Skip to main content
Est. 1854

The Old Alma

A charming Victorian inn in the heart of Chilham village — your perfect escape to the Garden of England

Scroll to explore
0 Years of History
0 min Drive to Canterbury
0 min to Chilham Village
Dog Friendly
The Old Alma historic facade
Interior detail
170+ Years of
Welcoming

A Village Welcome Since 1854

Nestled on Canterbury Road in the historic village of Chilham, The Old Alma has been welcoming travellers since the days of Queen Victoria. Originally built as a traditional English pub in 1854, our doors have remained open for over 170 years.

Today, The Old Alma offers charming bed and breakfast accommodation in one of Kent's most picturesque settings. Just a short stroll from Chilham's medieval village square — with its stunning castle and half-timbered houses — and only 15 minutes from the historic city of Canterbury, we're perfectly placed for exploring the Garden of England.

Whether you're walking the North Downs Way, visiting Canterbury Cathedral, discovering the Jane Austen connections at nearby Godmersham, or simply seeking a peaceful countryside retreat, The Old Alma offers a warm welcome, comfortable rooms, and a hearty English breakfast to start your day.

The Old Alma Team Your Hosts in Chilham
Rated on TripAdvisor

Our Rooms

Comfortable, character-filled rooms with complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking — everything you need for a perfect Kent getaway

Classic Double Room Popular

Classic Double Room

from £85 /night

A cosy and comfortable double room with period charm. Enjoy a restful night's sleep and wake to a freshly prepared English breakfast, included in your stay.

Double Bed Free WiFi 2 Guests
Superior Double Room Best Value

Superior Double

from £100 /night

A spacious room with views over the Kent countryside, featuring a comfortable king-size bed and en-suite bathroom. Breakfast and parking included.

King Bed En-Suite 2 Guests

Family Room

from £120 /night

Perfect for families exploring Kent together. Extra space with additional beds available, plus everything you need for a comfortable stay with children or pets.

Double + Extra Pet Friendly Up to 4

All rooms include complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free on-site parking

View All Rooms & Book

Why Stay With Us

Breakfast Included

Full English or continental — freshly prepared each morning with locally sourced ingredients

Free Parking

Complimentary on-site parking for all guests — no meters, no stress

Dog Friendly

Four-legged family members welcome — with countryside walks right from the door

Free WiFi

Stay connected throughout your stay with complimentary high-speed WiFi

Warm Welcome

Family-run with genuine hospitality — we've been welcoming guests for over 170 years

Perfect Location

15 minutes to Canterbury, steps from Chilham village, and right on the North Downs Way

"A proper English welcome in the heart of the Garden of England."

— The Old Alma, Chilham

Eat & Drink

Start your day with a hearty English breakfast and unwind in our welcoming bar and lounge

Full English Breakfast
Included with Every Stay

Full English Breakfast

Start your day the right way with our freshly prepared full English breakfast — locally sourced sausages, free-range eggs, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and a proper cup of tea. Continental options also available.

Breakfast: 07:30 – 09:30 Complimentary for all guests
The Bar & Lounge
Bar & Lounge

The Alma Bar

True to our roots as a Victorian pub, The Alma Bar is a warm and welcoming spot for a pint of Kentish ale, a glass of wine, or a soft drink. Settle into a comfortable chair and soak up the atmosphere of this characterful inn.

Open to guests daily Selection of local ales & wines
Local Restaurants
On Your Doorstep

Village & Local Dining

Chilham and the surrounding area offer a wonderful choice of country pubs, tearooms, and restaurants. With nearly 100 dining options within five miles — from the village square's historic pubs to Canterbury's finest — you'll be spoilt for choice.

Ask us for recommendations 97 restaurants within 5 miles

Frequently Asked

Everything you need to know before your stay at The Old Alma

Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 10:30 AM. If you need to arrive earlier or leave later, please get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Yes! A freshly prepared full English breakfast is included with every stay — locally sourced sausages, free-range eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and a proper cup of tea. Continental options are also available. Breakfast is served between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Absolutely — we love dogs! Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our rooms at no extra charge. The surrounding countryside has wonderful walking routes, including riverside paths along the Great Stour and woodland trails.

Yes, we have free on-site parking for all guests. No permits or meters — just pull up and relax.

We're on Canterbury Road in Chilham village, just 15 minutes from Canterbury via the A28. Chilham Station is less than a mile away with direct trains from London Victoria (~1hr 25min) and Canterbury East (~10min). Ashford International is 15 minutes by train for Eurostar connections. See full travel directions →

We understand plans can change. Please give us at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or amend your booking, and no charge will apply. For cancellations within 48 hours, one night's stay may be charged. Contact us directly for flexibility — we're always happy to help.

Yes — free WiFi is available throughout the inn for all guests.

You can book directly with us — and we'd love you to! Send a booking enquiry through our website, call us on +44 (0) 1227 730 356, or email info@theoldalma.com. You can also find us on Booking.com and TripAdvisor.

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★

"What a lovely find! A charming old inn right in the heart of Chilham village. The room was clean and comfortable, breakfast was superb, and the hosts made us feel right at home. We'll definitely be back."

JW
James & Victoria W. Weekend Getaway, September 2024
★★★★★

"Perfect base for walking the North Downs Way. We arrived tired and were greeted with genuine warmth. The full English breakfast set us up brilliantly for the day. Great value for money too."

SM
Sarah M. Walking Holiday, October 2024
★★★★★

"We brought our dog and were made to feel so welcome. The room was comfortable, Chilham village is absolutely beautiful, and Canterbury is just down the road. Breakfast was generous and delicious."

RP
Robert & Emma P. Dog-Friendly Break, January 2025
★★★★★

"Stayed here while visiting Canterbury Cathedral and exploring the Kent countryside. Lovely old building with loads of character. The bar area is cosy and the location in Chilham is simply gorgeous."

AL
Alexander & Lucy C. Kent Explorer, March 2025

Get in Touch

Address

The Old Alma
Canterbury Road
Chilham, Kent
CT4 8DX

Getting Here

15 minutes from Canterbury
Free on-site parking available