"The location is exceeded only by the excellent customer service provided by the staff."
Ian from United Kingdom
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"The roasts were outstanding. I went for the pork and my girlfriend had the chicken - both were cooked to perfection with crispy crackling/skin, juicy meat, and all the classic trimmings."
Ryan Smith from United Kingdom
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"We had a lovely Sunday roast, sitting at a table by the river."
VayaConDiosAmigo from United Kingdom
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"This place is a gem. Supremely comfortable beds, brilliant breakfast, central for exploring Oxford and the staff can not do enough to help you."
Kathryn L from United Kingdom
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"The view to the Thames is really nice."
Fengting from Taiwan
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Traditional riverside inn with boutique rooms and river views in Oxford
Riverside Location & Terrace
Head Of The River sits on the banks of the River Thames, a 10-minute walk from Oxford city centre. The riverside terrace offers al fresco dining and relaxation with direct views of the water. Boats and swans pass by while guests enjoy drinks from the extensive menu of real ales, cocktails, and craft beers.
Dining & Breakfast
Each morning, a hearty cooked breakfast is served using local produce and seasonal ingredients. The evening menu features locally sourced dishes such as beer-battered haddock and roast lamb. The bar offers a rotating selection of craft beers and a full range of gins alongside a stylish restaurant.
Boutique Rooms
The 19 bedrooms are individually decorated, with some offering river views and luxury bedding. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, a private modern bathroom with free toiletries, and tea and coffee facilities. Selected rooms provide bathrobes, slippers, and fresh milk in a mini fridge.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Upon request, the hotel welcomes dogs and provides a dog bed, water bowl, and treats. Pet bowls are available, and the outdoor terrace is dog-friendly. The hotel charges no extra fee for pets but requires advance notice.
Nearby Attractions & Walks
Christ Church and Oxford University Colleges are within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Ashmolean Museum and Bodleian Library are also reachable on foot. Guests can walk through Christ Church meadows directly behind the hotel for a scenic riverside route into the city centre.
Highlights
Location: On the River Thames, 10 min walk to Oxford city centre
Rooms: 19 individually decorated rooms with river views
Dining: Hearty cooked breakfast with local produce; evening menu with seasonal ingredients
Pet Policy: Dog beds, water bowls, and treats on request
Bar: Rotating craft beers, real ales, and cocktails on the riverside terrace
Must-do experiences
Stroll along the River Thames and spot the Radcliffe Camera.
Visit the Ashmolean Museum for world-class art collections.
Try the Oxford sausage at a local butcher for authentic flavor.
Explore the Covered Market for unique shops and delicious treats.
Take a punting tour on the Cherwell for a relaxing afternoon.
Select your room type
Head Of The River features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
Superior Double Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
16 m²
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Small Double Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Head Of The River provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Services
Pet amenities available
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Head Of The River: Location in England
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
1.55 km
Castle
Oxford Castle
960 m
Museum
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
1.06 km
Museum
Pitt Rivers Museum
1.64 km
Market
The Covered Market Oxford
740 m
Tower
Carfax Tower
630 m
University
Bridge of Sighs
1.13 km
Landmark
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
960 m
Botanical Garden
Oxford Botanic Garden
1.17 km
Museum
Museum of the History of Science
1.18 km
Landmark
Magdalen College Deer Park
1.24 km
Landmark
Bodleian Library
1.06 km
Library
Radcliffe Camera
980 m
University
Merton College
840 m
University
Balliol College
960 m
Church
Exeter College
900 m
University
Trinity College
1.04 km
University
Brasenose College
900 m
University
The Queen's College
1.04 km
University
St Peter's College
1.04 km
University
St Peter-in-the-East
1.11 km
Gallery
Modern Art Oxford
610 m
University
University colleges
950 m
Landmark
New College
1.44 km
Nearby
Church
Christ Church
410 m
Broad Street
Sheldonian Theatre
600 m
Museum
Museum of Oxford
550 m
Museum
The Story Museum
550 m
Town Hall St. Aldates
Oxford Town Hall
550 m
Museum
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
600 m
Restaurants
The White House
350 m
38 Abingdon Road
The Alchemist Oxford
790 m
Unit RU7 The Westgate Shopping Centre Bonn Square
Victors Oxford
700 m
307 The Westgate Queen Street Unit RU5
Pho Restaurant
740 m
305 The Westgate Queen Street The Westgate
Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
720 m
309
Shoryu Ramen
680 m
134 The Westgate Queen Street The Westgate
Mowgli Street Food
590 m
1 Norfolk Street Unit 302 Westgate
Pizza Pilgrims
580 m
1 Norfolk Street Westgate Centre Roof Terrace RU12
Explore Oxford
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Christ Church
5 minutes' walk
A stunning college known for its history, architecture, and as a filming location for Harry Potter.
The Covered Market Oxford
9 minutes' walk
A bustling market featuring local produce, unique shops, and delightful cafes with a vibrant atmosphere.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
13 minutes' walk
The oldest public museum in the UK, housing a vast collection of art and antiquities, with free admission.
Oxford Botanic Garden
15 minutes' walk
A beautiful botanical garden showcasing diverse plant species, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Cycling along the Thames Path
10 minutes' ride
Enjoy scenic views on a bike ride along the Thames Path. Rental bikes available nearby.
Yoga at the Oxford Botanic Garden
15 minutes' walk
Weekly outdoor yoga sessions in a tranquil setting. Suitable for all levels; pre-booking is recommended.
The White House
5 minutes' walk
A cozy eatery offering classic British fare with a friendly atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Victors Oxford
9 minutes' walk
Trendy dining spot known for vibrant dishes and cocktails, featuring a stylish interior. Dietary options available.
Sheldonian Theatre
8 minutes' walk
Historic venue hosting concerts and events, showcasing stunning architecture. Check the schedule for performances.
The Bullingdon
20 minutes' walk
A lively pub and music venue hosting live bands and events. Great for a night out with friends.
Getting around England
City Centre
Oxford 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 111 min · 73.5 km
London Heathrow (LHR) 118 min · 78.2 km
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 11.95 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
19
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at Head Of The River.
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.2/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Riverside location
Breakfast quality
Comfortable rooms
Cons
Slow food service
High food prices
Parking difficulties
Guest reviews
based on 1239 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.