We are very conveniently located to reach the city centre on foot, or the surrounding countryside and beyond via the A34 ring road. We are only 200 metres from Oxford Main Rail Station and our gardens lead down to the banks of the River Thames at Osney and the Thames Walk towpath.
Follow these directions to find your way to the River Hotel on foot, from the the train station or by car.
On Foot:
From the city and bus/coach station: The River Hotel is a ten minute walk from the bus station, follow signs to the Rail Station and continue under the railway bridge, you will see the River Hotel 50 metres past the railway bridge by Osney bridge crossing the River Thames. There is a taxi rank at the bus station. Refer to this Google map with directions
King's Centre: We are one of the closest hotels from the King's Centre at Osney Mead, it is a 5-10 minute pleasant walk along the river, (see the King's Centre website for a walking map). Follow the lane behind the King's Centre to reach the towpath and walk across Osney Lock and continue to Osney Bridge. You may wish to visit the hotel before your course starts to drop off your luggage.
Messing about on the River
Thames Walkers
If you are walking up river, as you pass Osney lock you will have just a few minutes walk. Note 'The Punter' on West Street, a local pub with a garden and vegetarian menu. As you reach Osney bridge you will see the River Hotel chestnuts and garden across the water. Walk over the bridge and up the main steps.
If you are walking down river, the last pub is 'The Perch at Binsey'. As you pass the Oxford canal cut off, your journey is almost over. The River Hotel is located at Osney Bridge as you cross the Botley road. Here the towpath changes side.
We ask you to remove muddy boots at the rear entrance to the hotel where we can store them in the boiler room to dry off overnight.
There is plenty of information on the Thames Path website. Feel free to leave your luggage at the hotel before arrival, or after check-out. Bags will be stored in our secure luggage room We can arrange your luggage transfer in partnership with Move My Bags
Thames Boaters: If you are on a pleasure cruiser, kayak, or punt, the hotel is an ideal location to break your river journey, situated at Osney Bridge up river from Osney lock. There are 48 hour moorings on the opposite bank. We do not have mooring rights for boats on our side, but there are steps leading down to the river to access a punt. The best access for launching a canoe from a trailer is opposite the hotel on Osney Island.
By Air
The quickest way from London Gatwick or Heathrow to Oxford is to take the bus, operated by Oxford Bus Company 'the Airline'. From London Luton there is a regular bus service operated by National Express, which takes two hours to reach Oxford. The River Hotel is close to Gloucester Green Bus Station, click here for detailed directions for the easy walk to our hotel. From Birmingham Airport there is a regular train service.
By Rail
Note there are two train stations in Oxford. We are located close to Oxford main station. Oxford Parkway is to the north of Oxford. Read on below or refer to this Google Map with directions.
Exit from the main concourse and walk down the slope towards the main road, past the bus stops, taxi rank and cycle park. Turn right to walk through the bridge construction, underneath the railway bridge, heading away from the city, towards Botley road and west Oxford. 50 metres beyond the rail bridge, just before you reach the river, you will see the River Hotel on the left hand side.
*in summer 2024 the blue pedestrian bridge at the railway station is expected to be temporarily removed*.
By Car
If using SatNav input directions to 'Mill Street Oxford OX2 0AA' and turn immediately right into the lane for access to the rear of the hotel. Do not drive into the centre of Oxford as the Rail Bridge is closed until 2025, but arrive via west Oxford and the Seacourt Interchange on the ring road.
Car Parking
Car parking is a perennial problem in Oxford - but not for our guests. We have ample on site parking at the rear of the Hotel, approached from Mill Street. The car park is protected by CCTV. Request a parking reservation in advance of your arrival and simply register your car at reception on arrival. Parking is included in the standard room rates (not included in 'room only non refundable' rates). Additional car park spaces can be booked via the Your Parking Space website
From Ring Road: Leave the ring road (A34) on the west exit at the Botley Interchange. Turn left onto Botley road (A420). The hotel is on the right one mile towards the city centre. As you cross the River Thames you will pass the hotel, turn next right into Mill Street, then directly right into the lane, which is the only access to the car park at the rear of the hotel.Map of Oxford's main road and ring roads
