The Black Boy Oxford Beds photoThe Black Boy Oxford Restaurant photoThe Black Boy Oxford Exterior photo

The Black Boy – A Favorite for Families in Oxford

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Check rooms and rates
From$181 /night
Check-in
23Sept
Check-out
24Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

91 Old High Street, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9HT
-
Close to the University of Oxford
Great
8.5
9.7
/10
4.5
4.3
/5

4-star inn in Oxford with in-house British restaurant and garden events

Dining Experience

The Black Boy's restaurant serves British cuisine with options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Evening meals use seasonal ingredients and the bar offers unique themed drink offerings. Breakfast includes continental, à la carte, and full English/Irish choices prepared fresh.

Outdoor Spaces & Events

The inn has a garden area for relaxation and hosts community events such as movie nights and pub crawls. Guests can join themed dinner nights or explore the area on cycling routes. The outdoor space also accommodates private gatherings with its charming setting.

Rooms & Comfort

Rooms include flat-screen TVs and are decorated with local art and design pieces. The property provides non-smoking rooms and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping services and express check-in/check-out are available.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Black Boy is 5 km from the University of Oxford and 15 km from Blenheim Palace. Guests can reach the city center via a short bus ride from the nearby stop. Other attractions include the Pitt Rivers Museum and Notley Abbey.

Family & Business Amenities

Families can order kids' meals while business travelers benefit from free parking and express check-in. The inn offers prompt resolution of guest issues and friendly staff assistance. Daily housekeeping and CCTV security ensure a safe stay.

Highlights

Restaurant: British cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options

Garden: outdoor space for community events and relaxation

Art: rooms decorated with local art and design

Location: 5 km from University of Oxford

Parking: free on-site parking

Events: themed dinner nights and movie nights

“Staying at the inn, one is immediately struck by the attentive staff and the spotlessly clean, modern rooms. I especially appreciated the full English breakfast, a proper start to the day. The easy walk to shops and cafes, plus the hotel's calling a taxi for trips into Oxford, blends convenience with genuine hospitality.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Deluxe King Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • King Room
    2 persons
    19 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine
  • Standard Double Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Public parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Dinner

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Black Boy offers a delightful dining experience, blending modern British cuisine with an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an array of healthy options in a charming garden setting, perfect for meals throughout the day.
  • Black Boy Restaurant

    Modern British
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly, modern and romantic setting complemented by a charming garden.
    Key Offerings
    A diverse menu accommodating Halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets, with continental breakfast and delicious lunch and dinner options.
    Reservation
    Recommended for dinner.
    Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:30 and 17:30 to 20:30, and Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00.

The Black Boy Location

91 Old High Street, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9HT
Explore Oxford
Explore the Best of Headington
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Headington Shark
Headington Shark
9 minutes' walk
An iconic rooftop sculpture, the Headington Shark is a quirky landmark attracting visitors with its unique charm.
Holy Trinity Church Headington Quarry
Holy Trinity Church Headington Quarry
15 minutes' walk
A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a short visit.
Shotover Country Park
Shotover Country Park
19 minutes' walk
Offering scenic trails and lush woodlands, this park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a refreshing retreat.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
35 minutes' walk
Home to stunning exhibits, this museum showcases natural history and features impressive architecture and free admission days.
Outdoor Hiking
19 minutes' walk
Hiking in Shotover Country Park offers scenic trails with breathtaking views perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Relaxation at Wellness Spa
10 minutes' drive
Indulge in relaxation treatments at nearby wellness spas, offering services including massages and rejuvenating therapies.
The Black Boy Pub and Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Traditional pub atmosphere with a menu featuring classic British dishes and local ales. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Acropolis Greek Tavern
6 minutes' walk
A cozy setting serving authentic Greek cuisine, including fresh mezze and grilled meats that bring a taste of the Mediterranean.
Asian Mama
6 minutes' walk
A vibrant eatery with a menu focusing on Asian fusion dishes, known for their flavorful curries and lively atmosphere.
The White Hart
2 minutes' walk
A classic pub offering a relaxing environment with comfort food, local beers, and a family-friendly dining area.
The New Theatre Oxford
10 minutes' drive
Main venue for live performances featuring theater, comedy, and music; check for exciting shows during your stay.
Headington Festival
short driving distance
A community-based festival featuring local art, music, and food, occurring annually-perfect for family-friendly entertainment.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    Oxford 6 min  ·  2.1 mi
  • Airports
    London Heathrow (LHR) 105 min  ·  43.4 mi
    Gloucestershire (GLO) 113 min  ·  46.6 mi
  • Train
    Oxford Train Station 7 min  ·  2.7 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 5 min  ·  1400 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 15.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Black Boy offers a comfortable stay with spacious and well-equipped rooms, with modern bathrooms and amenities such as tea, coffee, and biscuits provided daily. Guests appreciate the tasty full English breakfast and the option to enjoy dinner in the pub. While a few guests have noted the need for some maintenance, the location provides convenient access to Oxford via a quick bus ride, making it easy to leave your car at the hotel and visit nearby landmarks such as The Shark art installation.
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Review score
Based on 335 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Free Wi-Fi
9.3/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Clean rooms
Delicious food
Short taxi ride
Cons
Small fan
Random parking
Guest reviews
based on 335 reviews
8.5/10
based on 512 reviews
8.5/10
Pamela from United Kingdom
Business traveller
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 18, 2026
9.0/10

amazing stay

friendly staff coffee facilities comfortable bed
the staff was very friendly and helpful, providing excellent service at every turn. the room was clean and well-kept with wonderful tea and coffee facilities (i do love a good cuppa!). i especially appreciated the comfortable bed, because a good night's sleep is so important.
I did notice some peeling paint on the exterior. A fresh coat would definitely enhance the curb appeal and overall impression.
Rooms
9/10
the room was very clean and modern, with local soaps included in the bathroom, i found it really nice. the super comfortable bed also featured really soft bedsheets ensuring a good night's rest.
Location
9/10
the location was great, providing easy access to both a bus stop and local shops. the hotel also offered convenient parking right in front, a big plus for me! i didn't have to worry about finding a space.
Service
10/10
the staff members were friendly and helpful. kathleen was especially cute upon my arrival! they gave excellent advice about the bus to downtown.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast was delicious, with a proper full english breakfast (yum!). they managed to squeeze me in even though it was busy when i hadn't reserved for dinner, which i really appreciated.
Facilities
8/10
parking was easy right in front of the hotel, a big convenience. the venue had a very well-appointed bathroom. the whole place was quiet, so it was great for relaxation after a long day.
0 Helpful
|
Molly from Ireland
Couple
King Room
6 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 02, 2025
7/10

Acceptable Stay

friendly staff great decor excellent food premises closure lack response overpriced hotel
The staff was friendly. My room had great decor and amenities. The food was excellent, and I enjoyed it.
I was not informed that the premises are closed on a Sunday night. I was lucky to get back in time. Otherwise, I would have been locked out. There was little or no response from the owner to discuss problems. I would not book again since it is overpriced for the lack of facilities.
0 Helpful
Liam from Ireland
Couple
Deluxe King Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 15, 2025
8.7/10

A pleasant stay

clean room comfortable bed convenient location
The rooms were clean. The bed was VERY comfortable. The location is quite convenient to city transport with bus stops nearby.
The restaurant staff sometimes seemed unsure of their duties.
Service
9/10
The staff was helpful and they always assisted with a smile. I saw prompt food and drink service. A young waitress was efficient and pleasant during a lunch service, too.
Facilities
8/10
The building is beautiful. There IS climate control and window options in the rooms, and I appreciated this. The bar area is pleasant and I found it to be fairly busy most evenings.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast was lovely and well presented. The dinner menu had a beef brisket option. The restaurant offers good value for money. The breakfast was excellent.
0 Helpful
|
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olivia from united kingdom
Single
standard double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 08, 2025
6/10

some issues

poor cleaning uncomfortable bed
i was disappointed with a few things . the room's cleaning wasnt great because i found hair in the shower. also, the bed wasn't very comfortable, and its size didn't match the price i paid. these issues.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Black Boy
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Black Boy?
Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What distance is The Black Boy from the University of Oxford?
The Black Boy is approximately 5 km from the University of Oxford.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from The Black Boy?
Nearby attractions include Blenheim Palace (15 km), and the Bodleian Library (3 km).
Is parking available at The Black Boy?
Guests have access to off-site parking options.
What dining options are available at The Black Boy?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving British cuisine, including vegetarian and dairy-free options.
What breakfast options does The Black Boy offer?
Breakfast includes continental, Full English/Irish, and vegetarian options.
What amenities are available in the guest rooms at The Black Boy?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, coffee and tea making facilities, a desk, and free Wi-Fi.
Is Wi-Fi available at The Black Boy?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Are there restaurants close to The Black Boy?
Nearby restaurants include The White Hart (0.5 km), Jacobs and Field (0.5 km), and La Croissanterie (0.5 km).
What transportation options are near The Black Boy?
The hotel is located close to Oxford train station and Osler Road bus stop is a 5-minute walk away.
Are there any activities available at The Black Boy?
Guests can enjoy cycling and pub crawls in and around Oxford.
How far is The Black Boy from London Heathrow Airport?
The Black Boy is 69 km from London Heathrow Airport.

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