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From209US$ /night
Check-in
18Sept2025Select date
Check-out
19Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford, United Kingdom

Rooms with River Views

The Head of the River offers individually designed rooms with King-Size beds, 1600 individual pocket spring mattresses, and en-suite shower rooms. Rooms include flat-screen televisions, Dyson fans, Artisan Coffee Co coffee, and views of the River Thames. Family rooms provide air conditioning, minibars, and private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers.

British Classics Menu

The menu features contemporary dishes and British classics, including Sunday lunches and a hearty lunch menu. The chef team uses seasonal, local produce delivered daily. The bar offers an extensive gin list with matched tonics, world whiskeys, and a rotating range of craft beers. Guests can also enjoy wines and cider with fruity apple tones.

Riverside Terrace Activities

The hotel features a riverside terrace with historic Folly Bridge views. Salter's Steamers boat hire, moments away, offers cruises and punting. Guests can hire a band or DJ for events. The huge boatyard includes an al fresco bar with blue tables and chairs surrounding an old winch.

Central Oxford Location

The Head of the River sits on Folly Bridge in St Aldates, a few minutes' walk from Christ Church. It is 0.5 km from the Sheldonian Theatre and Museum of Oxford, 1 km from the Ashmolean Museum and Bridge of Sighs, and 1.5 km from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Alice's Shop, for fans of Alice in Wonderland, is nearby.

Event and Guest Services

Guests can book tables or function rooms for parties and corporate events. Rooms include ironing facilities, heating, tea and coffee facilities, mini-bars, terraces, garden furniture, and free toiletries. The hotel provides a base for exploring Oxford University venues like the Bodleian Library.

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Superior Double Room
Max:
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Family Room
Max:
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Small Double Room
Max:
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Check Dates & Room Rates

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Getting around

All Transportation Options at a Glance

City Centre
Oxford2000 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 45.7 mi
London Heathrow (LHR) 48.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop700 ft

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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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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

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
8.7
8.7/10 based on 1638 reviews
Henry
United Kingdom, May  2024
8.2/10

The hotel offers a great location, close to the city with luxurious riverside walks nearby. Despite some noise issues in the room, the overall experience was positive with exceptionally friendly staff. The dining experience was enjoyable, though with some room for improvement in serving times.

Rooms
7.0
The room had noisy floorboards and noise from upstairs, but it was still a great experience. The room temperature was a bit too hot due to limited window opening.
Service
9.0
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, providing fans for the noisy night. Their knowledge and friendliness made the stay pleasant.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location is utterly fabulous, close to the city with beautiful riverside walks and quick access to attractions like Christchurch College. There were abundant food options nearby, enhancing the experience.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was superb overall with a good variety available, despite some slight delays.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere with pet amenities available.
Peter
United Kingdom, February  2024
8.0/10

My stay at the hotel was pleasant overall. The rooms were cozy and comfortable, although slightly warm due to outside noise. The staff was very welcoming and attentive, going out of their way to assist me during my visit. The location was superb, right by the river and a short walk to Oxford City Centre. However, the dining experience left much to be desired with some disappointing food options.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were very comfortable but small, with no wardrobe for clothes, only hangers on a coat hook.
Service
9.0
The staff was wonderful, patient, and sweet, especially with my 5-year-old companion.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location was superb, right on the river, just a short walk to Oxford City Centre, which was a major plus point during my stay.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was a bit disappointing with some food items not meeting expectations.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel had some nice facilities available during my stay.
John
United Kingdom, November  2023
8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was a delightful experience overall. The rooms, although in need of a makeover, were warm, clean, and very comfortable, overlooking the river. The service was outstanding, with a minor hiccup during a fire alarm incident but overall welcoming and helpful. The location was superb, conveniently situated by the river near the city center, offering a great view and good walking opportunities. The dining was superb, with a great choice and service. Despite some drawbacks, like sneaky corridors and high parking fees, the hotel provided an enjoyable stay with a few improvements needed.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were very warm, clean, and comfortable, overlooking the river. They were nicely decorated, but in need of a bit of a makeover.
Service
7.0
The staff was welcoming and very helpful, except for a delay during the fire alarm incident. They were friendly and did everything they could to assist, even in busy times.
Location
9.0
The location was superb, right by the river and within walking distance of the city center and attractions. However, the parking fees were quite high.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was superb, with a great choice, well-presented food, and friendly service.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel provided good facilities overall, enhancing the stay experience.
beautiful view
sneaky corridors
Ed
United States, October  2023
8.0/10

The hotel is located in a convenient spot next to Folly Bridge and close to the city center. The rooms were amazing and very comfortable, although slightly smaller than expected. The service was a mix of shock and delight, with some staff members going above and beyond while others fell short. The location offers easy access to the town, bus routes, and a picturesque waterside scene. The dining experience left much to be desired, with overcooked food and limited options. Overall, the hotel provides a pleasant stay with some areas for improvement.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were amazing, very comfortable, and well stocked with everything you need, including extra bunk beds.
Service
7.0
The service was a mix of experiences, with some staff being polite, attentive, and helpful while others were not up to par.
Location
8.0
The location was very helpful, professional, polite, and close to the city center and public transportation options.
Dining
5.0
The dining experience was poor, with overcooked and limited food options.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities at the hotel added to the overall convenience and enjoyment of the stay.
Keith
United States, April  2023
7.8/10

I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms were comfortable with a nice bed, but the constant traffic noise from the busy road kept me awake. The service was friendly and helpful, though it felt a bit understaffed during busy times. The location was excellent, next to the river Thames and within walking distance to the city center, but the noise from the pub across the street was disruptive. The dining options were somewhat limited, with breakfast being the highlight. Overall, a decent stay considering the value for money.

Rooms
7.0
The room, overlooking a courtyard, was comfy but felt cramped and stuffy.
Service
8.0
The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, though it felt a bit understaffed during busy times.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was excellent, next to the river Thames and within walking distance to the city center.
Dining
7.0
The dining options were somewhat limited, but the breakfast buffet was a highlight.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel offers pet amenities and a nice welcome drink for guests.
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Check-in
18Sept2025Select date
Check-out
19Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room