"Lovely traditional countrypub with lovely rooms and a cosy cottage."
Ingrid m from Finland
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"Breakfast was excellent as indeed was all the food."
Robert from United Kingdom
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"It's well kept and tidy."
Teah from United Kingdom
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4-star family-friendly country inn with self-contained cottage and customizable dining in Rochester
Accommodations
The Horseshoe & Castle offers a one-bedroom self-contained cottage with a full kitchen and private courtyard for guests seeking longer stays. Guest rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, a choice of pillows including memory foam options, and garden views. Each room provides a television, work desk, and a refreshment tray with teas, coffee, and biscuits.
Dining
The on-site restaurant serves British, seafood, and local cuisines prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast includes a full English or Irish option with local specialities, warm dishes, and juice, all cooked to order. The menu offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections, and annual gourmet events showcase creative dining experiences.
Location & Activities
The hotel is a 7-minute walk from Cooling Castle Barn, a popular wedding and events venue. Guests can access hiking, cycling, and fishing opportunities in the surrounding countryside. Rochester Castle is 11 km away, and London City Airport is 53 km from the property.
Amenities
Free on-site and off-street parking is available for all guests. The property includes a garden, sun terrace, and outdoor terrace with seating for relaxation. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel, and pet bowls are available for guests traveling with dogs.
Family & Events
The hotel provides children's meals and family-friendly accommodations with spacious rooms. Engaging local events and entertainment are organised periodically for guests. The property is frequently chosen by couples planning weddings at Cooling Castle Barn due to its close proximity and catering options.
Highlights
Rooms: Self-contained cottage with full kitchen and private courtyard
Dining: Cooked-to-order breakfast with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Location: 7-minute walk from Cooling Castle Barn wedding venue
Activities: Hiking, cycling, and fishing on site
Events: Annual gourmet dinners and local entertainment
Family: Children's meals and spacious family rooms
Must-do experiences
Visit Rochester Castle for stunning views and rich history.
Taste the famous Kentish ale at The Fort Clarence pub nearby.
Explore the Charles Dickens Museum for a literary adventure.
Stroll through Rochester's historic High Street for unique shops.
Enjoy a riverside walk along the Medway, especially at sunset.
Select your room type
The Horseshoe & Castle features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
King Room
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
One-Bedroom House
2 persons
12 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
Facilities
The Horseshoe & Castle provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
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
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
Show more
The Horseshoe & Castle: Location in England
Main Road, Cooling, Rochester (Kent),
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Cooling Castle
650 m
Landmark
Northward Hill Nature Reserve
1.24 km
Nature reserve
RSPB Northward Hill
990 m
Landmark
U-475 Black Widow Russian Submarine
2.5 km
Landmark
Esplanade Gardens
2.5 km
Church
Church Of St Helen
2.4 km
Landmark
Buckland Lake Reserve
2.92 km
Landmark
Cliffe Pools
3.17 km
Nature reserve
RSPB Cliffe Pools
3.93 km
Landmark
Cliffe Fort
3.93 km
Castle
Upnor Castle
5.57 km
Farm
PYO Pumpkins
4.93 km
Church
Hoo St Werburgh Parish Church & Graveyard
4.83 km
Landmark
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
6.76 km
Landmark
Medway Queen
6.66 km
Landmark
Coalhouse Fort Park
6.88 km
Landmark
HMS Cavalier
6.81 km
Nearby
Church
St James' Church Cooling
380 m
Restaurants
The Horseshoe & Castle
30 m
Main Road Rochester
Explore Rochester (Kent)
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Cooling Castle
8-minute walk
A historic castle with stunning gardens. Unique for its medieval architecture and beautiful grounds.
Northward Hill Nature Reserve
15-minute walk
A haven for bird watchers. Features diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails along the River Medway.
U-475 Black Widow Russian Submarine
10-minute drive
A fascinating museum ship. Offers guided tours showcasing life aboard a Soviet submarine.
Bird Watching at RSPB Northward Hill
15-minute walk
Ideal for nature lovers. Enjoy trails and diverse bird species in a serene setting.
Cycling at Buckland Lake Reserve
7-minute drive
Great for cyclists seeking adventure. Offers bike rentals and beautiful lakeside routes.
The Horseshoe & Castle
1-minute walk
Classic pub atmosphere with local ales. Specializes in hearty British dishes with fresh ingredients.
The Boat House
10-minute drive
Lively riverside venue serving modern British cuisine. Known for its fresh fish and vibrant terrace.
The Brook Theatre
15-minute drive
A charming venue for concerts and plays. Hosts local productions and live music events.
Medway Park
15-minute drive
Offers sports facilities and a pool. Suitable for families, featuring leisure activities for all ages.
Getting around England
City Centre
Rochester (Kent) 12 min · 7.8 km
Airports
London City (LCY) 82 min · 54.4 km
London Southend (SEN) 109 min · 72.2 km
Train
Higham Train Station 9 min · 5.6 km
Strood Kent Train Station 11 min · 7 km
Bus
Bus stop 29 min · 2.4 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:00-21:30
Check-out
until 10 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 16.5 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Horseshoe & Castle.
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Location
9.3/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Comfortable rooms
Cleanliness
Good value
Cons
Noise levels
Bathroom space
Weak water pressure
Service delays
Guest reviews
based on 154 reviews
9.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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