The Black Horse Inn

Hotels
8.8 (2058 reviews)
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone , Maidstone , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
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 2058 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
M
Marcel couple de
8
Zimmer ok aber nicht 4 * . Dafür Restaurant super
Pros:

Großes Zimmer, großes Badezimmer (behindertengerecht), sehr schönes Restaurant mit Pub und hervorragende Küche.

Cons:

Die Bodenfugen im Bad könnten eine Sanierung vertragen, ebenso Waschbecken mit Armatur. ein Vorhang um die behindertengerechte Dusche würde eine Überschwemmung verhindern

2026-06-06 via Nuitee
G
Graham couple gb
8
Reliable and consistent
Pros:

High standard

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-05 via Nuitee
M
mat solo_traveller gb
10
Perfect
Pros:

Perfect in all aspects

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-03 via Nuitee
S
Sandra solo_traveller be
9
Pros:

Lekker eten in het restaurant. Rustige kamer. Elektrische wagen laden ter plaatse.

2026-06-02 via Nuitee
C
caroline couple gb
5
It was fine for an overnight stay. It is a beautiful location
Pros:

The staff were friendly

Cons:

The rooms were basic and the bathroom was tired. There was an overwhelming smell of bleach in the room which I am sure was supposed to be reassuring but it made me wonder what had occurred with the previous guest and if this was trying to cover up some other smell. If using bleach as a general cleaning tool please switch to one with a more pleasant smell. We stayed in 'Rose' and the bathroom floor flooded with each shower taken. This was a surprise the first time that this happened and slippers and bags on the floor were soaked through

2026-06-02 via Nuitee
L
Lorna solo_traveller gb
10
Pros:

Spacious, clean accommodation - great for family groups.
Friendly staff

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
S
Smith couple gb
10
Pros:

Breakfast was so good, and our meal was lovely

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
J
Jos couple nl
7
Best goed.
Pros:

Eten was heerlijk

Cons:

Temperatuur in de kamer. Het wandelen van de verre kamer naar het restaurant. Ofwel cardiac Hill

2026-06-01 via Nuitee
D
David solo_traveller gb
8
Daves stay with my dog Baillie
Pros:

Staff were fantastic abd so so helpful

Cons:

Narrow roads ti get there but it was worth it

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
S
Stephen solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Great room fan in the heat- Very gifted staff

Cons:

All fine

2026-05-31 via Nuitee
W
Woolston family_with_children gb
8
2026-05-31 via Nuitee
R
Renate solo_traveller nl
9
2026-05-31 via Nuitee
K
Kym couple gb
10
2026-05-30 via Nuitee
T
Thierry solo_traveller fr
9
2026-05-30 via Nuitee
C
Chris couple gb
8
2026-05-30 via Nuitee
M
Maelo solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Beautiful venue,warm, friendly staff all in a stunningly beautiful area

Cons:

If I had known that the site was so large I would have asked for an easy access room so that I didn't have to do the big hill as I have cardiac and joint problems. Just a personal thing, my bed was too firm and so I had very little sleep which impacted on my entire day as cele rant for a wedding taking place at Longton Wood.

2026-05-30 via Nuitee
E
Eileen couple fr
10
Wonderful stay and great people will be back again
Pros:

Great location, lovely staff, great food

Cons:

No air conditioning which is normally fine but a bit challenging during a heatwave. Still all good tho

2026-05-30 via Nuitee
R
Richard solo_traveller nl
9
2026-05-30 via Nuitee
A
Antonius couple at
9
2026-05-29 via Nuitee
M
Malin couple gb
8
Perfect place: good location, lovely staff, amazing food!
Pros:

Such a nice place. Fantastic staff 🌟
Amazing food. Lovely nature. Perfect if travel through the area. Dog friendly.

2026-05-29 via Nuitee