With a stay at The Head of the River, you'll be centrally located in Oxford, steps from Thames River and 3 minutes by foot from University of Oxford. .This inn is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from New Theatre Oxford and 10.8 mi (17.3 km) from Blenheim Palace.
The Head of the River offers 19 accommodations with espresso makers and complimentary bottled water. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is provided on request.
Make yourself at home in one of the 19 guestrooms featuring espresso makers and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and coffee/tea makers.
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
At The Head of the River, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge.
The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
The Head of the River - This pub specializes in British cuisine and serves lunch and dinner.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
No on-site parking available
Food and drink
A bar/lounge
A restaurant
Restaurants on site
The Head of the River
Conveniences
Limited-hour front desk
Guest services
Housekeeping on request
Outdoors
Garden
On a river
Terrace
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets allowed for an extra charge of GBP 20 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Pet fee: GBP 20 per pet, per stay
Service animals are exempt from fees
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Property is also known as
Head River
Head River Inn
Head River Inn Oxford
Head River Oxford
Head Of The River Hotel Oxford
The Head of the River Inn
The Head of the River Oxford
The Head of the River Inn Oxford
The Head of the River Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
What a great find in a beautiful setting. Staff were helpful and the food was good. Great location too. I would definitely recommend staying here if your visiting Oxford and we will definitely be back!
Amanda
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth
17 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We had a fabulous stay at Head of the river. We stayed in the hotel for food which was excellent value and great service. There was a selection of pastries, cereals and fruit for breakfast along with hot food which could be ordered.
We stayed in a family room which was well appointed. Comfortable bed and a great hot shower. The only down side was the frosted glass door on the bathroom! It was a good job I was with very good friends as the door provided very little privacy! Please change it!
One night stay, and ended eating and drinking in the evening at the pub with 15% off the bill. The room was very clean and no problems. Overall I would definitely recommend staying and will in the future book a Fullers hotel again
Patrick
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
CHARLOTTE
10 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
CHARLOTTE
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
peter
8 Jan 2026
peter
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrew
4 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My husband and I had a wonderful stay. Loved the river view and the breakfast. The room was clean and comfortable. The only thing that could improve was the mattress which felt old and sunken.
First and foremost, the hotel has lovely staff. Very helpful and very pleasant.
Our room ovetlooked the river and wasvery comfortable with robes, nice Bramley toiletries, a good bed, a nespresso coffee machine and stocked fridge.
The Head of the River is the perfect spot for a trip to Oxford. Nestled next to the river, it’s a picture perfect taste of the old world wirh really lovely modern bathrooms
Lovely hotel, great location, beautiful terrace by the river.
The room was super cosy and comfortable. Breakfast was more than adequate with a buffet style continental and hot dishes made to order.
The only area for improvement would be the food at dinner. The menu was a little dull and the food 3/5.