The Black Horse Inn

Hotels
8.8 (1911 reviews)
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone , Maidstone , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Lovely food
Cons:
Issues with some amenities
Personal discomfort with mattress quality

Categories

Cleanliness
8.89
Overall cleanliness mentioned positively in many reviews, rooms described as clean.
Service
9.16
Staff described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful in various reviews.
Location
8.8
Great location for local walks and proximity to a lovely pub.
Room Quality
8.65
Rooms described as comfortable and well-equipped, with a personal touch.
Amenities
8.48
While some amenities were criticized (like unworking car chargers), the general atmosphere is pleasant.
Value for Money
8.64
Value perceived positively with regards to food and accommodation.
Food and Beverage
8.79
Food described as lovely with excellent breakfast options.
Overall Experience
8.96
Overall experience consistently positive, with many guests expressing desire to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 18:06

Property Description

Charming Rooms with Country-Style Decor
Individually styled rooms at The Black Horse Inn offer a cozy retreat with modern amenities including Freeview TV, ironing supplies, and tea/coffee facilities. The bright décor and private bathrooms ensure a comfortable stay.

Farm-to-Table Dining Experience
Enjoy a culinary delight at the on-site restaurant featuring a menu crafted from local and home-grown ingredients. The rustic ambiance with wooden beams and open fire adds to the charm. Don't miss out on the selection of Kentish cask ales at the bar and dine al fresco on the patio.

Scenic Surroundings and Outdoor Activities
Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the inn provides access to picturesque walking trails and stunning scenery. With Leeds Castle just a short distance away and Maidstone's amenities nearby, The Black Horse Inn offers the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience.

To book your stay at The Black Horse Inn, experience the charm and serenity of rural Kent today.

Important information:

Please note that you need to reserve a table if you would like dinner. Children under 10 years are not allowed in the restaurant after 20:00.

The reception for guests is open Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 8am to 12pm. When the reception is closed the keys can be collected from the pub/restaurant.

Breakfast is served Monday to Friday 07:00 to 09:30, and Saturday and Sunday 08:00 to 10:00.

If arriving by car, be careful when using satellite navigation. After M20 junction 7, as you come into the A249, most sat-nav systems will send you the wrong side of the Pilgrims Way. Please ensure you turn right into Detling Village, NOT left towards Boxley Village.

Check-in outside of the check-in times is not possible.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LCY

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for £10 per person per night when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for £20 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for £20 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 1911 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.89
Service: 9.16
Location: 8.8
Room Quality: 8.65
Amenities: 8.48
Value for Money: 8.64
Food and Beverage: 8.79
Overall Experience: 8.96
D
Daran • couple • gb
10
2026-02-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • couple • gb
10
Good people, nice place, great view
Pros:

Breakfast was great - especially after the party the night before. Room was clean, comfortable and water pressure was massive in the shower

Cons:

Brought several rounds in the bar (at the party) and we had two different prices for the same items

2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
B
barry • solo_traveller • nl
9
2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Nice location. The Inn itself had a good atmosphere. Food and service was excellent.

Cons:

The room was clean, but not very welcoming as it was freezing cold There was a note on windowsill mentioning saving the environment which we understand, but it would have been more welcoming if the room was warm.

2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
P
Patient • couple • gb
9
2026-02-09 • via Nuitee
E
Elaine • couple • gb
10
Excellent overnight stop.
Pros:

Good location 35 mins from eurotunnel
Very Dog friendly
Great food
Great staff

2026-02-08 • via Nuitee
K
Katarzyna • couple • gb
7
2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
N
Nigel • solo_traveller • gb
8
Very good.
Pros:

Good

Cons:

All good.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
C
Curtis • couple • gb
10
Stayed here the night before our wedding, and the night of our wedding could not of been better
Pros:

The staff were super friendly, the breakfast was superb. The overall feeling and location was quiet and comfortable which is exactly what I need to relax and calm myself before getting married. I tried what I could of the food but didn’t have my usual appetite, but I did have the best home made fish finger sandwich I’d ever had. Overall the I was very happy with the stay, and so was my new wife. Thank You!

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
B
Ben • family_with_children • gb
6
I expected more for the price
Pros:

Location good for channel tunnel.
Room generally clean.
Quiet.
Beer in pub was good.
Staff helpful and friendly.

Cons:

The floor of our room had visible footprints on it.
The taps were rubbish in the bathroom, water pressure very low.
The clothes hook on the bathroom door was falling off.
The fan in the bedroom was very dusty.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
James • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • solo_traveller • gb
9
Will definitely return.
Pros:

The evening meal was excellent, the surroundings were very friendly, great atmosphere.

Cons:

The lighting outside the building / blocks were switched on very early in the morning.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sue • solo_traveller • gb
10
Very enjoyable stay would stay again
Pros:

Ideal location in heart of Kent countryside fabulous pub with great food and drinks and friendly efficient staff with comfortable warm room to relax

Cons:

Nothing not to like

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Jordan • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-01-05 • via Nuitee
N
Natasha • solo_traveller • fr
10
Pros:

Great location for local walks, amazing pub and motel style accommodation behind. Really a nice, cozy stay. Even a mini Christmas tree in each room. Great for dogs.

2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
T
Tracy • couple • gb
8
Great stay, beautiful log fire pub with a fabulous breakfast will be booking again
Pros:

Quirkiness with idea of the rooms located outside of the pub, fantastic value for money! Added touch having a Christmas tree in the room, breakfast was fabulous looking to stay again

2026-01-02 • via Nuitee
L
Lewis • couple • gb
9
Lovely place and stay
Pros:

Large room nice and clean fantastic staff

Cons:

Nothing major just mattress and pillows too hard for me but for partner was fantastic so just personal choice

2026-01-01 • via Nuitee
A
Alexandra • couple • gb
10
2025-12-30 • via Nuitee
S
Stephen • extended_group • gb
10
2025-12-29 • via Nuitee
N
Nadene • couple • gb
10
2025-12-29 • via Nuitee