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The Head of the River

4.0 star property
Travelers can savor authentic British cuisine and drinks while enjoying the scenic riverside setting in this historic Oxford city location

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Exterior - The Head of the River (Oxford)
Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - The Head of the River (Oxford)
Exterior - The Head of the River (Oxford)
Interior - The Head of the River (Oxford)
Comfy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - The Head of the River (Oxford)
The Head of the River offers a peaceful retreat in Oxford City Centre. Enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, relax in the garden, or unwind at the bar. Free WiFi in each room. Staff can guide visitors to Christ Church College and University of Oxford.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Comfy Room

A bedroom with a large bed, a wooden headboard, a nightstand with a lamp, a window with curtains, and a brick wall.

Comfy Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Indulgence Room

Indulgence Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Indulgence Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Cosy Room

Cosy Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Cosy Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 12 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

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

About the neighborhood

Located in Oxford City Centre, a neighborhood in Oxford, The Head of the River is near a train station and on the waterfront. Thames River and Wittenham Clumps reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Oxford Ice Rink and Waterperry Gardens. Millets Farm Centre and Millets Falconry Centre are also worth visiting. Visit our Oxford travel guide
View more Inns in Oxford
Map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB

What's nearby

  • University of Oxford
    University of Oxford
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Tom tower at Oxford university
    Christ Church College
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Oxford Castle
    Oxford Castle
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Bodleian Library
    Bodleian Library
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Bridge of sign with the Sheldonian theatre background - Oxford, UK
    New Theatre Oxford
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • The Place To Eat
    8 min walk
  • Pret A Manger
    8 min walk
  • JOE & THE JUICE
    8 min walk
  • Curzon Oxford
    8 min walk
  • Sticks'n'Sushi
    9 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

Upscale inn near University of Oxford
Close to New Theatre Oxford, The Head of the River provides a terrace, a garden, and a bar. The on-site British cuisine restaurant, The Head of the River, offers lunch and dinner. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this inn include:
  • Smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms at The Head of the River include amenities such as free WiFi, espresso makers, and free bottled water.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Electric kettles, heating, and housekeeping

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Tourism Program, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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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

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

Frequently asked questions

Is The Head of the River pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of GBP 20 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Head of the River?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Head of the River?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is The Head of the River located?

Located in Oxford City Centre, this inn is within a 5-minute walk of Thames River and University of Oxford. Thames Path and Christ Church College are also within 5 minutes. Oxford Station is 17 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Head of the River Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 381 out of 722 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 243 out of 722 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 722 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 722 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 722 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

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

10/10 Excellent

Suyash

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

10/10 Excellent

Philip

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

10/10 Excellent

Dorian

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

10/10 Excellent

Bhupinder

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

10/10 Excellent

Hua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is wonderful. The only issue is the room is so tiny even we live in the family room. It is so hard to move around. Staff are very nice and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Josephine

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Pros: Great location, picturesque river view, nice large outdoor patio, cosy bar restaurant area, good breakfast, friendly staff. Cons: Room requires a thorough cleaning, very dusty with a musty smell, carpet should be cleaned or removed. Given the price paid the room was uncomfortable and disappointing.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My husband and I had a wonderful stay. Loved the river view and the breakfast. The room was clean and comfortable. The only thing that could improve was the mattress which felt old and sunken.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One night stay, and ended eating and drinking in the evening at the pub with 15% off the bill. The room was very clean and no problems. Overall I would definitely recommend staying and will in the future book a Fullers hotel again
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved my stay here. Amazing location with riverfront views. Easily walkable to main attractions in Oxford. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

GILLIAN

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First and foremost, the hotel has lovely staff. Very helpful and very pleasant. Our room ovetlooked the river and wasvery comfortable with robes, nice Bramley toiletries, a good bed, a nespresso coffee machine and stocked fridge.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had a fabulous stay at Head of the river. We stayed in the hotel for food which was excellent value and great service. There was a selection of pastries, cereals and fruit for breakfast along with hot food which could be ordered. We stayed in a family room which was well appointed. Comfortable bed and a great hot shower. The only down side was the frosted glass door on the bathroom! It was a good job I was with very good friends as the door provided very little privacy! Please change it!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Historic building, very well located. The room was cozy and with a beautifull view to the river
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Bed and breakfast feel! Beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bernadette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

MaryJane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
This is the best boutique hotel in which i have ever stayed. The breakfast was excellent and the rooms well appointed. Lovely to be adjacent to the Thames. Unbeatable!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

LYNN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

vasvi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, quaint atmosphere!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel, great location, beautiful terrace by the river. The room was super cosy and comfortable. Breakfast was more than adequate with a buffet style continental and hot dishes made to order. The only area for improvement would be the food at dinner. The menu was a little dull and the food 3/5.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

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