m
University
The Queen's College
1.04 km
University
St Peter's College
1.04 km
University
St Peter-in-the-East
1.11 km
Gallery
Modern Art Oxford
610 m
University
University colleges
950 m
Landmark
New College
1.44 km
Nearby
Church
Christ Church
410 m
Broad Street
Sheldonian Theatre
600 m
Museum
Museum of Oxford
550 m
Museum
The Story Museum
550 m
Town Hall St. Aldates
Oxford Town Hall
550 m
Museum
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
600 m
Restaurants
The White House
350 m
38 Abingdon Road
The Alchemist Oxford
790 m
Unit RU7 The Westgate Shopping Centre Bonn Square
Victors Oxford
700 m
307 The Westgate Queen Street Unit RU5
Pho Restaurant
740 m
305 The Westgate Queen Street The Westgate
Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
720 m
309
Shoryu Ramen
680 m
134 The Westgate Queen Street The Westgate
Mowgli Street Food
590 m
1 Norfolk Street Unit 302 Westgate
Pizza Pilgrims
580 m
1 Norfolk Street Westgate Centre Roof Terrace RU12
Explore Oxford
Explore the Local Scene
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Oxford Castle
12 minutes' walk
A historic Norman castle offering guided tours and stunning views from the castle tower.
Christ Church
5 minutes' walk
A renowned college known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, featured in Harry Potter.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
13 minutes' walk
The oldest university museum in the world, featuring an extensive collection of art and heritage artifacts.
The Covered Market Oxford
9 minutes' walk
A vibrant market with local produce, artisan goods, and unique shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Punting on the River Cherwell
15 minutes' walk
A relaxing punting experience along the scenic River Cherwell with options for guided tours.
Cycling at Farmoor Reservoir
5 minutes' drive
Outdoor cycling surrounded by beautiful landscapes, with bike rentals available for thrill-seekers.
Yoga Classes at The Oxford Centre
10 minutes' walk
Invigorating yoga sessions in a serene environment, promoting relaxation and wellness.
The White House
5 minutes' walk
A cozy bistro serving hearty British classics and seasonal dishes, perfect for casual dining.
Victors Oxford
9 minutes' walk
Modern eatery with a lively atmosphere, specializing in international cuisine and signature cocktails.
Pho Restaurant
9 minutes' walk
Authentic Vietnamese dishes in a relaxed setting, known for its pho and vegetarian-friendly options.
Sheldonian Theatre
8 minutes' walk
An iconic venue for lectures and concerts. The architecture is stunning, making it a cultural landmark.
The Old Fire Station
10 minutes' walk
A vibrant arts venue hosting various performances, including theater, music, and comedy shows.
The Bullingdon
15 minutes' walk
A popular bar and live music venue with a laid-back vibe and events ranging from DJ nights to live bands.
Getting around
City Centre
Oxford 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 111 min · 73.5 km
London Heathrow (LHR) 118 min · 78.2 km
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 200 m
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exclusive rates right now!
Check Rates
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.
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.2/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Varied breakfast
Riverside location
Cons
Steep stairs
Limited parking
Room noise
Guest reviews
based on 1248 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.