What are the check-in and check-out times at Head Of The River?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
75 photos
Head Of The River – A Favorite for Families in Oxford
209US$
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Key details
About the Hotel
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates,
Oxford,
United Kingdom,
Oxfordshire
- Close to the city center
Great
8.8
8.9
4.2
3.9
Loved by Head Of The River guests
"Room was exceptional, overlooking the river."
"The shower was really good and the room had a great view of the Thames and the front of the hotel."
"Such cozy hotel and comfortable beds."
Location
The Head of the River hotel is located along the banks of the River Thames, providing picturesque views of the waterway. Its
Dining
The hotel's
Accommodations
Guest rooms at the Head of the River combine comfort and character, with traditional furnishings and modern amenities. Many rooms provide
Events and Functions
The hotel offers
Accessibility
The Head of the River ensures
Highlights
Location: River Thames views
Dining: on-site restaurant
Accommodation: views of the River Thames
Events: versatile event spaces
“The riverside location initially caught my eye, and I became intrigued by the individually styled bedrooms, some offering direct river views. I particularly appreciate that they source local produce for their cooked breakfasts and the fact that the pub has an appealing drinks menu, so it's a venue with an authentic Oxford feel.”
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Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Superior Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Family Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Small Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
Double Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
room details
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
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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Dining Onsite
At Head of the River, guests are invited to indulge in the rich flavors of British cuisine, complemented by thoughtfully prepared vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Surrounded by the charm of a traditional pub setting and vibrant outdoor spaces, every meal promises a delightful experience amid the scenic boatyard.
Head Of The River Location
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates,
Oxford,
United Kingdom,
Oxfordshire
Map view
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates,
Oxford,
United Kingdom,
Oxfordshire
City landmarks
Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
5100 ft
Castle
Oxford Castle
3200 ft
Museum
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
3500 ft
Museum
Pitt Rivers Museum
1.0
mi
Market
The Covered Market Oxford
2500 ft
Tower
Carfax Tower
2100 ft
University
Bridge of Sighs
3800 ft
Landmark
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
3200 ft
Botanical Garden
Oxford Botanic Garden
3900 ft
Museum
Museum of the History of Science
3900 ft
Landmark
Magdalen College Deer Park
4100 ft
Landmark
Bodleian Library
3500 ft
Library
Radcliffe Camera
3300 ft
University
Merton College
2800 ft
University
Balliol College
3200 ft
Church
Exeter College
3000 ft
University
Trinity College
3500 ft
University
Brasenose College
3000 ft
University
The Queen's College
3500 ft
University
St Peter's College
3500 ft
University
St Peter-in-the-East
3700 ft
Gallery
Modern Art Oxford
2100 ft
University
University colleges
3200 ft
Landmark
New College
4800 ft
Nearby
Church
Christ Church
1400 ft
Broad Street
Sheldonian Theatre
2000 ft
Museum
Museum of Oxford
1900 ft
Museum
The Story Museum
1900 ft
Town Hall St. Aldates
Oxford Town Hall
1900 ft
Museum
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
2000 ft
Restaurants
The White House
1200 ft
38 Abingdon Road
The Alchemist Oxford
2600 ft
Unit RU7 The Westgate Shopping Centre Bonn Square
Victors Oxford
2300 ft
307 The Westgate Queen Street Unit RU5
Pho Restaurant
2500 ft
305 The Westgate Queen Street The Westgate
Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
2400 ft
309
Shoryu Ramen
2300 ft
134 The Westgate Queen Street The Westgate
Mowgli Street Food
2000 ft
1 Norfolk Street Unit 302 Westgate
Pizza Pilgrims
2000 ft
1 Norfolk Street Westgate Centre Roof Terrace RU12
Explore Oxford
Local Highlights
Christ Church
5 minutes' walk
Christ Church is an iconic college known for its stunning chapel and gardens, often featured in Harry Potter films.
The Covered Market Oxford
9 minutes' walk
The Covered Market offers a variety of local produce, artisanal foods, and unique shops, perfect for browsing.
Bodleian Library
13 minutes' walk
Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, showcasing stunning architecture and a rich collection.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
13 minutes' walk
The Ashmolean Museum features art and artifacts spanning centuries and cultures with free admission on certain days.
The White House
5 minutes' walk
A cozy bistro serving British cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients; expect hearty dishes and friendly service.
Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford
9 minutes' walk
A contemporary Indian restaurant known for its innovative dishes, perfect for spice lovers; reservations recommended.
Tips on navigating the city
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Head Of The River serves a full breakfast for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
19
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
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Pros
Friendly staff
Clean room
Good breakfast
Cons
Dim lighting
Loud delivery
Guest reviewsbased on 564 reviews
parker from united states
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 18, 2026
9.0/10
charming riverside stay
spacious roomcomfortable bedhot showervarious pastries
i really enjoyed my stay. the family room was spacious. it offered comfortable beds. i appreciated the hot shower. breakfast had pastries, cereals and fruit with cooked options.
The bathroom door was frosted glass. This offered limited privacy.
Location
9/10
The hotel benefits from its prime position near key attractions. getting around is easy because of available public transportation. guests can explore nearby monuments with no problem. It makes visits convenient.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant provides a charming atmosphere with diverse, quality food. it is a good place for meals. i found that the food offerings were varied and well-prepared. the experience was calm too.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel includes individually decorated rooms with typical british charm. the check-in staff are helpful? the restaurant offers hamburgers and other dishes at good prices with great quality.
0 Helpful
|
emerson from united states
Business traveller
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 03, 2026
9.3/10
riverside retreat, a good stay
friendly staffdelicious foodriverside viewtraffic noise
I found the staff friendly and helpful from check-in to breakfast. the food was delicious, particularly the full english breakfast with perfectly poached eggs. the location is fantastic. It is a short walk to the city center, with lovely views of the river.
my room faced a busy road, and the traffic noise was quite noticeable. it was a bit disruptive, especially at night.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel features a charming riverside setting, complete with an outdoor area and restaurant. the location offers easy access to the city center and many attractions.
Service
10/10
the hotel staff was consistently helpful to requests. anna were great too assist with a client meeting request, demonstrating a willingness to provide really good service.
Rooms
9/10
the double room featured comfortable air conditioning and lovely bathroom supplies.
0 Helpful
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William from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 02, 2026
8.5/10
reliable river stay
comfy bedsgood breakfastquiet location
the room included comfy beds with good sheets. breakfast was good each morning. the location felt quiet at night (a welcome change).
i noticed the staff didn't seem particularly helpful, and i struggled to find clear information about parking.
Location
9/10
the hotel benefits from a great position right on the river. it is very close to many city center locations. i found it easy to walk to various attractions from there.
Dining
8/10
the hotel includes a pub and restaurant downstairs with a fireplace. the breakfast selection was varied. i especially enjoyed the hot english breakfast (it set me up well for the day).
0 Helpful
|
Isaac from United Kingdom
Single
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 04, 2026
7/10
beautiful designgreat attentionplentiful supplycold squidgreasy potatoeslong waiting
The room was beautifully designed with great attention to detail. the toiletries were excellent. I especially loved the plentiful supply. the breakfast was also lovely. everything felt fantastic there.
the food i ordered on one evening disappointed me very much. the squid was cold, and the potatoes were greasy. waiting for fries took an unreasonable amount of time, and the fries did not taste very nice. the kitchen staff may need more training in food service and presentation.
0 Helpful
Alexander from Germany
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 31, 2025
8.7/10
fantastic stay
great locationmodern roomfriendly staffslight delay
the location provided easy access to MANY attractions. i found the room to be large, modern, and well-kept. the staff was friendly and willing to assist with directions or recommendations. breakfast included a wide selection of options, ensuring everyone found something enjoyable.
during my stay, i experienced a slight delay in receiving a requested item. this minor inconvenience required a follow-up phone call to rectify the situation.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel had a lovely bar offering various drinks. the restaurant offered delicious meals. The breakfast included fresh fruit, pastries, and hot dishes, with service offered in a dining area. the hotel PROVIDED convenient access to local attractions.
Service
8/10
the reception staff was polite. room service was responsive and quick with requests. concierge services offered assistance, INCLUDING directions and recommendations. the staff ensured requests were met.
Rooms
9/10
the room featured a comfortable bed, ensuring restful sleep. a spacious bathroom included quality toiletries. the in-room amenities featured a television, a coffee maker, and complimentary high-speed internet access. the room overlooked a garden.
0 Helpful
|
Larry from United States
Family with children
Superior Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 03, 2025
9.0/10
riverside retreat
effective air conditioninggood selectionhotel guest
the room had effective air conditioning. complimentary tea and coffee were available, with a good selection. breakfast was included. i appreciated the 15% discount on the dinner bill as a hotel guest. a comfy bed was provided for our dog and also treats were given.
i found the main hotel entrance a bit unclear , requiring some searching to locate it initially.
Dining
9/10
the restaurant offers a convenient option with tasty food and attentive staff, especially with the full and great selection available. the outdoor seating area beside the river offers a very pleasant experience for drinks or dinner.
Rooms
9/10
the rooms were very clean and decorated with a tasteful style. a spacious bathroom was included. bathroom supplies were lovely smelling and the air con was very effective, so it was a good temperature.
0 Helpful
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Taylor from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 29, 2025
9.4/10
Riverside Retreat
interesting historylovely roomdog friendly place
The room matched the photos I saw online! It felt very sweet and homey. The building had a fascinating history, really showing in its unique character. I LOVED how dog-friendly the place is. They provided a bed, water bowl, and treats for my spaniel. The shower was AMAZING and the coffee machine made proper coffee. I slept soundly despite being above a lively pub.
Getting to higher floors might be difficult.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel features a vibrant riverside terrace, perfect for enjoying views. Guests can access Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There IS a cozy bar with an extensive gin and wine selection.
Service
10/10
Staff members were always ready to help with directions and questions. The hotel offered discounts for dining, a nice PERK. I felt very welcome throughout my stay.
Location
10/10
The hotel is steps from Christchurch meadows and a short walk to the city center. This location gives GREAT access to shops and attractions. The spot is convenient for exploring the city.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast included a buffet with continental options plus hot dishes to order (especially the English breakfast!). The pub is popular. Reservations are suggested. The restaurant provides tasty food with friendly service.
Rooms
9/10
The room featured luxury bedding and pillows. It included a desk area suitable for working or makeup. The bathroom was clean and well-stocked with products, INCLUDING conditioner and a rainfall shower.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About Head Of The River
How far is Head Of The River from Oxford city centre?
The hotel is located just 1 km from Oxford city centre.
What popular attractions are within walking distance of Head Of The River?
Nearby attractions include Christ Church (0.5 km), the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology (1 km), and Bodleian Library (1 km).
What dining options are available at Head Of The River?
Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, which serves a hearty cooked breakfast and an evening menu featuring local produce.
What types of room amenities can guests expect at Head Of The River?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea making facilities, and free toiletries, with some featuring river views.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Head Of The River?
The staff at the hotel are primarily English-speaking.
Are there any children's amenities available at Head Of The River?
The hotel provides cots and a children's menu for younger guests.
What is the closest airport to Head Of The River?
Gloucestershire Airport is approximately 75 km away.
What recreational activities are accessible near Head Of The River?
Guests can enjoy activities such as cruises and punting with Salter's Steamers, which is located nearby.
Are there any smoking areas at Head Of The River?
The hotel is a non-smoking facility.
Is Wi-Fi available at Head Of The River?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What type of hotel is Head Of The River?
The hotel is characterized as a historical and culinary-focused property that is also pet-friendly.
What dining experiences can guests expect at Head Of The River?
The restaurant offers contemporary dishes and British classics, including an extensive drink menu with craft beers and real ales.
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