The Black Horse Inn

Hotels
8.8 (2145 reviews)
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone , Maidstone , gb

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Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Business center
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 2145 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
Mendy • family_with_children • de
9
Top Pitstop, um in England „anzukommen“
Pros:

Lage, Charme, Service/Personal, toller Pub/Restaurant mit Biergarten, unbedingt Frühstücken!

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
H
holger • family_with_children • de
7
2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
T
Tamara • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
D
Dorret • extended_group • nl
10
Super!
Pros:

Ontzettend leuk opgezet hotel met heel veel verschillende kamers. De pub is fantastisch!

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
M
matt • solo_traveller • gb
8
stayed there for work , would probally use again
Pros:

Room was nice , clean too , well presented area , also quiet place to stay , looks good for walker with dogs

Cons:

i did think the food menu was a little pricey , for pub grub , but the portions were very good and the burger was proper good.

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
M
Maurice • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Room was clean

Cons:

Bed didn't suit me...wasn't that comfortable

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
R
Rik • couple • be
9
Heel huiselijk, authentiek in een rustige omgeving.
Pros:

Prachtige ligging, uitgestippelde wandelroutes, heel vriendelijk personeel, authentiek interieur.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
M
Miguel Angelo • family_with_children • nl
9
Pros:

Nice location, good prices, very good restaurant. Simple but nice breakfast.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
B
Barry • solo_traveller • be
10
Unbelievable place wish I could stay longer
Pros:

Absolutely everything

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
K
Kerry • couple • gb
8
A great place to stay
Pros:

Good for walking the north downs way
Lovely food and helpful staff

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
R
ruth • solo_traveller • be
9
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • solo_traveller • gb
10
ALL EXCELLENT USED MANY TIMES BEFORE AND WILL USE AGAIN
Pros:

Excellent parking, Good choice of food well prepared and very tasty. very friendly staff.

Cons:

THE WALK UP THE HILL FROM THE ACCOMADATION MAY BE AN ISSUE FOR SOME

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
D
Dick • couple • nl
8
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
E
Elaine • couple • gb
10
Beautiful place to stay
Pros:

Absolutely beautiful, very clean and very welcoming

Cons:

I liked everything about the property also it allows Dogs

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
C
Cornelis • couple • nl
8
prima verblijf op het terrein van een originele pub vlakbij de Detling showgrounds
Pros:

vriendelijk personeel en leuke "hotelhuisjes"

Cons:

de aanduiding van de locatie, lastig te vinden

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
S
Serena • couple • it
9
Ultima notte in Maidstone
Pros:

La struttura è immersa nel verde, la si raggiunge dopo un bel tratto di strada completamente immerso nella campagna. Check in rapido alla reception, personale all’accoglienza gentile e disponibile. Ottima la colazione (disponibilità di latte vegetale, basta chiedere! E alternativa vegetale anche nell’english breakfast), che si svolge nel pub della struttura, in classico stile inglese. Ampia disponibilità di parcheggio. Camera e bagno puliti e spaziosi.

Cons:

Nulla.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
J
Jolly • extended_group • gb
10
Pros:

Evening meal was lovely. Friendly staff and prompt service. Breakfast was self serve continental or off the menu full english which was gorgeous. Although a busy place it is tucked well out of the way so no road noise what so ever.

Cons:

Nothing could be better in my mind.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
K
Karin • solo_traveller • ch
6
Pros:

Wir waren froh, dass wir am selben Ort zu Abend essen konnten und dass das Hotel Parkplätze anbietet.

Cons:

Der Boden unseres Zimmers war schmutzig und klebrig. Stellenweise roch es nach Urin. Wir baten die Rezeptionistin, dem Reinigungspersonal den Auftrag zugeben, den Boden am nächsten Tag gründlich zu reinigen. Es wurde uns versprochen, dass es erledigt werde. Nichts geschah! Das Frühstücksbuffet ist kläglich. Auch im Frühstücksraum war alles schmuddelig.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
A
Amandine • solo_traveller • be
8
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
E
Elaine • solo_traveller • gb
8
Lovely location and very pleasant accommodation.
Pros:

The lodge was clean and comfortable plus the large fan in the room was particularly welcome due to the hot weather.a walk-in

Cons:

I would have preferred a walk-in shower as I found it difficult to get in the bath. However the bathroom was fine.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee