8.2

1,649 reviews

Head of the River

Head of the River

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates , Oxford, OX1 4LB, United Kingdom

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Bar

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

River view

Garden

Head of the River

Welcome to the Head of the River Inn, located in the heart of Oxford, United Kingdom. Just a short 0.4mi stroll from the city center, this charming inn offers a unique and cozy stay for travelers seeking a memorable experience.

The Head of the River Inn boasts a stunning river view, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The inn features a restaurant and bar, ensuring delicious meals and refreshing drinks are always at your fingertips. Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast, included with your stay, while taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the terrace and garden.

With 1649 rave reviews, you can trust that the Head of the River Inn delivers an exceptional experience. The inn offers a range of amenities to ensure your comfort, including free WiFi, non-smoking rooms, and free toiletries. Families and pet owners will be pleased to know that the inn is both pet-friendly (with extra charges) and offers kids' meals (with extra charges).

Don't miss out on this delightful inn experience in Oxford. Prices start from just $184, making it an affordable and enjoyable choice for your next adventure. Book your stay at the Head of the River Inn today and make lasting memories in this beautiful British destination.

At the Head of the River Inn, you and your furry friend are more than welcome. With the inn being pet-friendly, you can bring your beloved companion along for the adventure. Simply make a request, and charges may apply. Now you don't have to worry about leaving your four-legged friend behind when exploring the charming city of Oxford.

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the Head of the River restaurant. With its traditional ambiance, this British cuisine-focused restaurant is the perfect place to savor mouthwatering dishes. From classic British fare to innovative creations, there's something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy a memorable dining experience without even leaving the comfort of the inn.

To make your stay as convenient as possible, the Head of the River Inn accepts a variety of payment methods. Visa, Diners Club, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro are all welcomed. Say goodbye to the hassle of finding cash and enjoy the ease and security of using your preferred payment card.

Closest airports

Luton Airport

39mi

London Heathrow Airport

39.3mi

Birmingham Airport

53.2mi

London City Airport

58.7mi

London Gatwick Airport

61.9mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Bar

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

River view

Garden

Free toiletries

Rooms

Double Room in Head of the River

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Double Room

1 Double Bed

150 sqft

Private Bathroom

Minibar

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

x4

+

x3

More details

Welcome to our cozy Double Room, perfect for a couple or a small family. At 151 sqft, this room offers a comfortable stay with a double bed, private bathroom, and top amenities including a minibar, coffee machine, and flat-screen TV. Smoking is not allowed, ensuring a fresh and pleasant atmosphere.

Superior Double Room in Head of the River

Superior Double Room

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

River view

Private Bathroom

Minibar

Coffee machine

+

More details

Experience a comfortable stay in our Superior Double Room, featuring a stunning river view, private bathroom, and modern amenities such as a minibar, coffee machine, and flat-screen TV. Perfect for couples or small families, this room offers a cozy space with hardwood floors and easy access to local attractions.

Small Double Room in Head of the River

Small, Double

1 Double Bed

130 sqft

Private Bathroom

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

Air conditioning

+

More details

Indulge in comfort and relaxation in our cozy Small Double Room, perfect for couples or small families, featuring a private bathroom, minibar, coffee machine, and flat-screen TV. Enjoy your stay with all the essential amenities, including free toiletries, a shower, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Family Room in Head of the River

Family

1 King Size Bed

1 Sofa Bed

170 sqft

Private Bathroom

Minibar

Coffee machine

Flat-screen TV

x8

+

x4

More details

Show 5 photos

Cosy

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Indulgence

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Comfort

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Comfy

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Guest reviews

8.2

1,649 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Loriann

9.1

July 2025

Charming, very well situated, lovely food, friendly staff. We loved our stay and the convenience of the location of having a nice restaurant downstairs.

There were a couple of problems with the lights in our room and the AC not cooling well in a second room in our group. It was a larger room though and a very hot couple of days. The staff were friendly about accommodating my gluten free needs, but it’s always nice to see several good options already on the menu. We were fine with the stairs, but guests should know there are lots of stairs to the rooms and they’re steep and narrow. The old building is so lovely and charming, but there are a lot of stairs.

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Abi

9.1

July 2025

The room was "Cosy" as described and was just what I needed after a long day in Court for work. It had everything I needed. The bedding and pillows were like luxury. The little desk area, was perfect for me to just finish up some work, and somewhere good to do my make up in the morning. The smart TV, with access to all the television apps you would hope for was great. The wifi was great/a good speed too. The discount for dining in the evening was great. All the food was super tasty. All the staff were super friendly. The shower/ bathroom was bigger than I was expecting and was lovely and clean, with all the products you need to wash/ start the day, including conditioner!! I would stay again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't like the location of where the room was, had to walk out to like a back area/car park however that is about me and being nervous having not stayed there before. I would have preferred to have been told about it only being stairs up to the room. However again, I think due to the selection of the "cosy" room and that these are simply where they are located. Once in the room I felt safe enough and was relived to see there was a main door to the selection of rooms. There were some dirt marks on the one bedroom wall, but I would say scuff marks/wear and tear, that wall only could do with a lick of paint. Probably not something that can be helped.

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William

8.2

May 2025

Staff were helpful and friendly; room was nicely decorated and super comfortable - not least the bed. Breakfast was very good - though see my comments below. Dinner was OK, but not particularly special. Tow path starts just around the corner, and I really enjoyed my early morning walks along the river with the dog.

I had a bit of a fight to get the music turned off at breakfast. I succeeded, but only after canvassing other guests; none of whom had any objection to having the music turned off, with one couple absolutely delighted at the idea. This is something of a bugbear of mine. Why is it assumed that everyone wants music throughout bars and restaurants, despite the fact that it has been established that noise is harmful to mental health? There is nothing to stop those small numbers of people who can't live without music from bringing in personal stereos; they might even get to listen to something they actually want to listen to, rather than having a choice, which is usually no choice - in other words just some random CD, or local radio - inflicted on them. Please give this some thought.

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Robyn

8.2

March 2025

The staff were lovely, friendly and helpful. The location was ideal, not only in terms of proximity to the center, but also due to the beautiful setting right next to the river. The food at the pub is also great so was nice to have that option of eating there on arrival.

There were a few cobwebs and dust in the room. There were also a few hairs in the shower, prior to us using it. The bedding though was clean and fresh. It would have also been nice to have our complimentary water replenished the second night. It was a pain to have to use the Park and Ride due to no availability of parking for guests (especially when you have luggage), but this seems to be common in Oxford.

🇬🇧

Samantha

8.2

January 2025

The pub itself is nice, good friendly staff. The room we got moved to was very nice, although it could do with some better sound proofing, as the windows were single glazed. The breakfast was good with lots of options, (although you have to pay for any hot drinks that aren't basic tea or coffee) The location was good, close enough to the main area with a 10 minute walk. There's no parking. We used the park and ride, and walked to the pub (there is a bus). Each room has its own heating control, it was nice to turn it up a bit for a while when we came back cold from walking. Our ensuite had a little motion sensor nightlight in it so you can see the layout of the bathroom in the dark.

The first room we were given had no heating. It was December, and cold but after a while, they offered to move us. The next room was warmer, and nicer. Was quite noisy at night due to single glazed windows. The room looked clean, but we found a couple of dog biscuits on the floor, which made me wonder how well it had been cleaned (we don't have a dog).

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Elaine

9.1

July 2025

Breakfast was good with plenty of choice from the cooked menu. The room was better than i expected and the bed was really comfy and the pillows the best I've found in a hotel. Nice en suite and very clean.

One thing at breakfast that could be better was the hot drinks. The coffee was in a flask so it wasnt particularly hot. Although a new flask was bought out, it still wasn't as hot as I would like. The hot water machine for tea seemed to be set as a temperature of 85, maybe this needs to be increased?

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Kay

9.1

September 2024

Location was good - took about 10 mins to walk into the city centre. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. We booked quite late so only had the choice of the family room, but this was lovely. It was spacious and the bed was very comfy. Nicely decorated and the ensuite was a good size and with a choice of rain shower or normal shower head. We had dinner in the restaurant which was lovely - nice ambience and good, well cooked food. The beer garden is great - right by the river and I would imagine is very busy on a sunny day. Breakfast was delicious - a very good full English with good quality ingredients. Eggs Benedict was good too. The only slight downside is the cost - it's not cheap, but it's Oxford, it's right on the river and it's a quality place. I'd definitely stay there again.

Nothing.

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Richard

10

March 2025

Great location for an overnight stay in Oxford. Right by the water with lovely views. Only a 10 min walk to town centre. Amazing beer garden where we had a lovely meal and was reasonably priced. Staff were really helpful and our room was perfect and well maintained with nice touches including a mini bar and good tea and coffee making facilities. Overall we couldn’t fault it and might definitely return one day.

Better coffee options for breakfast could be an improvement. Also parking is unfortunately not on site.

🇬🇧

Michael

8.2

May 2025

Lovely location by the river and Folly Bridge, nice views including the rowers and Salter's Steamers boat trips, took the 40 minute boat trip from the opposite side of the bridge. Interesting history, converted from old boat builder's warehouse. Lovely room nice and quiet. Not far from the colleges and town centre, Ashmolean museum about 15 minutes walk (max).

No parking, though did find somewhere to park nearby via JustPark app.

🇧🇪

Isabelle

8.2

February 2024

Location, charming/authentic place & bedroom, friendly and helpful staff, nice bathroom and shower, coffee/tee machines, small fridge... English breakfast & omelette, fish & chips... The terrace of the hotel was amazing, along the river, large and nicely arranged. Lots of nice walks around... (in the city, along the river or in the countryside).

We are used of queen or king size beds, but the one we got was 1.40m large. Very comfortable, but too small for us two. Maybe the other bedrooms have larger ones (to be checked in advance)? The bedrooms with a view on the terrace are noisy because of the single glazing and of the road just in front. The weather was fortunately still cold and the windows closed, but I guess the noise can be an issue during summertime. Not enough space to put your belongings (in the bathroom as well as in the bedroom). Only 2 coat hooks (no wardrobe, no suitcase rack). No lift (for those who have heavy suitcases... but it was not a problem for us.).

Points of Interest Around Head of the River

Attractions

Oxford Covered Market

0.4mi

All Souls College

0.4mi

Radcliffe Camera

0.5mi

Bodleian Library

0.5mi

Magdalen College

0.5mi

Sheldonian Theatre

0.5mi

Trinity College

0.5mi

Balliol College

0.5mi

Bridge of Sighs

0.5mi

University of Oxford

0.6mi

Blenheim Palace

7.9mi

Cogges

9.7mi

Burford

16.8mi

Highclere Castle

29.4mi

Dorney Court

30.4mi

Restaurants

Head of the River

Cuisines

  • British

Ambiances

  • Traditional

Amenities of Head of the River

Restaurant

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Bar

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

River view

Garden

Free toiletries

Stay rules - Head of the River

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Head of the River

Is it possible to stay with my pet at Head of the River?

Yes, you can stay with your pet at the Head of the River hotel. However, please note that you would need to make a request and there might be additional charges for bringing your pet along.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Head of the River?

Should you choose to stay at Head of the River, the doors are open for check-in between 03:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Kindly check out by 11:00 AM.

How much does a stay at Head of the River cost?

The beginning rate for stays at Head of the River is $184. Bear in mind that pricing can alter depending on room configurations and dates. For a precise figure, enter your stay dates.

What types of rooms does Head of the River offer?

The hotel offers three types of rooms: Double Room, Superior Double Room, and Small Double Room. All rooms are non-smoking and can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child. The room sizes range from 129 sqft to 172 sqft. All rooms have 1 double bed.

Which amenities can guests enjoy at Head of the River?

Guests at the Head of the River hotel can enjoy a leisurely stay and make the most of the amenities provided. One of the key features is the bar, where guests can relax and socialize. The hotel also has a restaurant on-site called Head of the River, offering traditional British cuisine. This provides a convenient dining option for guests who can experience the local flavors without leaving the hotel premises.

With the traditional ambiance, guests can have a cozy and warm dining experience. Whether they are looking for a hearty breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or a fine dinner, the restaurant caters to their needs.

In addition to the bar and restaurant, specific information regarding other amenities is not provided in the data. Hence, it is recommended to check with the hotel directly for further details on additional leisure facilities available to guests.

Does Head of the River have on-site restaurants?

Yes, the Head of the River hotel has a restaurant on site. The restaurant is called Head of the River and it offers a traditional ambiance and British cuisine.

Does Head of the River accept credit cards and cash payments?

Head of the River accepts credit cards as the primary form of payment. Unfortunately, cash payments are not accepted at this hotel.