Head Of The River Oxford Room photoHead Of The River Oxford Exterior photoHead Of The River Oxford Exterior photo
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From209US$ /night
Check-in
09Apr2026Select date
Check-out
10Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, United Kingdom
-
Next to Carfax Tower
Great
8.8
8.9
/10
3.9
3.9
/5

Dining

The hotel features the River Room restaurant, specializing in fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of wines and beverages. A scenic terrace overlooks the River Thames, providing a delightful dining experience.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 24 well-appointed rooms, each designed to provide a comfortable stay. Many rooms provide views of the River Thames and the surrounding gardens. En-suite bathrooms are available in every room for added convenience.

Location

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the hotel is within walking distance to central Oxford attractions. Guests can easily explore historic sites like the University of Oxford and the Ashmolean Museum. The scenic riverside location provides opportunities for leisurely walks and boat trips.

Event Spaces

The hotel accommodates various events in its dedicated meeting room, which is fully equipped with modern technology. Capacity for business meetings and private gatherings allows flexibility in arrangements. An outdoor terrace enhances event experiences with views of the river.

Leisure Activities

Cycling and walking tours along the Thames Path are encouraged by the hotel, providing access to scenic routes. Nearby boathouses offer canoe and kayak rentals for a unique experience on the water. The hotel also has easy access to parks and gardens for relaxation.

Highlights

Dining: River Room restaurant

Accommodation: 24 well-appointed rooms

Location: banks of the River Thames

Event Spaces: dedicated meeting room

“This riverside property delivers an authentic Oxford experience. I particularly like the locally sourced dining and the pub's vibrant atmosphere. It's dog-friendly too, which is always a plus.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Superior Double Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Family Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Small Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Double Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

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, diners are invited to indulge in authentic British cuisine within a warm, traditional setting. With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the vibrant atmosphere features cheerful outdoor seating and a bustling bar, making it a perfect spot for every occasion.
Head Of The River Oxford Restaurant photo
Head Of The River Oxford Restaurant photo
Head Of The River Oxford Restaurant photo

Head of the River

Traditional British
Ambiance
Spacious open area with cheerful blue tables and chairs surrounding the historic boatyard and an al fresco bar.
Key Offerings
A rotating selection of craft beers from around the world, alongside vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal options made with seasonal, local produce.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 11:00, 12:00 - 21:00 (22:00 on Friday); Saturday: 08:00 - 11:00, 12:00 - 22:00; Sunday: 08:00 - 11:00, 12:00 - 20:00

Head Of The River Location

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, United Kingdom
Map view
Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, United Kingdom
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 Guide to Folly Bridge
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle
12 minutes' walk
An 11th-century castle with guided tours. Explore history through exhibitions and dungeons, capturing the charm of Oxford.
Christ Church
Christ Church
5 minutes' walk
A stunning college with magnificent architecture. A must-see for its connections to Harry Potter and its beautiful cathedral.
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
13 minutes' walk
The oldest public museum in the UK. Admire world-class collections of art, archaeology, and impressive temporary exhibitions.
The Covered Market Oxford
The Covered Market Oxford
9 minutes' walk
A vibrant market featuring local vendors. Enjoy fresh produce, unique shops, and delightful eateries in a historic setting.
Punting on the River Cherwell
10 minutes' walk
Experience the classic Oxford activity of punting. Rentals available for leisurely trips, ideal for couples or families.
Christ Church Meadow Walk
6 minutes' walk
A serene park to unwind. Enjoy scenic walks along the riverbanks-perfect for relaxation or family picnics.
The White House
The White House
5 minutes' walk
Cozy atmosphere with modern British dishes. Must-try includes their seasonal risotto and homemade desserts. Reservations recommended.
Victors Oxford
Victors Oxford
9 minutes' walk
Stylish venue with a mix of international cuisines. Notable for its vibrant atmosphere and specialty cocktails. Vegetarian options available.
Sheldonian Theatre
Sheldonian Theatre
8 minutes' walk
An architectural gem hosting concerts and events. Notable for its stunning interior and music performances-ideal for culture lovers.
The Story Museum
The Story Museum
7 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits for all ages, focusing on storytelling. Offers workshops and special events, perfect for families and creative spirits.
Getting around
City Centre
Oxford8 min  ·  2000 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO)111 min  ·  45.7 mi
London Heathrow (LHR)118 min  ·  48.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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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 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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Head Of The River from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Head Of The River enjoys a fantastic location right on the Thames, a short walk from Oxford's attractions. Many guests appreciated the recently renovated, clean rooms, some offering beautiful river views and equipped with amenities like a Nespresso machine. The inclusive breakfast receives positive feedback, while the restaurant and beer garden next to the river are popular spots; however, a few guests have mentioned encountering issues with the dinner service on occasion. With its location near the city centre, it's dog friendly, providing dog beds and tennis balls.
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Review score
Based on 562 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
91%
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Clean room
River view
Good breakfast
Cons
Dim lighting
Traffic noise
Guest reviews
based on 562 reviews
8.6/10
based on 1481 reviews
8.8/10
Mia from Sweden
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 27, 2025
6/10

Acceptable Location, Disappointing Room Condition

convenient locationdusty roomstrong odor
The location was acceptable, situated conveniently near the river.
The room was quite dusty. I also found a strong odor when I turned on the bathroom extractor fan. I suspect the fan needed a good cleaning. These issues detracted from the overall experience, and I hoped for better cleanliness given the hotel's rating.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Head Of The River
What are the check-in and check-out times at Head Of The River?
Check-in is available from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What is the distance from Head Of The River to the city center?
The hotel is located just 1 km from the city center of Oxford.
Are there any popular attractions near Head Of The River?
Nearby attractions include the Bodleian Library (1 km), Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology (1 km), and Christ Church (1 km).
Does Head Of The River have on-site dining options?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that offers a hearty cooked breakfast and a menu including contemporary dishes and British classics.
Is parking available at Head Of The River?
The hotel provides limited parking options, and guests should inquire about availability upon arrival.
What are the room amenities available at Head Of The River?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea making facilities, en-suite bathroom, free toiletries, hairdryer, and some have river views.
What dining options are available nearby Head Of The River?
Nearby dining options include The Folly Restaurant (0.5 km), George And Danver (0.5 km), and Caffe Ethos (0.5 km).
Is there internet access at Head Of The River?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Does Head Of The River offer any special features for children?
The hotel provides a children's menu and cots for families.
What languages do staff at Head Of The River speak?
Staff primarily speak English.

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09Apr2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room