Head of the River
Location: Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, gb
Star Rating: 8.7 Stars
Property Type: Inns
About this Property
Riverside Charm: Nestled along the scenic River Thames, the Head of the River offers a picturesque setting just minutes away from Oxford city centre.
Elegant Accommodations: Individually decorated bedrooms, some with stunning river views, provide a comfortable stay. Modern amenities such as a TV, free toiletries, and even bathrobes and slippers in select rooms ensure a relaxing experience.
Gastronomic Delights: Start your day with a delicious cooked breakfast and savor local produce and seasonal ingredients in the stylish restaurant. Unwind with a selection of real ales at the bar in the evening.
Ready to experience the charm of the Head of the River? Book now for a delightful stay by the Thames!
Important Information
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please note that the full amount of the reservation is due before arrival. will send a confirmation with detailed payment information. After full payment is taken, the property's details, including the address and where to pick up the keys, will be sent to you by email.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Express check-in/check-out
- Non-smoking throughout
- Kid meals
- Outdoor furniture
- Pet bowls
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- CCTV outside property
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Security alarm
- Key card access
- Television in common areas
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Internet access
- Wine release events
- Japanese garden
Rooms Available
-
Cosy Room
1 Double Bed
129 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Espresso maker, electric kettle, and free bottled water
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board, desk, and phone; cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Heating, fresh towels every 2 days, fresh bed sheets every 3 days
Accessibility - Visual fire alarm
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Bottle of water
- Espresso maker
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
- Visual fire alarm
- Lever door handles
-
Indulgence Room
1 Double Bed
172 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV, digital channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Espresso maker, electric kettle, and free bottled water
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board, desk, and phone
Comfort - Heating, fresh towels every 2 days, fresh bed sheets every 3 days
Accessibility - Visual fire alarm
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request, no cribs (infant beds) available
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- DVD player
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Bottle of water
- Espresso maker
- Free WiFi
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Bedsheets provided
- Visual fire alarm
- Lever door handles
-
Comfy Room
1 Double Bed
151 sq feet
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels
Food & Drink - Espresso maker, electric kettle, and free bottled water
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Iron/ironing board, double sofa bed, and desk; cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Heating, fresh towels every 2 days, fresh bed sheets every 3 days
Accessibility - Lever door handles
Need to Know - Housekeeping on request
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Sofa bed
- Bottle of water
- Espresso maker
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
- Bathroom emergency pull cord
- Visual fire alarm
- Lever door handles
-
Small Double Room
This room features a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a desk area. Guests will find a shower and complimentary toiletries in the private bathrooms.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
-
Double Room
This double room features a flat-screen digital TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a telephone. The private bathrooms contain a shower, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Emergency cord in bathroom
- Bottle of water
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
-
Superior Double Room
With views over the River Thames, this traditional room has free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
-
Family Room
The family room provides air conditioning, a mini-bar, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Minibar
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Sofa
- Electric kettle
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Sofa bed
- Bottle of water
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Key card access
Guest Reviews
- Marion (9/5): We very much appreciated the quiet room and we very much appreciated the staff who were very attentive and even made sur - The location is being right on the river. Our room was quite small although comfortable. What to me is always an issue is that there is no space for toiletries in the bathroom. An extra shelf would solve the problem.
- Alison (8/5): -
- Bonnie (10/5): -
- Fabian (10/5): -
- Jeremy (9/5): Enjoyable - Location. Parking. Congestion tax
- Anne-Marie (10/5): Superb hotel and great value for money! - Everything! Superb location, amazing staff, great food, breakfast the best I’ve ever had! Celebrated a family birthday and came away with the best memories
- Barbara (6/5): The friendly staff rescued the stay - Location is excellent- very central. Room was comfortable and quiet. Having fresh milk in the fridge was a great touch. The staff were great. The room looked out onto a nearby building with someone’s window just across; which meant keeping the blind down for privacy. The bathroom was modern, spotlessly clean and the shower was great but it did have a slightly funky smell- maybe damp? It was an old building. We had dinner in the bar but were unlucky to arrive along side a big party and waited 45 minutes for our food; then starter and main arrived at once. We were told that the bar should have warned us when we ordered but who on earth wants all their food together? I have to say the manager was outstanding and she put things right for us, very impressive. Guests are given a discount on drinks but this wasn’t applied to our bill so we had to sort that in the morning. The whole thing was chaotic and nowhere near worth what we paid.
- Anne-Marie (10/5): -
- Pia (10/5): Fantastisk sted! - En virkelig hyggelig pub og et skønt værelse med udsigt til Themsen, meget lækker mad - og ikke mindst et meget venligt personale. Der var lidt koldt på værelset
- Kirsty (9/5): -
- Shonette (8/5): A stylish riverside stay - Great location next to the river, stylish room, very comfy bed and good breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff for check in and in the pub/restaurant. The room was quite warm with the window closed but if we opened it the noise from the road was loud.
- Tom (8/5): -
- Marie (5/5): -
- eillen (9/5): Great hotel,Staff are fabulous particularly Emma on Reception who managed to get us a cab May Day morning!!So helpful. - This is our 5th or 6th visit. The location is great The only thing we did not like was sourdough bread for breakfast. Chewy fresh, like a brick when toasted. More choice would be lovely otherwise the food was great
- Graham (9/5): -
- Nadia (10/5): Perfect base for exploring Oxford - Great location, good breakfast, well appointed rooms
- Cedric (6/5): -
- SusanBMcC (2/5): No effort to help please the customer - Bad experience in the restaurant. Zero flexibility or willingness to accommodate simple customer requests. Management treated us as once-and-done tourists. There are lots of other options for dinner in Oxford. Avoid this place!
- Jacqueline (4/5): - The location was very nice and very handy for town and walks along the river The price was extortionate and i was told it was the dates we chose coinciding with something going on in Oxford. The shower room was very small despite the cost of the room.
- Szymon (10/5): - The internet connection was excellent. Staff super-friendly, air conditioning easy to use. Slept very well thanks to comfy bed.
- Dennis (8/5): Enjoyed Oxford. Convenient location and nice food. - Good atmosphere. Good location Small room. No space. Stale smelling bathroom on arrival.
- Alan (9/5): Good - Room and location Service in bar
- U156IRchloew (10/5): Peaceful weekend in Oxford - We had a wonderful weekend stay in Oxford at Head of the River. The coffee and tea in the room was complementary and stocked daily. Despite it being above a pub, we couldn’t hear the other guests late at night. The front desk staff and restaurant staff were always courteous and prompt. The food was phenomenal, especially the Sunday Roast. And you can’t beat the view! It was quite peaceful.
- Laura (9/5): - Lovely location. Super comfy N/a
- Lucila Maria (9/5): Muy agradable - Pintoresco hotel No es muy buena la comida del bar
- simon (10/5): -
- Saveria (9/5): Hotel magnifique mais demandez une chambre qui donne derrière - Un hôtel vraiment splendide. Le cadre, la déco des chambres, le confort de la literie, de bons produits d'accueil. Le petit déjeuner inclus est délicieux avec un plat au choix et un buffet froid. Nous avons aussi mangé au restaurant de l'hôtel un soir, c'est bon sans être inoubliable mais quand on dort à l'hôtel, on a 15% sur le repas et les boissons. Ce qui n'est pas négligeable. Par contre, l'insonorisation des chambres est très mauvaise. Il y a de simples vitrages. Comme nous avions 2 chambres, j'ai laissé la plus belle (avec une grande fenêtre et la belle vue) aux enfants. J'ai pris celle de l'autre côté. Forcément le samedi soir, il y a eu de la musique jusque tard. Heureusement qu'ils ont le sommeil lourd, moi je n'aurais pas dormi.
- 1eed0e38963473e9a06e3e49aae2a0be (10/5): -
- 75800ab0aa6672195f059f19f921a011 (8/5): If I am to visit Oxford in the future would definitely book in this property - The view from the room was amazing overlooking the water and the terraces. The location was perfect walking distance from the train station and easy access to all of our visiting sites The breakfast was perfect All was there to facilitate our stay I would definitely recommend the place to all going to Oxford
- c18e8dfeec5070ca575823a5df56bcea (10/5): - Location, confort, breakfast Very very warm room
- 1ca101874bbd73e3a3073fe07cd10af8 (10/5): Excellent. I recommend it. - Excellent in all ways. We had the Roger Bannister room
- 6d607ef21112712f4ea5ad1563e99586 (9/5): A comfortable stay in Oxford - The location short walk into city centre, park n ride bus handy dropped us 100 yards away. Nice city atmosphere. Breakfast was good and staff polite. Room very nice, comfy big bed, good shower. Hotel was quiet and well decorated. The price for one night bed and breakfast a bit steep
- c82618d47f1a701711aa243e3dd397da (7/5): -
- 37957f65a4bb73705ac7811284e57916 (8/5): -
- anandg847 (10/5): The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. - My friend and i set off to walk up the Thames Path along the river from Radley Boat House to Folly Bridge, on the 14th of April. 2026. It was a beautiful day, cool and sunny, interspersed with light refreshing showers. The walk was exhilarating, congenial company, like minded walkers ahead and behind us. We covered the distance in about three hours and reached Folly Bridge in a state of pleasant exhilaration, tired, hungry and feeling a sense of accomplishment. We had planned on eating at the Head of the River Pub in advance and when we arrived it was a very pleasant welcome. The lady serving us, Amelia, was warm and affable in her welcome. The service, the food, the ambience, the decor of the pub and the vibe was heartwarming and a feast for tired eyes. We spent two long and leisurely hours at the pub nursing a drink, enjoying good food and savouring a delicious dessert to end with. The overall experience was most certainly worth writing home about. I’d recommend this pub for any traveller seeking rest, recuperation or rejuvenation. Well done Management, and Thank so much Amelia for taking such good care.
- a5e9e79eaaba73cfcb59a14290a70b68 (9/5): Charming hotel on the river in Oxford with excellent dining - would definitely stay again - Great location, charming hotel, excellent restaurant and very attentive staff!
- 517374294f8570bc8367c44086e0afbf (8/5): -
- 31d92cc613ab7392e7b1c33cf459024e (10/5): - Ubicación, desayuno, el bar.
- 72279373bd1273809fd3fc7033ffad8d (10/5): -
- af4e5351f3de72c0c4f4e50f5d424604 (10/5): We loved every minute of it. We ended up eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner there! - Everything. The food was delicious and the room was comfortable and cozy.
- f94db760069373b953a15f9075730ff8 (9/5): Great hotel. Delicious food. Lovely staff - Beautifully decorated. Located right on the river It was a bit noisy when trying to sleep. Would recommend staying on second floor to avoid noise both above and below
- 5e3e920d48f172bad03fa9ebfbd7d5f7 (10/5): -
- d50fbea9a8bb704f09fd17b818f79ca1 (10/5): Perfect place to stay at Oxford - Everything !
- 3de4eae099f07273afff1a9ece6be552 (9/5): - Nettes Personal, schönes Zimmer
- 7654c21290437241a23d7e76ca3690e9 (9/5): -
- Viktorija (10/5): -
- Marco (10/5): Cosy and atmospheric with great food! - The Head of the River is beautifully located by the water and is in close proximity to the town center. Staff are welcoming and very attentive. Rooms are very atmospheric and cosy., Breakfast was super delicious, yet it was topped by the quality of the dinner which we had on three consecutive evenings. Highly recommend this place, would always come back! Can't fault anything.
- Ghislaine (8/5): Séjour correct - Petit déjeuner très bien 1 côté de lit contre un mur
- Emma (7/5): Great location & friendly staff. - Nice pub & great location. The lady at the front desk was extremely friendly & helpful. The breakfast was a disappointment. It took ages for the food to come. My dippy eggs were hard boiled & my husbands poached eggs were also hard. The sourdough bread was also not fresh.
- Martin (8/5): -
- Tania (8/5): Nice stay by the river - Very nice hotel by the river. Rooms were cozy. Bathrooms modern. Family room is nice but no space to move with the sofa bed open. Amazing breakfast - buffet is limited but à la carte menu is included in the breakfast rate and had great options. Very narrow and steep stairs to go to the rooms which were not great for my mother-in-law. Check-in staff not that helpful.
- Lauren (8/5): Great location on the river and the room was very comfortable. - Location was great Staff were inconsistent - some of the staff were great and super attentive. Others, not so much. Check-in took quite a long time because two members distaff were chit chatting while a third rolled a cigarette at the front desk.
- saraheT6581UU (10/5): Great for lunch on a sunny day…. - Had a lovely lunch, sat outside overlooking the river. Chicken Caesar salad, greek salad and 2 portions of skin on fries. A pint of Peroni and a pint of Cornish cider. Table 103 has a perfect view and was private. Not cheap at £59.00 but the place was buzzing and the sun and view made our day. Also all the staff were professional and friendly. Loved it here and would recommend …
- Deborah (10/5): Fantastic location, attentive friendly staff and an amazing breakfast. We will definitely be back. - Everything
- chris (9/5): -
- Ermanno PEYRONE (5/5): - Posizione centrale Terribile per il parcheggio - il soggiorno è stato un incubo, multe in ingresso, pedaggio per andare a pagare parcheggio - una tragedia - cena così così..birra buona, colazione discreta, staff gentile
- Paul (10/5): -
- Maywynne (8/5): - Excellent location with lovely outdoor patio overlooking the river. Hospitality was welcoming and helpful. The pub backs onto a peaceful riverside walking path and it’s short walk to everything Oxford has to offer. Generous breakfast included. Something for everyone. Dinner at the pub was convenient after a long day of travelling. The room was on the small side but fine for 2 nights.
- ichikawa (10/5): 全てにおいて最高の宿 ありがとう - 素晴らしいロケーション スタッフ 女性スタッフすごくいい人がいっぱいいた 朝食最高に美味しかった クロワッサンの美味しいこと ギリシャヨーグルトとそのトッピングも 部屋も超綺麗でスリッパもふわふわ 夕食美味しかった〜食後にもらったチョコレート美味しかった く部屋に美味しいクッキーや水 タクシーも呼んでくれて助かった 金曜の夜はライブがあって夜寝るときにうるさかったけど耳栓持ってきてたので寝れた 安心して過ごせる治安もいいし守られてる感じがする宿だった いつか戻ってくると思う 全くない また泊まりたい
- Celia (8/5): -
- Amanda (10/5): -
- Gersmann (10/5): - Unser Aufenthalt war prima. Das Personal ist super freundlich. Das Frühstück ist auch sehr lecker. Die Lage ist super. Wir haben unseren Aufenthalt sehr genossen!
- Matthew (10/5): -
- suzanne (8/5): -
- Sanat (10/5): - The room was clean and cozy, we were able to get ample rest before exploring the city. The hotel was close to the city center which was a big plus. The breakfast was delicious , we enjoyed it a lot.
- Andrew (10/5): - Great location coming in from the park and ride. Easy walk into the centre of town. Comfortable boutique room with lovely review views. Great breakfast. £289 not cheap but worth it. Nothing
- Eric (9/5): -
- Friedrich (8/5): -
- Harold (9/5): Raden dit zeker aan - Zeer net. Op wandelafstand van alles Personeel buj ontbijt
- Ian (8/5): -
- Pauline (10/5): Great mini break - Excellent breakfast great fresh quality ingredients. One of the best I’ve ever eaten. Staff were very attentive and friendly. We weren’t told that there were a lot of stairs to the rooms in the annexe we stayed in.
- Dawn (10/5): Great location, will definitely go again next time we visit Oxford. - It was on a lovely spot and our beautiful room overlooked the river. The breakfast was fantastic with lots of choices. Great staff, very helpful. Nothing.
- David (8/5): A very special stay at the Head of the River - The finish and design in our room was superb. The food was delicious and good value. We stayed at an IHG for two previous days which only had two options on the breakfast menu. At Head of the River there are six hot breakfast options. I had eggs benedict on day one and salmon, eggs, avacado on toasted sourdough for day two. Brilliant. Room 15 is not a very accessible room but it wasn't advertised as an accessible room so I can't complain and don't want to. But I still managed with the handrails installed about the grounds.
- PJBCorreia (9/5): -
- Stella (9/5): -
- john (9/5): Excellent place to stay when visiting Oxford - Location is excellent. Only 5 minutes from Carfax. Open area beside the river. Some rooms have a balcony over looking river. Meals very good- food plentiful. Staff brilliant - could not have been more helpful n/a
- Steve (7/5): -
- Johanna (9/5): Relaxing and very enjoyable stay - Loved the location on the river. Nice breakfast. Friendly staff.
- Felix (10/5): Incroyable séjour à Oxford - Parfait ! Très bien situé et ambiance chaleureuse. Le petit déjeuner est excellent. Rien
- louise (8/5): -
- John (10/5): Great hotel, good location, great food and friendly staff, overall a very positive experience. - The room was great, the bed was comfortable and everything was clean.
- Janice (9/5): -
- Seulyi (10/5): -
- James (8/5): Great weekend in a lovely inn. - Classy for a Fullers property friendly bar area good brekkie. Great singer songwriter entertaining in the bar on the Friday No parking is annoying but Oxford is a pain to drive into so its always going to be a challenge
- SALLY (10/5): Great place - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Very helpful staff. Delicious food. Lucky to have dinner on an evening with a live acoustic singer. Great breakfast. Have booked again. Nothing we didn't like.
- carla (8/5): -
- Lorna (8/5): - Clean, well located and well equipped. The staff were a little unhelpful at times and the breakfast lady was rude.
- Mehmet (8/5): -
- Rens (9/5): -
- dorianp928 (10/5): Family stay at this Charming Hotel- perfectly located in Oxford - We had a lovely time at Head of the River, a quaint and charming hotel. It's located ideally for walking into the city center, and is located on the Thames, with loads of walking/running trails in the backyard. We booked the Family Room for ourselves and our adult daughter- the first one we were in was really too small for all of us, but we were moved to a larger and more comfortable "family" room. The included breakfast is delicious! We recommend!
- Daniela (9/5): -
- Tracey (10/5): - Really comfortable bed. Amazing breakfast. Lovely location by the river. Amazing breakfast.The staff were really friendly and helpful 😊
- Becki (8/5): Perfect getaway - Clean and cozy they had my favourite brand clippers Food in the pub was delicious Can’t think of anything
- William (7/5): - Staff welcoming and friendly, room was clean and comfortable, location easy to access for wandering in the city centre. Access to rooms at back of pub could be tidied up.
- schorah (9/5): Fun stay at Head of River Oxford, great location, atmosphere highly recommend for any visits to icfird. - Close to river, accommodation suffice for our needs and staff really helpful and breakfast was excellent.
- Eloïse (9/5): -
- David (8/5): - Location It was a bit cold in the bar/restaurant
- Serena (8/5): Great and would definitely return, amazing location and one of the best breakfasts I’ve had - The location was amazing Can’t sleep in as the floorboards so noisy can hear everything
- Tim (9/5): -
- xiufeng (10/5): -
Photos
