The Horseshoe & Castle, Rochester (Kent) – Luxury 5★ Hotel from 184$| HotelBest.net

Name: The Horseshoe & Castle, Rochester (Kent)
Address: Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent), Kent
Price range: US$184+
Rating: 9.1

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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)

Near RSPB Northward Hill

Perfect

9.1

9.2

/10

4.8

4.7

4-star countryside gem with famous filming history

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.

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

20 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

Shower

room details

One-Bedroom House

2 persons

12 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Bathtub

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

July 2026 - July 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

July 2026

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

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

Facilities: Great

8.9/10Review 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)

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 Station 9 min · 3.5 mi
Strood Kent Train Station 11 min · 4.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop 29 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 114 verified reviews

9.0 /10

Perfect

91 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Comfort

9.6/10

Facilities

8.9/10

Free WiFi

7.5/10

Location

9.0/10

Staff

9.7/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Owen from United Kingdom

Family with children

King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 22, 2026

6/10

adequate stay with some issues

broken dimmer switch extractor fan

the staff were friendly enough.

The room was not worth the cost. The dimmer switch for the main light did not function. The room was very bright as a result. the bedside lamps also did not work. additionally, the kitchen extractor fan was right below the window. Food smells filled the room.

0 Helpful

matthew from australia

Single

king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 14, 2026

9.3/10

a nice stay indeed

modern standard comfortable bed ample toiletries

the room was finished to a modern standard i found it very clean. the bed was very comfortable with a choice of two pillows i appreciated that. there was plenty of tea and coffee provided and toiletries were available for the bathroom.

i must mention the main light dimmer did not function in the room so the bedroom was quite bright. the bedside lamps also did not work which was a slight inconvenience.

Service

10/10

the staff proved very helpful and friendly i observed. they accommodated a request to book a large table for an evening meal. their assistance.

Location

9/10

the pub has been a local favorite for many years i have been told. the pub appears to be easily accessible and well-regarded. it seemed like a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Facilities

9/10

the room provided everything i needed for a comfortable stay. the room had that personal touch i noticed. it was well-equipped for a pleasant experience.

0 Helpful

Douglas from United Kingdom

Couple

King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 01, 2026

7/10

comfy bed friendly staff easy check in light dimmer slow service broken bedside lamps

the room was compact BUT it had everything i needed. the bed was comfy and there was even a little hamper with slippers, teas, coffee, and milk. the staff was really friendly and check in was easy!

the main light dimmer didn't work in the room. bedtime lamps didn't work either. service in the pub was slow and i had to chase them after around 45 minutes from ordering. the food eventually arrived.

0 Helpful

connor from united kingdom

Couple

king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 27, 2025

9.3/10

lovely experience!

warm landlord modern room fresh breakfast delicious breakfast

The landlord gave a warm welcome. the room was modern and had full facilities. breakfast was freshly cooked in the morning. It was delicious! the stay was very nice.

i noticed that the hotel is a bit old and could benefit from some updating.

Rooms

9/10

the room was finished to a modern standard. it had a comfy bed with a choice of two pillows. there was plenty of tea and coffee as well as toiletries available in the bathroom.

Service

10/10

the staff were friendly and helpful at all times! check-in was quick and easy. the team addressed all my needs. i felt valued and cared for .

Dining

9/10

breakfast was spot on with a good selection of items. i tried a few beers from their selection! the drinks were great and fulfilled my requirements after a tiring travel.

Facilities

9/10

parking was easy and convenient. the hotel is located above a pub, but there's a separate entrance. this makes coming and going very easy. the pub adds a vibrant atmosphere.

0 Helpful

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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.