The Head of the River

4.0 star property
4-star inn near River Thames

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Head of the River

Exterior
Comfy Room
Interior
Exterior
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, England, OX1 4LB
  • Place, University of Oxford
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Christ Church College
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Oxford Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Oxford (OXF)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

Comfy Room

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

Indulgence Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Cosy Room

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

Family Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Oxford

Central Oxford getaway .At this Oxford City Centre inn, you'll be well placed to visit River Thames and University of Oxford, both within a 5-minute walk. Thames Path and Christ Church College are also within half a mile (1 km).

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

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

4-star inn near River Thames
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Head of the River also features a terrace and a garden.

This 4-star Oxford inn is smoke free.

  • 19 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Head of the River offers 19 accommodations with espresso makers and complimentary bottled water. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

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

How close is The Head of the River to the airport?

The Head of the River is 8.8 mi (14-min drive) away from the Oxford (OXF) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Head of the River on Jun 21, 2026 start from CA $351, excluding 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.

Does The Head of the River have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Head of the River.

Does The Head of the River offer free breakfast?

The Head of the River does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Head of the River?

No, there is no casino at this inn.

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.

Is there free parking at The Head of the River?

Free parking is not available at this inn.

Does The Head of the River have a pool?

The Head of the River does not have a pool.

Does The Head of the River have a restaurant?

The Head of the River is home to The Head of the River, which features British cuisine.

Does The Head of the River have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this inn.

How close is The Head of the River to downtown Oxford?

The Head of the River is 0.4 mi away from Oxford.

The Head of the River Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 385 out of 732 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 247 out of 732 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 732 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 732 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 732 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Easy walking distance to town
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
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

Felipe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Exelent Staffs Room Restaurant and Bar
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
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

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
What a great find in a beautiful setting. Staff were helpful and the food was good. Great location too. I would definitely recommend staying here if your visiting Oxford and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was nice, good amenities. Shame it was so loud in the room next door and in corridors which meant we did not sleep very well. Nice breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay. Cute property close to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed it!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely room and delicious breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Nov 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

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

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

CHARLOTTE

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 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

Verified traveller

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

Lida

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good food and the accommodation is great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Head of the River is the perfect spot for a trip to Oxford. Nestled next to the river, it’s a picture perfect taste of the old world wirh really lovely modern bathrooms
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location and staff. Highly recommended
Stayed 1 night in Sep 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

Lucy

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

8/10 Good

Irena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location and delicious meals.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2022
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