The Black Horse Inn Maidstone Exterior photoThe Black Horse Inn Maidstone Exterior photoThe Black Horse Inn Maidstone Exterior photo
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From107US$ /night
Check-in
16Jun2026Select date
Check-out
17Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone, Maidstone, United Kingdom, 0000
-
Close to White Horse Wood Country Park
Great
8.9
9.5
/10
4.3
4.3
/5

4-star countryside inn near Maidstone

Location

The Black Horse Inn is situated in Thurnham, just five minutes from Maidstone in Kent's scenic North Downs. The location offers easy access to major transport networks, with Bearsted station just a short distance for direct trains to London Victoria. Proximity to the M20, M2, and A249 allows quick travel to the channel tunnel at Folkestone and Dover within 35 to 45 minutes.

Rooms

Guests can stay in Kentish barn-style lodges that provide detached living spaces with private courtyard areas. All rooms come with en-suite facilities and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, digital TV, and complimentary beverages. This setup allows visitors to relax in a tranquil countryside atmosphere while enjoying the comfort of well-appointed accommodations.

Dining

The hotel's restaurant offers seasonal menus crafted from fresh local ingredients, featuring an extensive a la carte selection and a lighter pub classics menu. Guests can dine indoors among the historic decor or enjoy meals on the top garden terrace and in the shaded lower garden area. An impressive selection of local beers and wines, including options from nearby vineyards, enriches the dining experience.

Weddings and Events

The Black Horse Inn provides customizable wedding packages in its Pilgrim Suite, accommodating groups of up to 100 guests. An outdoor gazebo in the extended garden offers a scenic setting for ceremonies and events. The space also includes a corporate seating capacity for meetings and events with facilities like a projector, a private bar, and catering options.

Pet-Friendly

The hotel welcomes pets, offering a designated 'dog loft' area where pets can dine with their owners. Guests traveling with dogs will find the surrounding countryside ideal for walks and outdoor activities. The hotel's commitment to providing a dog-friendly environment includes nearby walking paths and outdoor dining options.

Highlights

Location: Situated in Thurnham, just five minutes from Maidstone

Rooms: Detached Kentish barn-style lodges with private courtyards

Dining: Seasonal menus crafted from local ingredients

Weddings: Customizable packages in the Pilgrim Suite

Pet-Friendly: Designated 'dog loft' for dining with pets

Transport: Proximity to Bearsted station and major roads

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the historic Maidstone Museum for local art and history.
  • Sample the famous Kentish ale at The Flower Pot pub nearby.
  • Discover hidden paths at Mote Park for a scenic nature walk.
  • Visit the Allington Castle for its stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Explore the vibrant Maidstone Market on Saturdays for local produce.
View all

Select your room type

The Black Horse Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room
2 persons
80 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Triple Room
2 persons
90 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
80 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Family Room
2 persons
90 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Black Horse Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Dining Onsite

At The Black Horse Inn, dining transforms into a delightful experience, highlighted by locally inspired dishes that celebrate regional flavors. The warm ambiance invites travelers to savor every moment, whether at lunch or dinner, while indulging in wholesome, thoughtfully prepared meals.
The Black Horse Inn Maidstone Restaurant photo

The Black Horse Pub

Local cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options
Ambiance
Traditional pub setting adorned with hops, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
Key Offerings
An enticing selection of a la carte dishes alongside regularly changing specials, featuring meat sourced from a butcher just a mile away. The pub's bar includes Curious Brew from Chapel Down winery and mainstream favorites like Peroni and Heineken.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for lunch and dinner from 12:00 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.

The Black Horse Inn Location

Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone, Maidstone, United Kingdom, 0000
Map view
Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Nr Maidstone, Maidstone, United Kingdom, 0000
Nearby
Castle
Thurnham Castle
200 ft
Restaurants
The Black Horse Inn Restaurant
200 ft
Pilgrims Way
Explore Maidstone
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Thurnham Castle
Thurnham Castle
1 minute walking
Historic site with ruins and scenic grounds. Ideal for a quick visit to appreciate medieval architecture.
Detling Hill
Detling Hill
10 minutes walking
Breathtaking views and walking paths. Great for photos and casual strolls in nature.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle
14-minute drive
Renowned castle with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history. Explore themed events throughout the year.
Maidstone Museum And Bentlif Art Gallery
Maidstone Museum And Bentlif Art Gallery
9-minute drive
Art, history, and culture await with various exhibitions. Free admission on specific days.
Go Ape Leeds Castle
Go Ape Leeds Castle
14-minute drive
Tree-top adventure and zip-lining for thrill-seekers. Perfect for families and groups.
Mote Park Watersports Centre
10 minutes driving
Offers paddleboarding and kayaking for all skill levels. Pre-book rentals for a day of fun on the water.
The Black Horse Inn Restaurant
The Black Horse Inn Restaurant
1 minute walking
Casual dining with a focus on British cuisine. Signature dishes include seasonal fare made with local ingredients.
The Jugged Hare
7-minute drive
Rural pub atmosphere with hearty dishes. Known for its craft beers and cozy outdoor seating.
The Hazlitt Theatre
9-minute drive
Offers a variety of performances from comedy to music. An engaging venue for all audiences.
Maidstone's Music Scene
10-minute drive
Local bars host live music events regularly. Perfect for a vibrant night out with friends.
Getting around
City Centre
Maidstone8 min  ·  3.2 mi
Airports
London City (LCY)97 min  ·  39.8 mi
London Gatwick (LGW)108 min  ·  44.5 mi
Train
Maidstone East Railway Station8 min  ·  3.2 mi
Maidstone Barracks Railway Station9 min  ·  3.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop12 min  ·  3300 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP14 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Italian, Romanian, Polish, Turkish
Number of rooms:
34

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Black Horse Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 890 verified reviews
8.9/10
Great
93%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.8/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.5/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Guest reviews
based on 890 reviews
8.9/10
based on 1479 reviews
8.9/10
Jason from United Kingdom
Family with children
family room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 12, 2026
7/10
great locationexcellent foodfriendly staffdirty floorbleach smelllack privacy
the location was great. the food was also excellent. the staff were friendly and efficient. i appreciated the easy access to nearby attractions.
the room wasn't cleaned properly. there was a dirty floor and a strong bleach smell i found very unpleasant. there was also a lack of privacy. a housekeeping lady almost entered our room without properly checking for our presence at 9 am. i think the apartment needed refurbishment.
0 Helpful
Amy from United States
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 04, 2026
7/10
friendly staffhelpful staffspacious roomconvenient locationlimited selectionslow servicefirm bed
the staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay they always greeted me with a smile the room was spacious and well-kept it had all the amenities i needed the location was convenient for exploring the area near the north downs way.
the vegetarian selection was quite limited on the menu for dinner i noticed only one option for starters and mains the service was sometimes slow especially during peak hours the bed was firm.
0 Helpful
Olivia from United Kingdom
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 11, 2025
7/10

Satisfactory stay experience

clean roomteacoffeenice bedbreakfast qualityair conditioningrefrigerator availability
The room was clean and had tea and coffee. I found the bed quite nice. The location was convenient for my travel plans.
The breakfast was not great. I thought it was quite miserabel. My room did not have air conditioning. I also could not find a refrigerator.
0 Helpful
aiden from ireland
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 03, 2025
7/10
fine locationlarge roomtired cabinthin towel
i found the location fine and great for walking. the large rooms were separate from the pub, which i liked.
the rooms and cabins are rather tired, i think. the towels are much the same, rather thin and tired too.
0 Helpful
Walter from Germany
Business traveller
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 02, 2025
9.0/10

Excellent Hotel Experience

cool pubdelicious foodwonderful hostefficient staff
I found the pub particularly cool and the food delicious. The atmosphere was nice and quiet, a perfect combination for me. Allison, the owner, proved to be a wonderful host. I observed the staff to be very efficient in their duties. The shower was powerful. I could adjust the temperature easily to my preference.
I noted that the tea selection provided in the room was quite limited for my taste. I would have appreciated a wider variety.
Dining
9/10
I enjoyed the restaurant. Locally sourced produce featured prominently on the menu. The breakfast buffet included a selection of cereals, pastries, and fresh fruit. The restaurant offered a dedicated menu with dietary restrictions.
Facilities
8/10
Parking spaces were available near the rooms. I also saw an ironing board present in the room, quite convenient. The rooms had tea and coffee making facilities, a plus for those needing a quick beverage. The hotel provides dog-friendly facilities.
Location
10/10
The hotel offered easy access to walking routes in the surrounding area. Nearby attractions included a historic castle. The setting offered a relaxed atmosphere away from the city centre. The hotel's rural location gave the feeling of peace.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Edward from United Kingdom
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 19, 2025
9/10

fantastic dog-friendly stay!

excellent breakfastclear instructions
The food was amazing!!! the breakfast was excellent, a freshly cooked meal with proper sausage and bacon. the location is fine and great for walking. I really enjoyed the laminated maps with clear instructions for local walks.
0 Helpful
Michael from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Double Room
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 10, 2025
7/10
friendly stafflarge roomsshower waterfreezing room
the location is fantastic, i walked around the area. i love the food here and they do have really kind staff. dog are allowed, i saw large rooms, away from the pub.
the water almost flooded my room when i used the shower. the time when to had breakfast was already old. the room was freezing when i arrived, brr!
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Black Horse Inn
Is it possible to bring my dog along for my stay? Are dogs allowed in the restaurant or just the bar area?
10 January 2024
Rooms and the pub area are dog-friendly, but dogs are not permitted in the restaurant. A special area known as the 'Dog Loft' allows you to enjoy meals with your pet nearby.
How reliable is the phone signal and 4G connectivity at the Inn?
15 February 2024
The property has 4G availability, though the strength of the signal can vary depending on your mobile network.
Are there any additional fees associated with bringing a dog along during my stay?
20 March 2024
Bringing a dog incurs a charge of £10 per pet per night.
Is there a safe place where bicycles can be secured during my visit?
25 April 2024
There is a secure area available for bicycle storage.
What time do dinner services typically end?
18 May 2024
Dinner service hours can vary based on the day of check-in, but the kitchen strives to accommodate all guests to ensure they are satisfied.
Are there facilities for charging electric vehicles on-site?
1 June 2024
Yes, electric car charging points are available in the B&B car park.
Is there free parking available for guests?
5 July 2024
Yes, complimentary parking is provided for all guests.
Do the rooms come equipped with fans for warmer days?
10 August 2024
Yes, fans are provided in each room for guest comfort.
Can private event spaces accommodate a gathering of 32 adults and 8 children?
15 September 2024
Yes, private function rooms are available at the property.
What options are available for gluten-free and vegetarian breakfasts?
20 October 2024
A vegetarian breakfast, various egg dishes, and gluten-free options are on the menu.
How many guest rooms are available for booking?
25 November 2024
A total of 33 guest rooms are available for booking.
Can meals and drinks be ordered for delivery to the guest rooms?
30 December 2024
Room service is available for food and drinks upon request.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room