The Head of the River

Property class: 4

Choose dates to view prices

Located close to University of 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. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
The current price is £167
includes taxes & fees
23 Aug - 24 Aug

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

Comfy Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(16 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Indulgence Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 172 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cosy Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 129 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Family Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi
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About the area

Located in Oxford City Centre, a neighbourhood in Oxford, The Head of the River is near a train station and on the waterfront. River Thames and Wittenham Clumps reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Waterperry Gardens and Millets Farm Centre. Millets Falconry Centre and Didcot Railway 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

  • A historic building with a clock tower and a well-maintained lawn.
    University of Oxford
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • A historic building with a central tower, surrounded by a large courtyard with a fountain.
    Christ Church College
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A historic stone tower with a clock, surrounded by trees and modern buildings.
    Carfax Tower
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A historic building with a large arched entrance, a tower with battlements, and multiple flags.
    Oxford Castle
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • An arched stone bridge with ornate details and stained glass windows.
    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
  • Black Sheep Coffee
    7 min walk
  • JOE & THE JUICE
    8 min walk
  • Art Café
    10 min walk
  • The Old Tom
    6 min walk

About this property

The Head of the River

  • Upscale inn near River Thames
  • Close to University of 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 property
    • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff and location
  • Room features
  • All guest rooms 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 is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Green Tourism Programme. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • No on-site 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 (89 centimetre 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 bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (107 centimetre 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

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 are 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 on 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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

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 does it cost to stay at The Head of the River?

As of 19 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on 23 Aug 2026 start from £167, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Head of the River?

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?

Checkout 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 River Thames and University of Oxford. Thames Path and Christ Church Meadows are just steps away. 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 selected 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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