In the heart of Oxford City Centre, The Head of the River offers a tranquil retreat. Enjoy lunch and dinner at its on-site restaurant, take in the views from the garden or unwind with a drink at its charming bar. With free in-room WiFi and helpful staff nearby Christ Church College and University of Oxford.
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
What's nearby
University of Oxford - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Christ Church College - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
Oxford Castle - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Bodleian Library - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
New Theatre Oxford - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Getting around
Oxford (OXF) - 14 min drive
Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 63 min drive
Abingdon Radley Station - 10 min drive
Oxford Parkway Station - 11 min drive
Oxford Station - 17 min walk
Restaurants
The Place To Eat - 8 min walk
JOE & THE JUICE - 8 min walk
Pret A Manger - 8 min walk
Curzon Oxford - 8 min walk
The Old Tom - 6 min walk
About this property
The Head of the River
You'll be in a fantastic location at The Head of the River, just a 5-minute walk from Thames River and University of Oxford. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge. Other features include a terrace and a garden. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
19 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
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 time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
The Head of the River - This pub specializes in British cuisine and serves lunch and dinner.
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.
Fees & policies
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 20 per pet, per stay
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club
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
Does The Head of the River offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Head of the River does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Head of the River?
Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of GBP 20 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.
Is parking offered on site at The Head of the River?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at The Head of the River.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Head of the River?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.
What is there to do at The Head of the River and nearby?
The Head of the River has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The Head of the River?
Yes, The Head of the River offers British cuisine.
What's the area around The Head of the River like?
The Head of the River is located on the waterfront in Oxford City Centre, a short 1-minute walk from Thames River and 3 minutes' walk from University of Oxford. Travelers say that the inn is in a great location.
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Reviews
The Head of the River Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.0
Cleanliness
9.0
Location
9.0
Staff & service
8.4
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
Breakfast was excellent with a wide range of options, including hot dishes made to order and a buffet style continental. (44 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Location
River
Food
Bed
Pub
Shower
View
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 17, 2026
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
Susanne
Susanne, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 8, 2026
Gorgeous hotel , perfect location . Great breakfast and staff
Philippa
Philippa, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 12, 2026
Great hotel. Lovely room and decor and covered all the small things. Friendly staff. Amazing breakfast.
Leon
Leon, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 5, 2026
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!
Anne
Anne, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 9, 2025
great hotel, friendly staff and ideal location
Bhupinder
Bhupinder, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 16, 2025
Nice room, great location and at a competitive price. Staff were very friendly and the breakfast was good.
Jonathan
Jonathan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 2, 2025
Great room, lovely breakfast, fantastic location next to the river.
Kristen B.
Kristen B., 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 4, 2026
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.
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 3, 2025
Loved my stay here. Amazing location with riverfront views. Easily walkable to main attractions in Oxford. Would definitely stay here again!
Candace
Candace, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 13, 2026
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
Patrick
Patrick, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 3, 2025
Amazing rooms, great location, exceptional service.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 28, 2025
Good location
Robert
Robert, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 14, 2025
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.
GILLIAN
GILLIAN, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 17, 2026
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!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 1, 2024
Great accommodation with lovey staff and great pub !
Lucy
Lucy, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 10, 2024
would recommend & would stay again when in the area. room was clean and comfortable, food was good and affordable, staff was excellent
Bernadette
Bernadette, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 14, 2023
Great location, quaint atmosphere!
vasvi
vasvi, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 7, 2025
Historic building, very well located. The room was cozy and with a beautifull view to the river
Juan
Juan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 27, 2025
Bed and breakfast feel! Beautiful property.
Christine
Christine, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 7, 2024
Had a great stay at Head of the River this weekend. Hotel and staff were great.
LYNN
LYNN, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 27, 2025
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!
MaryJane
MaryJane, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Jun 3, 2025
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.
Katy
Katy, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 8, 2024
Beautiful old inn on the river, great food and nice staff
Stephanie
Stephanie, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Sep 12, 2025
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.
David
David, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 30, 2024
Convenient location and walkable to town. Staff was friendly and helpful.