Head of the River

Perched right on the banks of the River Isis, this former boatyard is now a bright and breezy gastropub with rooms.

One of the city’s more affordable options, chic bedrooms pay homage to Oxford’s academic heritage, with framed Penguin classics, book-lined wallpaper prints and smart, contemporary furniture.

The heart of the action is the huge old yard itself, brightened with blue tables, an outdoor bar, and enough patio heaters to make it comfortable to drink or eat outside well into the autumn months. Dive into the extensive gin selection and settle back with a plate of local charcuterie to watch the world glide by.

Oxford’s colleges, galleries and shops are all an easy ten-minute walk away.