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Key details

About the Hotel

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford

Close to the city center

Great

8.7

8.9

/10

4.2

3.9

Loved by Head Of The River guests

Beautiful room

Great view

Friendly staff

Good breakfast

"The property is gorgeous, room was perfect, luxurious and very clean and it's major plus is its location on river which provides the perfect spot for dinner, drinks and meeting with friends."

Louise from United Kingdom

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"My room No 5 The Dudley Room on the top floor was comfy, clean and so well furnished, I almost didn't want too leave the room I loved it so much."

mulberrybay from United Kingdom

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"Lovely riverside pub with well decorated rooms."

Katy

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4-star riverside hotel in Oxford

Dining

The hotel offers a range of dining options including a full-service restaurant and a stylish bar. Guests can savor delicious locally sourced dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. The terrace offers outdoor dining with picturesque views of the River Thames.

Location

The hotel is situated along the banks of the River Thames, offering scenic riverside strolls. It's a short walk from Oxford's city center, providing easy access to historic attractions and cultural sites. The proximity to the university enhances the overall educational experience for visitors.

Rooms

The hotel comprises a variety of air-conditioned rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions and seating areas. Several rooms offer stunning river views, enhancing the guest experience. Each room includes modern conveniences tailored for leisure and business travelers.

Event Facilities

The hotel provides versatile event spaces suitable for meetings, weddings, and special occasions. Conference rooms are equipped with audio-visual technology to support various events. Catering services enhance the overall experience for corporate and private gatherings.

Public Transportation Access

The hotel is conveniently located near public transportation options, facilitating easy travel around Oxford. Nearby bus and train services connect guests to key destinations within the city. This accessibility simplifies exploration for tourists and business travelers alike.

Highlights

Dining: full-service restaurant and stylish bar

Location: banks of the River Thames, short walk from Oxford's city center

Rooms: air-conditioned rooms with stunning river views

Event Facilities: versatile event spaces and audio-visual technology

Must-do experiences

Enjoy a scenic punting trip on the River Cherwell.
Savor the Oxford Blue cheese at a local market.
Visit the Ashmolean Museum for stunning art collections.
Take a stroll through the University Parks for beautiful views.
Discover the secret library at Bodleian Library's Radcliffe Camera.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Superior Double Room
2 persons
16 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
16 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Small Double Room
2 persons
12 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

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August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review 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

Dining Onsite

Head of the River offers an authentic British dining experience with a charming traditional ambiance. Guests can enjoy a variety of meal options crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, all within a spacious setting that invites convivial gatherings and delightful culinary moments.

Head of the River
British
Ambiance
Traditional pub atmosphere featuring cheerful blue tables and chairs around a historic winch, complemented by al fresco dining options near the boatyard.
Key Offerings
A skilled team of chefs presents a rotating menu that accommodates vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, along with a selection of craft beers from around the globe.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Fridays: until 10:00 PM); Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Head Of The River Location

Folly Bridge, St. Aldates, Oxford

Explore Oxford

Experience Oxford

Christ Church

5 minutes' walk

Historic college with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, famously featured in the Harry Potter films.

The Ashmolean Museum

13 minutes' walk

Home to art and archaeology collections, it offers free admission and rotating exhibitions worth visiting.

Oxford Botanic Garden

15 minutes' walk

The oldest botanic garden in the UK features a diverse collection of plants and tranquil walking paths.

Oxford Castle

12 minutes' walk

Medieval castle with guided tours exploring its rich history; highlights include a tower with panoramic views.

Biking along the Thames Path

minutes' ride

Scenic route for biking or walking; rentals available nearby, perfect for all fitness levels.

Punting on the River Cherwell

10 minutes' walk

Relaxing activity with scenic views of the university; available April to October, with rental services nearby.

Yoga in the Park

6 minutes' walk

Weekly outdoor yoga sessions in Christ Church Meadow; suitable for all levels, offering a peaceful environment.

The White House

5 minutes' walk

Charming bistro specializing in locally sourced dishes; known for their Sunday roasts and cozy atmosphere.

Victors Oxford

9 minutes' walk

Trendy spot offering a mix of international cuisine; popular for brunch and vibrant nightlife scene.

Cinnamon Kitchen Oxford

9 minutes' walk

Contemporary Indian restaurant with a fusion menu; notable for its stylish design and outdoor dining options.

The Sheldonian Theatre

8 minutes' walk

Stunning venue for concerts and events; offers a unique glance at Oxford's cultural scene with guided architecture tours.

The O2 Academy

10 minutes' drive

Popular music venue hosting live bands and DJs; vibrant atmosphere with events suitable for all ages.

Bodleian Library Tours

12 minutes' walk

One of the oldest libraries in Europe with fascinating tours available; a must-see for literary enthusiasts.

Getting around

City Centre
Oxford 8 min · 2000 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 111 min · 45.7 mi
London Heathrow (LHR) 118 min · 48.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 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 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:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Head Of The River offers a delightful experience, with many guests appreciating its location near Oxford's key sites, making it easily walkable to the town center. The spacious and clean rooms often include amenities like a fridge and a selection of tea and coffee; some guests have noted that certain rooms can feel a bit dark due to the shutters. Breakfast stands out for many, especially the full English option, and the outdoor dining areas provide a pleasant setting, particularly in the summer, with its river views.

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Review score

Based on 783 verified reviews

8.4 /10

Great

86 %

Recommend

Location

9.3/10

Cleanliness

9.1/10

Free WiFi

8.2/10

Value for money

8.2/10

Pros

Friendly staff

River location

Comfortable bed

Fabulous breakfast

Easy check-in

Cons

Noisy room

Dirty room

Poor hygiene

Lack of double glazing

Harper from United States

Couple

Superior Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 02, 2026

9.0/10

Riverside Charm!

great location easy access friendly staff

The location was AMAZING, right by the river with such easy access to walks. I loved it! The room was well-appointed, and everything felt so clean! The staff were super friendly and helpful, they even assisted with luggage.

The noise from the street was really noticeable at times. It definitely impacted my sleep.

Dining

9/10

The hotel restaurant boasts an extensive menu, it features both local and international cuisine. I was thrilled! Breakfast included a variety of options like pastries, fresh fruit, and cooked dishes.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the premises. There is also a cozy lounge area with comfortable seating. The hotel provides luggage storage before check-in and after check-out.

Location

10/10

The hotel is conveniently situated near several historical sites and museums. I could walk easily. Public transportation is readily accessible with bus stops nearby. I loved the proximity to local shops and eateries.

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naomi from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 02, 2026

9.0/10

charming riverside stay!

riverside view coffee machine thoughtful decoration dog welcome

The lady ademola room was lovely and overlooked the thames. This was very special! the room had proper coffee machine, which i value, and comfortable, thoughtful decoration. they welcomed dogs, and my spaniel got a bed, water bowl, and treats upon arrival. the location proved convenient, a quick walk into the city center.

i noticed some noise because my room faced a busy road, though it was manageable.

Service

9/10

the staff were friendly, helpful, and ready to assist with any requests that i had. they held my bags when i arrived early and delivered them to my room when it was ready. customer service was excellent!

Location

9/10

The hotel provides easy access to the town centre and nearby attractions for exploration. it is close to christchurch meadows. A few metres behind the hotel, and it is near shops and bus stops. the location was perfect!

Facilities

9/10

the hotel has a connected restaurant that serves food. there is an outdoor bar. the outdoor seating next to the river looked pleasant. breakfast included a variety of items to choose from including a full english.

0 Helpful

Nick from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 04, 2025

6/10

Satisfactory Stay with Some Issues Evident

thin walls limited selection

The room was not quite up to par. The walls seemed very thin, and I heard noise from adjacent rooms. Breakfast also disappointed. The selection seemed limited. I also found the service to be a little slow at times. More attention to detail would greatly improve the dining experience.

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Alexander from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 15, 2025

9/10

spacious room delicious breakfast

The room was spacious. It included a double bed. The breakfast offered a wide selection, and it was delicious. i found the location convenient, near several shops.

the bathroom lacked a non-slip mat, making it a little slippery.

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