The Black Horse Inn

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

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
S
Steve solo_traveller gb
10
2026-03-27 via Nuitee
W
wendy couple gb
8
2026-03-26 via Nuitee
T
Trevor couple gb
10
Pilgrims Thought's!
Pros:

Location,
Amazing for a traditional Kentish feel with its narrow country lanes and being set into the countryside.

The food and beverage,
Very nice menu, but not a huge choice. It is a little above average on price, there is a big BUT!
So the slightly higher price keeps the selection local and fresh with the food quality being 5 star.

The room,
When you stay here and chat with the proprietor and staff, you understand the history and the work to look after this amazing property, so we understand the room was a little dated and in need of some investment, but its clean, comfy and due to the grounds and main pub, you will love staying.

Cons:

Not so much we did not like, just suggestions for improvements,

A mini fridge would have been the only room convenience that was missing.

TV, small for accommodation these days, if you like to watch some late night TV in bed.

2026-03-26 via Nuitee
P
Paul solo_traveller gb
9
2026-03-26 via Nuitee
C
Clive solo_traveller gb
7
Pros:

Great location, large room in the grounds, beautiful old traditional pub with excellent food.

Cons:

overbath shower is very average and heater in bathroom didn't work

2026-03-23 via Nuitee
J
Juliet couple gb
7
2026-03-21 via Nuitee
A
Alan couple gb
10
Excellent stay all round.
Pros:

Lovely and helpful staff.

2026-03-18 via Nuitee
W
Wilhelm couple ch
8
2026-03-17 via Nuitee
T
Tracy couple gb
10
Please see above, we love it at The Black Horse
Pros:

We have been coming here for 20 years and it’s always excellent service and amazing quality.
All the food is locally sourced and prepared and served to a high standard.
Would most definitely recommend, I’m looking forward to our next stay 😊

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-15 via Nuitee
K
Kate family_with_children gb
6
Lovely country pub attached to dated accomodation.
Pros:

Attached pub was lovely, food super and staff accommodating. Good parking, felt safe.

Cons:

Room and bathroom was tired and worn. Furniture was dated and cold on arrival. Storage heaters not turned on. Pillows and duvet not comfortable.

2026-03-11 via Nuitee
T
Teresa couple gb
10
2026-03-09 via Nuitee
J
Jindřich family_with_children cz
10
Pros:

We had a lovely time here. The room was beautiful and well-maintained. A huge thanks to the staff, who were very friendly and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.

2026-03-08 via Nuitee
P
Paul Boon solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

food was great

2026-03-07 via Nuitee
A
Adrian couple gb
7
Very good but some minor iratations
Pros:

Good atmosphere in pub. Great cooked-to-order breakfast

Cons:

Bathroom tired. Hooks missing so insufficient towel hanging and washbasin plug difficult to manage (Mistletoe room)

2026-03-05 via Nuitee
P
Paul solo_traveller gb
9
Great place, excellent friendly staff, really good breakfast
Pros:

Great place, excellent friendly staff, really good breakfast.

2026-03-05 via Nuitee
J
Jennifer couple gb
7
2026-03-04 via Nuitee
A
alanmac69 solo_traveller gb
9
Excellent dog friendly
Pros:

Excellent friendly inn right on the pilgrims way and also very dog friendly.. comfortable chalet style accomodation and a lovely traditional bar restaurant

Cons:

The heater doesn't seem to be adjustable in the room so it's either really hot or off .. maybe I wasn't using it correctly

2026-03-03 via Nuitee
R
Raymond couple gb
9
2026-03-02 via Nuitee
J
Judith couple ch
10
Es hat uns sehr gut im Black Horse gefallen.
Pros:

Sehr saubere gemütliche Zimmer und auch unsere 3 Hunde waren willkommen. Wir waren schon mehrmals dort. Vielen Dank.

2026-03-02 via Nuitee
C
clive couple gb
10
really nice stay only stayed one night shame it couldnt of been more.
Pros:

room was clean and comfortable and dinner in the evening was lovely didnt stay for breakfast because of leaving early but imagine would of been lovely if the food we had in the evening was anything to go by really nice stay and lovely pub would definitely stay again.

Cons:

no negative remarks at all

2026-03-02 via Nuitee