Inn On The Lake

Inn On The Lake Overview

First Impressions

When I first pulled up to Inn On The Lake, I’ll be honest — it’s not the kind of place that screams for attention from the A2. But that’s actually part of its charm. This three-star property sits quietly in Shorne, and once you turn into the grounds, you immediately understand why couples keep coming back (they rate the location 8.3, which honestly surprised me at first). The building itself has that classic English country inn feel — nothing flashy, but solid and welcoming in a way that makes you want to settle in for a proper stay.

The Shorne Setting

Here’s what I love about the location — you’re technically in Gravesend, but Shorne feels like its own little world. The village is one of those places locals know about but tourists often miss, tucked between the Thames and some genuinely lovely countryside. You’ve got the Shorne Woods Country Park practically on your doorstep, which means proper walking trails and that rare thing in this part of Kent — actual peace and quiet. The fact that there’s free parking here is brilliant, especially since you’ll want your car to explore the area properly.

The Room Experience

My room was exactly what you’d expect from a well-run country inn — comfortable without trying too hard to impress. The furnishings are traditional but not dated, and everything works as it should. What struck me most was how quiet it was at night; you really do feel like you’re away from everything, even though you’re not actually that far from civilization. The views vary depending on which side you’re on, but honestly, even the car park view isn’t terrible because the grounds are nicely maintained.

Dining and Atmosphere

The restaurant here does proper pub food with a bit more care than your average roadside stop. I mean, it’s not going to win any awards, but the Sunday roast was genuinely good, and the staff clearly know what they’re doing. What I noticed is how many regulars there are — you can tell because they chat with the staff like old friends. That repeat guest thing they mention? You see it in action, and it tells you something about how people feel about this place once they’ve discovered it.

Why Guests Love It

Look, Inn On The Lake isn’t trying to be something it’s not, and that’s refreshing. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax without feeling like you need to dress up for dinner or worry about making too much noise. The location really is the star here — close enough to Gravesend and the M25 when you need civilization, but far enough away that you remember what quiet sounds like. For couples especially, there’s something appealing about having a proper base for exploring this part of Kent without the tourist crowds you get closer to Canterbury or the coast. The fact that so many people return says everything you need to know about whether it delivers on its promises.

Inn On The Lake Accommodations

Reviews of Inn On The Lake

• Yongxi from Singapore (8/10)

  We travelled around and stayed in a few hotels, and this is the best, even better than some that claimed to be 4-star! The room is very spacious and comfortable. No air con but has ceiling fan. The view of the lake is breathtaking.

• Les from United Kingdom (8/10)

  👍

• Faye from United Kingdom (6/10)

• Wayne from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Lovely lake view, great food, location

• Leeson from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Good value

• Jo from United Kingdom (6/10)

  Great location and good parking.

• Johns from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Cheap and cheerful

• Lisa from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Staff were friendly, food was nice. nice big room

• Sophia from United Kingdom (8/10)

  staff were friendly and rooms were very clean. Nice breakfast and family friendly

• Donna from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Spacious room overlooking the lake.

Surroundings

Facilities