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4-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Black Horse Inn

Charming 18th-century inn with rustic bar, Modern British restaurant, free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet-friendly lodges near Leeds Castle in Thurnham, Maidstone.

Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LD, United Kingdom View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 1658 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Breakfast Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

The Black Horse Inn Highlights

Guests appreciate the blend of traditional charm, attentive service, and quality dining offered by this historic inn with modern lodges.

Guests often praise

  • Exceptional food quality, with standout dishes such as risotto and cauliflower cheese frequently mentioned.
  • Friendly, welcoming, and accommodating staff who go above and beyond, especially for special occasions and unexpected situations.
  • Warm and relaxed atmosphere blending historic character with comfortable, well-maintained rooms.
  • Pet-friendly accommodations with thoughtful touches for dogs, making stays convenient for pet owners.
  • Efficient service even during busy or group events, ensuring smooth and enjoyable dining experiences.

Worth knowing

  • Rooms can be chilly initially and may lack some expected amenities such as bottled water.
  • Pricing is on the higher side, reflecting the quality and experience rather than budget travel.
  • The inn is located slightly off the motorway and requires a short drive to nearby attractions like Leeds Castle.
  • No pool, fitness center, or airport shuttle available, which may be relevant for some travelers.
  • Some guests highlight limited lighting in certain dining areas, affecting visibility during meals.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a traditional English country inn experience with modern touches.
  • Food lovers wanting high-quality Modern British cuisine in a historic setting.
  • Pet owners looking for a welcoming, dog-friendly stay with convenient facilities.
  • Groups celebrating special events who benefit from attentive, flexible service and reserved dining spaces.
  • Travelers wanting easy access to heritage sites and countryside attractions in Kent.
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About this property

Welcome to The Black Horse Inn

Set in the grounds of an 18th-century inn along Pilgrims Way in Thurnham, The Black Horse Inn offers a combination of rustic charm and modern comfort. The property features low-rise wooden lodges in a courtyard annexe, providing bed and breakfast accommodation with easy access to the inn’s bar and Modern British restaurant. This historic setting is popular for its welcoming atmosphere and quality dining experiences, often highlighted in guest reviews.

Facilities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, and pet-friendly and kid-friendly options, making the inn accessible to a range of travelers. While there is no pool, fitness center, or airport shuttle, the onsite restaurant and bar serve as key features for visitors looking to enjoy meals without leaving the property. Check-in is from 15:00 with checkout at 11:00, allowing for a comfortable stay schedule.

The location is convenient for travelers, situated 2.5 miles from the M20 motorway and within short driving distance of popular attractions such as Leeds Castle, Rochester Castle, and The Historic Dockyard Chatham. The Black Horse Inn is also accessible within about an hour by car from several major airports including Heathrow and London Gatwick.

Guests have praised the friendly and attentive service, with many highlighting the quality and variety of food available, from generous portion sizes to thoughtfully prepared seasonal dishes. Though some note pricing on the higher side, the overall experience is regarded as good value, supported by a strong 4.6 rating from over 1,600 reviews. Families, pet owners, and visitors seeking a traditional English inn with a modern twist would likely find this property a suitable choice.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

RB
richard bromley Apr 12, 2026
10

Cant tell you about the rooms has we did not stay there, you need to see yourself on that One. We’ve been driving by for years trying to avoid motorway traffic so the pub we thought we stopped this time and well what can I say? Absolutely stunning pub beautiful service and one of the best meals I’ve had in the UK for years. 10 out of 10 but they went above and beyond.Very, very hospitable very welcoming and I’ll do recommend. I never book a table or plan for an evening meal. It’s a case of turning up and seeing what happens and they helped out where they could..

RH
Robyn Hill Mar 23, 2026
10

Really happy with the service. Due to traffic and unexpected road closures we were late but the staff accommodated us wonderfully. An older gentleman was on his own as his son was also stuck in traffic and the staff cared for him amazingly till his son arrived. Would definitely eat here again.

T
Traxi Mar 06, 2026
10

This place was recommend to us, so we thought we'd try it out. I must say, we wasn't disappointed! First impression was good. It looked like an old traditional English Country Inn. Full of character and history. Although it is quite pricey, you get what you pay for. The food is very good, portion sizes are generous and the staff welcoming and friendly. It has a lovely atmosphere throughout. We liked it and will definitely go back!

C
CB Feb 21, 2026
10

I have been going to the Black Horse for over 30 years and honestly cant say I have ever had a bad experience. Had a meal last weekend and as per usual we wasn't disappointed. Instantly greeted by a pleasant member of staff, offered a table despite having not booked. Beautiful selection of seasonal meals on offer, food was of the most highest standard. This isnt just pub grub, it is a level far above that and cooked to perfection. I had a Risotto Verde from the special board which was probably the best risotto I have ever eaten anywhere. Faultless service by proper helpful and friendly waitresses coupled with a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Its almost a shame to leave such a good review as the last thing I want is to encourage more people there, wished I could almost keep it to myself, but it is far too good not to share. 10/10 Black Horse Inn, you've never let me down yet.

HH
Hayley Hamlett Feb 13, 2026
10

I stayed 1 night for work and had dinner here. Dinner was a little pricie, over my work budget but it was delicious. I had salmon served on a black plate in a dark room.. it was challenging to see it but I managed. The room was ok, cold initially ans had no bottled water, although a small thing.. it was a shame. Staff very friendly though and would revisit

VM
Vanessa Mole Feb 01, 2026
10

This is the third time we have stayed at the Black horse Inn. I really like that they are so dog friendly, Monty had his own dog towel, sheet and even a couple of poo bags. The room was really clean and comfortable, with convenient access to outside for Monty. We had an evening meal and breakfast, both were delicious. I would definitely recommend staying at the Black Horse Inn, you get a friendly welcome, efficient service and I think value for money too.

DS
Danielle Simpson Jan 28, 2026
10

We stayed here with a large group of family for our wedding that we were having nearby. I booked a large group of rooms well in advance and the whole team were so helpful for arranging this and accommodating any changes right up until the last minute. We were having hair and make up done for the morning of the wedding and they were so helpful to provide me with a room with good natural light and vanity desks in the rooms we needed. Check-in was so easy and friendly and the rooms were nice and clean. We also booked a large table of 20 people in the pub for the night before the wedding. We didn’t ask for anything special but as they knew it was associated with our wedding they went above and beyond, giving us our own space in the pub and arranged the tables in a U-shape so everyone could talk to each other. We pre-ordered food and they got everything spot on, no mistakes or missed orders and it was all delicious. The service was amazing and they made sure to keep everyone topped up with drinks throughout the evening. For breakfast the next morning they gave us the same space so everyone could eat together at a time that worked for them. Thank you so much to the whole team for going above and beyond and making our stay and pre-wedding celebrations so lovely!

KC
Katie Chance Jan 21, 2026
10

Booked up for a roast on Sunday, been looking forward to it for ages….and it didn’t disappoint on so many levels. The food was exceptional along with the service…..cauliflower cheese is amazing…. BUT!!! The one thing that will remain with us for ever is……a pint of lager that my partner had ordered suddenly just dropped to the floor….at no point had either of us had touch/knocked the glass . We just sat there and tried to comprehend what had happened. We called a waitress over to let her know of the spillage and asked her if the pub had ever been haunted. She informed us that the pub had been haunted by two young girls and many things had happened….Wow….such amazing experience and will definitely return. Highly recommend!!!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Black Horse Inn

Maidstone, United Kingdom

Set in a courtyard annexe of a traditional 18th-century pub, these low-rise, wooden lodges are 2.5 miles off the M20 motorway, 4.6 miles from Leeds Castle and 5 miles from Maidstone.

  • Bearsted 30 min Walk
  • Maidstone East 1 hr 21 Walk
  • Hollingbourne 1 hr 24 Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 1 hr 13 Car · 2 hr 42 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 52 min Car · 2 hr 44 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 1 hr 12 Car · 3 hr 12 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Rochester Castle 9,136 reviews

Rochester Castle

Castle Hill, Rochester ME1 1SW, United Kingdom

4.6 · Castle
The Historic Dockyard Chatham 5,645 reviews

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Main Gate Rd, Chatham ME4 4TZ, United Kingdom

4.7 · Maritime Museum
Leeds Castle 13,473 reviews

Leeds Castle

Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL, United Kingdom

4.7 · Castle
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