The Horseshoe & Castle, Rochester (Kent) – Luxury 5★ Hotel from 201$| HotelBest.net

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The Horseshoe & Castle Rochester Exterior photo

The Horseshoe & Castle Rochester Room photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent), United Kingdom

Near RSPB Northward Hill

Perfect

9.2

/10

4.8

4.7

Accommodations

The Horseshoe & Castle offers five distinct accommodations: one double room, three king suites, and a self-contained stable cottage. The stable cottage includes a double bedroom, living room with sofa bed, kitchen area, and bathroom facilities, accommodating up to five guests. Each room is equipped with flat screen televisions and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dining

This hotel hosts a Five Course Gourmet evening, showcasing a fun filled menu with a twist on classic World War dishes. Afternoon tea packages are available for groups of 2-25, featuring a selection of sweet and savory bites. Additionally, the hotel's special events include an annual Oktoberfest and St Patrick's Party with live music and themed cuisine.

Filming Location

The Horseshoe & Castle is known for its history in film, having been a location for 'The Broken Arrow' directed by Chris Simmons. This aspect adds a unique appeal for movie enthusiasts, enabling guests to immerse themselves in a piece of cinematic history. Curious visitors may spot original filming locations during their stay.

Events and Weddings

The hotel offers the option to host wedding receptions, including a full canopy extension linked to the restaurant. This flexible venue provides a picturesque backdrop for special events and celebrations. In addition to weddings, the venue accommodates various other gatherings, ensuring diverse hosting capabilities.

Location

Located in Cooling, Kent, the hotel is nestled between two RSPB Nature Reserves and is surrounded by nautical history, including the nearby Chatham Dockyard. The area has ties to Charles Dickens, enriching the local historical landscape. Guests can easily explore the charm of Cooling, steeped in literary significance.

Highlights

Accommodations: Three king suites & stable cottage

Dining: Five Course Gourmet evening & Oktoberfest

Events: Flexible wedding reception venue

Location: Surrounded by RSPB Nature Reserves

Must-do experiences

Discover Rochester Castle and climb its towers for stunning views.
Savor the local specialty, Rochester pie, at The Cornershop Café.
Visit the Guildhall Museum for fascinating exhibits on local history.
Stroll through the historic Rochester High Street on weekends for markets.
Catch a performance at the historic Rochester Theatre Royal for culture.

View all

Select your room type

The Horseshoe & Castle offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

King Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

One-Bedroom House

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Horseshoe & Castle offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Parking
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Pet amenities available
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Horseshoe & Castle, delightful culinary experiences await with a charming selection of British and seafood dishes. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for families and offers a variety of meal options to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.

The Horseshoe & Castle

British and Seafood

Ambiance

Family-friendly and traditional, featuring a cozy and welcoming setting for guests of all ages.

Key Offerings

Indulge in popular pub favorites, signature burgers, and a five-course gourmet meal available post-match. The diverse men's offerings include Halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Reservation

Recommended during busy hours.

Lunch: Monday to Thursday 12:00 - 14:30; Dinner: Monday to Thursday 18:00 - 20:30, Friday and Saturday 12:00 - 20:30, Sunday 12:00 - 17:00.

The Horseshoe & Castle Location

Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent), United Kingdom

Map view

Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent), United Kingdom

City landmarks

Landmark

Cooling Castle

2200 ft

Landmark

Northward Hill Nature Reserve

4100 ft

Nature reserve

RSPB Northward Hill

3300 ft

Landmark

U-475 Black Widow Russian Submarine

1.6 mi

Landmark

Esplanade Gardens

1.6 mi

Church

Church Of St Helen

1.5 mi

Landmark

Buckland Lake Reserve

1.8 mi

Landmark

Cliffe Pools

2.0 mi

Nature reserve

RSPB Cliffe Pools

2.4 mi

Landmark

Cliffe Fort

2.4 mi

Castle

Upnor Castle

3.5 mi

Farm

PYO Pumpkins

3.1 mi

Church

Hoo St Werburgh Parish Church & Graveyard

3.0 mi

Landmark

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

4.2 mi

Landmark

Medway Queen

4.1 mi

Landmark

Coalhouse Fort Park

4.3 mi

Landmark

HMS Cavalier

4.2 mi

Nearby

Church

St James' Church Cooling

1300 ft

Restaurants

The Horseshoe & Castle

100 ft

Main Road Rochester

Explore Rochester (Kent)

Local Highlights

Cooling Castle

8 minutes' walk

A historic castle offering scenic grounds and rich heritage, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography.

Northward Hill Nature Reserve

15 minutes' walk

A tranquil nature reserve home to diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails, ideal for bird watching enthusiasts.

U-475 Black Widow Russian Submarine

10-minute drive

A unique naval exhibit, guests can tour this historic submariner experience, showcasing Cold War history.

Esplanade Gardens

30 minutes' walk

Beautiful coastal gardens featuring vibrant flowers and a stunning view of the water, great for family picnics.

Nature Walks

15 minutes' walk

Strolling through nature reserves offers tranquility; guided tours often available for informative experiences.

Biking Trails

10-minute drive

Scenic biking routes around Cooling. Rentals accessible nearby, suitable for all skill levels, ensuring fun outdoors.

Relaxing Spa Treatments

10-minute drive

Spa services nearby provide a relaxing retreat, offering massages and wellness treatments to rejuvenate guests.

Visit to the Historic Dockyard

15-minute drive

Exciting maritime history through interactive exhibits and historic ships; great for families and history buffs alike.

The Horseshoe & Castle

1 minute's walk

Local pub serving hearty meals and local ales, ideal for a cozy meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Pie Factory

10-minute drive

A casual eatery famous for its delicious homemade pies, with vegetarian options available; reservations advised.

The Spice Merchant

12-minute drive

Authentic Indian cuisine in a warm setting, offering delectable curries and tandoori dishes for spice lovers.

The River Café

15-minute drive

Riverside dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients and delightful views. Reservations recommended for dinner.

Medway Theatre

15-minute drive

A vibrant venue hosting plays, concerts, and comedy shows; a cultural hub for great live performances.

Rochester Castle Gardens

10-minute drive

Beautiful gardens often hosting family-friendly events and concerts throughout the summer, providing relaxing outdoor fun.

The Prince of Wales

10-minute drive

An energetic pub with regular live music, ideal for a lively night out with friends and a vibrant atmosphere.

Chatham Dockyard Events

15-minute drive

Check the calendar for seasonal events like fairs and markets offering entertainment for all ages, perfect for family outings.

Getting around

City Centre

Rochester (Kent)12 min · 4.8 mi

Airports

London City (LCY)82 min · 33.8 mi

London Southend (SEN)109 min · 44.9 mi

Train

Higham Train Station9 min · 3.5 mi

Strood Kent Train Station11 min · 4.4 mi

Bus

Bus stop29 min · 1.5 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 13:00-21:30

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel The Horseshoe & Castle guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Horseshoe & Castle from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 79 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

95%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Comfort

9.5/10

Facilities

9.1/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Location

9.0/10

Staff

9.7/10

Value for money

8.6/10

Jamie from United Kingdom

King Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:November 23, 2025

9.5/10

super clean room and friendly stuff

comfy bedfriendly staffeasy check

the room was compact, but it had all i needed. the bed were comfy, and i found a hamper with tea, coffee and slippers. the stuff were really friendly, check in was easy.

the dimmer for the main light didn't work well in the room. i got a bedroom that was too bright.

Rooms

9/10

the room were finished to a modern standard and it was really clean. there were a choice of two pillows and the bed was comfy. i found plenty of tea and coffee and toiletries in the bathroom.

Dining

10/10

breakfast were spot on with many options. i had a few beers and there were a great selection. i loved the variety of options for breakfast. the snack food was delicious and very filling.

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Questions of the users

About The Horseshoe & Castle

Is it possible to walk from Cooling Castle to The Horseshoe & Castle? Are there any walking paths or streetlights along the way?

20 April 2024

The Horseshoe & Castle is approximately 600 meters from Cooling Castle Barn. However, the area is quite rural with no designated footpaths or lighting. Most guests prefer driving to the venue and bringing comfortable shoes or a torch for their return walk.

Is there a secure place to keep bicycles overnight at The Horseshoe & Castle?

15 March 2024

There is a space available for storing bicycles overnight. Guests are advised to ensure adequate security for their bikes during their stay.

Are there facilities like a microwave and refrigerator available for guests to use?

10 April 2024

Yes, the self-contained cottage features both a microwave and an oven, available for guest use during the stay.

Can early check-ins be accommodated at The Horseshoe & Castle?

5 May 2024

Early check-ins may be possible from 12:00 PM, depending on the availability of rooms after cleaning. It is not guaranteed, so it's best to check in advance.

Is food available on Sunday evenings at your venue?

3 March 2024

On Sundays, the kitchen closes at 5:00 PM; however, meals can be pre-ordered for single or double travelers. Arrangements can also be made for larger groups.

Is there availability for ground floor accommodations or a lift at The Horseshoe & Castle?

11 May 2024

A self-contained cottage is available, which accommodates four people and includes both ground floor and upstairs areas. However, it may not be available for specific dates.

What is the latest time allowed for check-out?

22 April 2024

Check-out times can be extended based on room bookings for the day. A late check-out incurs an additional fee of £25 per hour, subject to availability.

Is the kitchen in the cottage exclusively for guests who book it?

8 June 2024

Yes, the kitchen in the self-contained cottage is exclusively available for the guests who have booked it.

Are there options for twin-bedded rooms at The Horseshoe & Castle?

18 March 2024

Unfortunately, twin-bedded rooms are not available; all rooms are configured as doubles or kings.

What dining options are available for guests with dietary restrictions?

9 May 2024

The menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian and other dietary selections. Rest assured, breakfast and other meals can accommodate specific dietary needs when informed in advance.

Is the self-contained cottage suitable for guests traveling with dogs?

1 June 2024

Yes, the self-contained garden cottage is dog-friendly and accommodates pets, making it a perfect choice for families traveling with their furry companions.