The Black Horse Inn

Hotels
8.8 (2029 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 2029 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
J
Jonathan solo_traveller nz
9
2026-05-23 via Nuitee
N
neil solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

The food is nice. The beer garden is lovely on a summers day

Cons:

Walking up cardiac hill

2026-05-23 via Nuitee
A
Alexander solo_traveller gb
8
2026-05-22 via Nuitee
N
neil solo_traveller gb
10
Pros:

All of it

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-21 via Nuitee
S
Simon solo_traveller gb
10
Near Maidstone, Bearsted station and KIMS private hospital.
Pros:

Delightful location on the North Downs & Pigrims’ Way. Lovely traditional pub and restaurant. Accommodation chalet room large and comfortable with a spacious en suite bathroom.

2026-05-21 via Nuitee
B
Barend solo_traveller nl
9
2026-05-21 via Nuitee
G
Gary couple gb
10
2026-05-20 via Nuitee
G
Gary couple gb
10
2026-05-20 via Nuitee
S
Steven solo_traveller gb
9
Very pleased with my stay and located just a mile from where I needed to be the next morning.
Pros:

A quiet location for an overnight stay. A good selection of local beers and the evening meal was very good.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
K
Kirsty solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

The room was clean, comfortable and really good value for the price paid. Breakfast was very good and dinner excellent. All the staff I met were friendly and helpful.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-18 via Nuitee
A
Andre solo_traveller de
10
Pros:

Uns hat die Unterkunft sehr gut gefallen, das Zimmer war sehr sauber und groß, die Betten äußerst bequem. Besonders toll fanden wir die Begrüßungsbox mit Leckerlies und Kuschelhandtuch für unseren Hund. Was für eine nette Geste. In der Anlage stehen außerdem überall Mülltonnen für die Hundetüten. Es waren ausreichend Parkplätze an der Unterkunft vorhanden. Wir werden gerne wieder hier übernachten!

Cons:

-

2026-05-17 via Nuitee
R
richard couple gb
8
Pros:

Close to friends. Good pub

Cons:

Room a little chilly

2026-05-16 via Nuitee
S
Sandrine family_with_children fr
10
2026-05-15 via Nuitee
A
Anthony solo_traveller gb
9
Just off The North Downs Way!
Pros:

It's well located for The North Downs Way. The chalets were surprisingly quiet during the night and are probably preferable to staying in the popular pub. The food was excellent and a packed lunch was available if requested. The staff were super!

Cons:

Breakfast was only average. Bran flakes would be nice as an option.

2026-05-14 via Nuitee
B
Brenda solo_traveller gb
10
2026-05-13 via Nuitee
B
Brian solo_traveller gb
7
2026-05-13 via Nuitee
R
Ryall solo_traveller gb
10
Pros:

Caring happy staff

Cons:

Heart attack hill😉

2026-05-12 via Nuitee
T
Trevor solo_traveller gb
10
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
R
Rhianan extended_group fr
10
Excellent
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
B
Bruno solo_traveller nl
8
2026-05-12 via Nuitee