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
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Key details
About the Hotel
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford,
- Close to the city center
Great
8.7
8.9
4.2
3.9
Riverside inn on the Thames offering boutique rooms and a pub atmosphere along the river
Rooms
The
Dining
A
Location
The inn sits on the
Pet-friendly
Dogs are welcome with a provided
Outdoor Terrace
The
Highlights
Location: On the River Thames, 10 min walk to Oxford colleges
Rooms: Individually decorated with river views, smart TV, Nespresso
Dining: Hearty cooked breakfast with local produce, real ales
Pet-friendly: Dog bed, water bowl, treat box provided
Outdoor: Riverside terrace with boat hire and punting nearby
“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.”
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 Room2 persons16 sq. feet1 King-size bedAir conditioningHeatingroom details
- Family Room2 persons16 sq. feet1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bedAir conditioningHeatingroom details
- Small Double Room2 persons12 sq. feet1 Double bedAir conditioningHeatingroom details
Show all rooms
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
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Check-in/ Check-out
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
Show more
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,
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.
Punting on the River Cherwell
10 minutes' walk
Punting offers a fun outdoor adventure; rentals available nearby, great for families and friends looking for a leisurely experience.
Yoga at The Mindfulness Centre
15 minutes' walk
Yoga classes promote relaxation and well-being; various styles offered, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
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.
O2 Academy Oxford
15 minutes' walk
A vibrant music venue hosting live performances; genres vary from indie to electronic, great for nightlife enthusiasts.
The Old Fire Station
10 minutes' walk
A community hub with events including comedy shows and art exhibitions; family-friendly atmosphere with something for everyone.
Tips on navigating the city
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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 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
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Show moreShow less
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean room
Good breakfast
Cons
Dim lighting
Loud delivery
Guest reviewsbased on 783 reviews
parker from united states
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 18, 2026
9.0/10
charming riverside stay
spacious room comfortable bed hot shower various 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 staff delicious food riverside view
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 really good 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
|
William from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 02, 2026
8.5/10
reliable river stay
comfy beds good breakfast quiet 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 design great attention plentiful supply cold squid greasy potatoes long 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 location modern room friendly staff
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 conditioning good selection hotel 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
|
Taylor from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 29, 2025
9.4/10
Riverside Retreat
interesting history lovely room dog 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.
The hotel has NO elevator. 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
|
Show more reviews
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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