The Black Horse Inn

Hotels
8.8 (2070 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.
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 2070 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
E
Erich Mangold solo_traveller ch
10
2026-06-13 via Nuitee
S
Susan Kim solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

The cosy cabin we stayed in had everything we needed for an overnight stay. It was clean and very comfortable. Excellent provision for a morning drink, with good quality tea, coffee, and biscuits options, best choice we've seen for years.
The location was quiet and peaceful, yet only a short distance from all major routes.

Cons:

Nothing to dislike.

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
J
Janette solo_traveller gb
9
Pros:

Friendly , helpful staff . Ample parking in a quiet location

Cons:

Nothing not to like

2026-06-12 via Nuitee
J
James couple gb
8
2026-06-11 via Nuitee
S
Suanne solo_traveller de
8
War sehr okay für eine Nacht.
Pros:

Sehr sauber, freundliches Personal. Angenehm: der ans Hotel angeschlossene Pub bzw. Restaurant.

2026-06-10 via Nuitee
K
Kissi solo_traveller gb
10
2026-06-10 via Nuitee
H
Huub solo_traveller nl
9
Pros:

Vriendelijkheid personeel, mooie locatie, heerlijk eten.

Cons:

Niets

2026-06-09 via Nuitee
D
Dorothee extended_group de
8
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
K
Konstantin solo_traveller de
10
2026-06-08 via Nuitee
R
Ronald solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Locality near to the tunnel

Cons:

.

2026-06-08 via Nuitee
P
Paul extended_group nl
8
2026-06-07 via Nuitee
J
Jackie couple gb
10
Lovely overnight stay
Pros:

Comfortable and welcoming

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
S
STEPHEN extended_group it
9
Lovely atmosphere
Pros:

Location
Restaurant
Staff

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
M
Monique couple nl
8
Geweldig! ik zou zo weer boeken
Pros:

Perfecte plek, super gezellig en mooie omgeving, ook om direct vanuit het hotel te gaan wandelen

Cons:

Alles was oké

2026-06-07 via Nuitee
P
Peter couple gb
9
2026-06-07 via Nuitee
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