The Black Horse Inn

Hotels
8.8 (2263 reviews)
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone , Maidstone , GB
+44 1622 737185

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Free
Children 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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 2263 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
B
Barton • solo_traveller • gb
10
A very enjoyable stay
Pros:

I like being able to parky car right outside of my room as I am disabled.

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • solo_traveller • gb
7
Great staff and location. Rooms a bit basic.
Pros:

Staff were all very friendly and helpful. Location was nice, good walks nearby. Quiet rooms except for people in adjoining room crashing the doors early in the morning.

Cons:

Hard bed. Shower was leaky and loo seat was loose. Not much hanging space for clothes.

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
J
John • solo_traveller • au
9
Pros:

Extremely clean second stay here this year would certainly stay again but would request a room to avoid cardiac hill!

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
F
Fam Averink • solo_traveller • nl
8
Pros:

Het bed

Cons:

Badkamer: zeer schoon maar gedateerd. We hadden de kamer voor mindervaliden.

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • extended_group • gb
4
Not as good as previous years
Pros:

Breakfast was very good. Plenty of choice

Cons:

The room we stayed in wasn't to a good standard. The bathroom was disappointing the flooring in the main room was scruffy looking.
On my previous visit I was given a key to a room that was already occupied and walked in to a gentleman asleep on the bed. Whilst checking in this time a guest came to reception to say she had been given a key to a room that was already occupied

2026-09-15 • via Nuitee
I
ivana • couple • gb
10
5* location, parking , safety, excellent place
Pros:

Absolutely everything. Super Easy check in / out. Spacious accommodation with front door- could just let my pets out straight away without worry. We travelled to France - Excellent location / very safe and super easy.
Thank you for looking after us

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
M
Matt Wallace • couple • gb
9
Walking Break
Pros:

Welcoming. Great diiner and service, great location

Cons:

There was a wedding but very little noise

2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jen • extended_group • gb
9
2026-09-14 • via Nuitee
L
Lindsey • solo_traveller • gb
9
Thank you to all staff, your hard work is duely noted
Pros:

It’s a favourite stop when I visit the area with my dog. I love everything about it. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. The food is lovely and the location is beautiful. I visit by myself and my dog and there’s always a warm welcome in the bar.

Cons:

I did struggled to get parked the first night this time due to a wedding but within a couple of hours It quietened down and then spaces became free so I was able to move my vehicle to a More suitable place . It wasn’t a major issue

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
E
Euan • solo_traveller • de
9
Cute comfortable stay with great food.
Pros:

The third time I have stayed recently and still great. Very clean comfortable accommodation, great dinner and breakfast with super staff.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
P
Pierre • couple • be
8
2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
S
Sylvana • family_with_children • be
8
Good location if you want to be close to Canterbury and Dover
Pros:

Room was decent for one night.

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
U
Uta • couple • de
9
Gemütliche Unterkunft, die sich auch gut als Zwischenstop eignet
Pros:

Schöne Lage etwas außerhalb von Maidstone, die Zimmer sind über ein weitlläufiges, begrüntes Gelände verteilt, es gibt ausreichend Parkplätze. Das angschlossene Gasthaus ist sehr gemütlich und rustikal mit einer Terasse, auf der man bei schönem Wetter sitzen kann. Gutes Essen, leckeres englisches Frühstück. Gutes Preis-Leistungsverhältnis.

Cons:

Wir haben absolut nichts auszusetzen

2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
K
Keatley • solo_traveller • gb
10
Highly Recommended!
Pros:

Absolutely loved everything about this place! The Pub itself it stunning and the the whole area is such a lovely atmosphere.

Cons:

I have no complaints!

2026-09-07 • via Nuitee
J
jake • extended_group • gb
10
Pros:

Fatastic food. great room. beautiful location

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
D
Deborah • family_with_children • gb
10
Great place. Lovely staff. Clean and comfortable rooms.
Pros:

Lovely friendly staff - clean and spacious rooms, good breakfast and evening meals. Great location for exploring. Really enjoyed it.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
S
Smartgirl89 • solo_traveller • it
5
Pros:

Cottage in stile inglese, il loro pub di fronte alle camere proponeva una cucina tipica , con carne e dolci davvero buonissimi!
Letto matrimoniale un po' piccolo ma comodissimo!

Cons:

Il bagno, aveva la doccia senza tenda per cui ad ogni utilizzo si allagava tutto, disponeva poi di due lavandini di cui uno aveva una fuoriuscita di acqua con una pressione minima.
Il locale dove si fa colazione , "apparentemente" pulito, mi sono accorta che nella brocca del latte sul mio tavolo, c'erano due mosche morte...
Inoltre, l'ultima notte di permanenza, è mancata l'acqua in tutta la zona, compreso l'hotel...che disagio!

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee