"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@gmail.com 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
Historic riverside inn overlooking the River Thames and Folly Bridge
Location & Riverside Setting
The Head of the River sits on the banks of the scenic River Thames, offering direct access to a large terrace overlooking Folly Bridge. Oxford city centre and the famous Oxford University Colleges are a 10-minute walk away. Guests can walk along the river to the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
Rooms & Decor
Each bedroom is individually decorated, with some rooms offering river views, and all include a private modern bathroom with free toiletries. Select rooms provide bathrobes and slippers, and the Superior Double Room and Family Room include additional space with a desk area and smart TV. The hotel also offers themed rooms such as the Sir Roger Bannister room and the Michael Palin room.
Dining & Breakfast
A hearty cooked breakfast is served each morning, featuring local produce and seasonal ingredients, with hot options available until 11am. The evening menu includes roast lamb, fish and chips, and a selection of real ales, craft beers, and cocktails. The Sunday roast is a popular choice, and guests can also order from a diverse menu that includes vegan custard and a kids' meal option.
Pet-Friendly & Outdoor Spaces
Dogs are welcome with pet beds, water bowls, and treats provided upon arrival. The riverside beer garden and outdoor terrace offer seating with views of the water and swans, ducks, and geese. Boat hire for cruises and punting is available nearby, and the garden is a popular spot for al fresco dining.
Amenities & Entertainment
The on-site pub restaurant has a rotating selection of craft beers and a lively bar atmosphere with a large outdoor area. Guests receive a 15% discount on drinks at the bar, and the hotel provides ironing facilities, a fan in rooms, and fresh milk in the mini fridge. The property offers express check-in/out and is located within walking distance of the Oxford train station and Westgate shopping centre car park.
Highlights
Location: On the River Thames, 10 min walk to Oxford colleges
Rooms: Individually decorated rooms with river views
Dining: Cooked breakfast with local produce, Sunday roast
Pet Policy: Dog-friendly with beds, bowls, and treats
Outdoor: Riverside terrace and beer garden with boat hire
Extras: Themed rooms (Sir Roger Bannister, Michael Palin)
“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!
June 2026 - June 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
June 2026
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
July 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Head Of The River offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review 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
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,
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 exlusive 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 Head Of The River serves a full breakfast for free.
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 score
Based on 770 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
86 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free WiFi
8.3/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Varied breakfast
Riverside location
Cons
Steep stairs
Limited parking
Room noise
Guest reviews
based on 1405 reviews
8.8/10
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.
Kings Head Inn
The Store
Hotel Du Vin Henley
The Swan Inn Swinbrook
Banbury Wroxton House Hotel
Linton Lodge A BW Signature Collection Hotel
Shillingford Bridge Hotel
Cotswold Lodge Hotel
Courtyard By Marriott Oxford South
The Heyford Hotel
Royal Oxford Hotel
The Old Court Hotel
Hotel Old Lodge
Hotel Whalebone Ocean Cottages By Kees Vacations
Canopy Hotel Charlotte