The Black Horse Inn

9.0
Exceptional
(1489 reviews)

Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LD, United Kingdom

+44 1622 737185

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Hotel Description

The Black Horse Inn, located at Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LD, United Kingdom, is a charming retreat nestled in the heart of the English countryside. Set within the courtyard annexe of a traditional 18th-century pub, this delightful hotel offers a unique combination of rustic chic and modern amenities, ensuring a cozy and memorable stay. Its location, just 2.5 miles off the M20 motorway, provides easy access to local attractions and key transport links, while maintaining a peaceful, countryside ambiance. Within a short distance, guests can visit the renowned Leeds Castle, located just 4.6 miles away, or explore the historic town of Maidstone, just 5 miles from the property. The hotel’s design is reflective of the local heritage, with low-rise, wooden lodges that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil environment for relaxation and exploration. The Black Horse Inn offers a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure, with a variety of attractions close by to enhance the experience.
The rooms at The Black Horse Inn are individually styled to exude rustic charm, with attention to detail in every corner. The wooden lodges, which can accommodate between one and four guests, feature comfortable furnishings and modern amenities to ensure a restful stay. Each room comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities for the ultimate convenience. Upgraded cottages, offering additional comfort and luxury, feature romantic four-poster beds, ideal for a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, these cozy accommodations ensure you feel right at home. The ambiance of each room contributes to a relaxing and restful experience, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the nearby sights.
Guests of The Black Horse Inn can enjoy a variety of special amenities designed to enhance their stay. For those who prefer to dine in, the hotel features a delightful candlelit restaurant serving a locally sourced menu that highlights the best of the region’s produce. The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant, with its oak beams and exposed wood walls, adds a charming touch to every meal. The hotel’s bar, a favorite among visitors, offers a cozy setting with fireplaces and a wide selection of drinks. Additionally, the peaceful courtyard with a pond and fountain provides the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon, while the surrounding gardens offer seating areas where guests can enjoy the fresh air. The hotel’s commitment to guest comfort is evident in every detail, creating an inviting and restful environment.
In terms of transportation and accessibility, The Black Horse Inn is conveniently located near several public transportation options, making it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area. The hotel is situated just a short drive from major airports such as Heathrow (1 hour 19 minutes by taxi), London City Airport (56 minutes by taxi), and London Gatwick Airport (57 minutes by taxi), ensuring easy access for those arriving by air. Local transport options are also readily available, with Bearsted station being just a 4-minute taxi ride away, while Maidstone East can be reached in 13 minutes by taxi. This proximity to both local and international transport hubs ensures that getting to The Black Horse Inn is simple and straightforward.
The health and safety of guests are a top priority at The Black Horse Inn. The hotel has implemented various safety measures, including enhanced cleaning protocols and social distancing measures in public areas, to ensure the well-being of all visitors. The property is smoke-free, and there are no concerns about air quality, making it ideal for families and those with health concerns. The friendly and professional staff are always available to assist guests with any special needs, ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant stay.
During their stay, guests have the opportunity to explore a variety of activities and experiences nearby. Nature lovers can enjoy scenic walks around Mote Park, just a 14-minute drive away, or visit the historical Leeds Castle, only a 10-minute drive from the hotel. For those interested in history, Rochester Castle and The Historic Dockyard Chatham are just a short drive away, offering unique insights into the area’s rich past. Kent Life, a 10-minute drive from the hotel, offers a fun and educational experience for families, featuring farming history and interactive exhibits. The area is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with pubs and restaurants offering traditional British cuisine and drinks.
Guests can also explore some of the finest dining options in the area. The Black Horse Inn itself offers a delightful restaurant that serves delicious, locally sourced meals. For a change of scenery, visitors can head to Detling Diner A249 (9 minutes by taxi) for hearty diner-style meals, or indulge in modern French cuisine at Frédéric Bistro (13 minutes by taxi). For a more relaxed atmosphere, Newnham Court Inn – Pub & Grill (8 minutes by taxi) offers a great selection of pub-style meals, and Castle View Restaurant at Leeds Castle (13 minutes by taxi) provides a unique dining experience with stunning views of the castle grounds.
In conclusion, The Black Horse Inn offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a comfortable, memorable stay in Maidstone. Whether you’re here to explore the local sights, indulge in delicious cuisine, or simply relax in a peaceful environment, The Black Horse Inn promises an unforgettable experience. We invite you to stay with us and enjoy all that this charming hotel and its surroundings have to offer, from the historic landmarks to the welcoming atmosphere of the inn itself.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 10 min drive to Leeds Castle

2. Guests praised the service

3. Guests praised the traditional restaurant

4. Guests mentioned 'Hops' 15 times

5. Guests liked 'Pub', mentioned 273 times in reviews

6. Guests praised the breakfast

7. Guests praised the nightlife

8. Guests praised the cosy bar

9. Pet-friendly

10. Front desk service available

11. Parking available on-site

12. Accessible property

13. Smoke-free environment

14. Restaurant on-site offering local cuisine

15. Bar serving a wide range of drinks

16. Breakfast included with every stay

17. Wi-Fi available throughout the property

18. Kid-friendly environment

19. No fitness center available

20. No spa services provided

21. No pools or hot tubs

22. No air conditioning

23. Scenic courtyard with pond and fountain

24. Gardens with seating areas

25. Low-rise, wooden lodge accommodations

26. Individually styled rustic-chic rooms

27. Upgraded cottages with four-poster beds

28. Flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee facilities in every room


6.6 Good

Location rating

Top sights

Leeds Castle
10 min
Rochester Castle
21 min
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
28 min
Mote Park
14 min
Kent Life
10 min

Nearest locations

The White Horse
3 min
Oak on the Green
4 min
Chiltern Hundreds
7 min
Newnham Court Inn - Pub & Grill
8 min
Detling Diner A249
9 min
Castle View Restaurant at Leeds Castle
13 min
Frédéric Bistro
13 min
La Taberna
13 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out11:00
Location rating6.6
Nearest airportLondon City Airport
Travel time to airport56 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Sat, Dec 07
Check-out: Sun, Dec 08
    Official Hotel

    $117

    Bluepillow.com

    $110

    Booking.com

    $122

    Trip.com

    $114

    Agoda

    $122

    Vio.com

    $116


Location

Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LD, United Kingdom

Airports:

Heathrow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 19 min

Transit: 2 hr 47 min

London City Airport

Taxi: 56 min

Transit: 2 hr 10 min

London Luton Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 39 min

Transit: 2 hr 42 min

London Stansted Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 14 min

Transit: 3 hr 7 min

London Gatwick Airport

Taxi: 57 min

Transit: 2 hr 40 min

London Southend Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 10 min

Transit: 2 hr 54 min

Transit:

Bearsted

Taxi: 4 min

Walking: 29 min

Hollingbourne

Taxi: 11 min

Walking: 1 hr 24 min

Maidstone East

Taxi: 13 min

Walking: 1 hr 21 min


Nearby locations

6.6

Good Location

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.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

Pet-friendly

Services

Front desk

Parking & transportation

Parking

Accessibility

Accessible

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.8

10 reviews

Wonderful
9
Excellent
1
Good
0
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for Amit Jangra

Amit Jangra

5/5
I have been staying at the Black Horse a lot in the past few months because it's a brilliant establishment. Firstly the Black Horse Inn is a beautiful pub. It has great food, friendly staff and lovely aesthetics. Secondly, the hotel is unique, always clean and priced fairly. The reception staff are always really friendly and make you feel so welcome. Highly recommend this place if you're staying in the local area or fancy going out somewhere for a nice dinner!

DM

Dawn M

5/5
We were looking for a special venue for a small wedding where we could have the ceremony and reception in one place and came across the Black Horse Inn,Pilgrims Way, Thurnham, a stunning olde worlde pub in a beautiful setting, wonderful …

Cover Image for Astrid Callomon

Astrid Callomon

5/5
Just had 3 really, really, enjoyable nights at the BHI.Wonderful location, went on two lovely runs in the area directly on to the North Downs Way.Rooms were fine, great bath and shower, plenty of space.Lovely food, dinner and breakfast were great, in a wonderful atmospheric pub. (Amazing mushrooms at breakfast!)Lovely staff across the board , helpful, friendly, welcoming from reception, to the owner, to the cat, to the wait staff - all lovely.My one, single improvement point would be to have fresh coffee for breakfast over instant.Would absolutely come back - thank you for a lovely friendly stay.

Cover Image for Marianna Zavedeeva

Marianna Zavedeeva

5/5
We didn’t stay there. But had really great dinner! We have tried Vebison (deer) and meet was really great! The dish in general was amazing! Great amount of food, and it was very delicious!We also tried different drinks, ginger beer was nice. My colleagues got cocktails and beer and we all were happy with the place. Place itself very well decorated!

MF

Matt F

5/5
Took a colleague out for lunch today, visited The Black Horse, we both opted for the specials, risotto and mussels, both were fabulous. Staff were attentive, beer selection great and the food was fresh, delicious and really good value for money, Absolutely spot on. Highly recommended.

Cover Image for Hayley Brailey

Hayley Brailey

4/5
The Black Horse is an excellent pub for food or drinks.We visited in a large party recently and the food was excellent - with most of the party having a traditional roast.Would love to see a vegan gluten free roast option/more options for this generally to be a 5/5.

P

Paradise67843843186

5/5
Been here twice to eat now and it didn’t disappoint. ||The standard of the cuisine is first class from presentation to quality ingredients and even down to a hot plate upon delivery - excellent ! …

JB

Jacqueline B

5/5
We returned for our third visit so that says a lot about the establishment as we definitely wouldn’t return if we weren’t happy to stay. …

Cover Image for Patrick O'Leary

Patrick O'Leary

5/5
This place is incredible! Gourmet level dinners. Great local beers. Superb chalet style rooms. Plenty of parking. Staff are totally on their game and super friendly and accommodating. Attention to detail is meaningful and impressive.

Room 5

Service 5

Location5

ew

elliot w

5/5
Amazing selection of beer! Brilliant old pub, with instact and displayed old features and a really good amount of drinkers seating! Love a Poretti. The Food is good, thy have a decent amount of specials everytime I visit. A good amount of parking.