The Old Alma
Your gateway to Canterbury Cathedral — a charming Victorian bed & breakfast just 15 minutes from one of England's most iconic landmarks. Full English breakfast included, free parking, dog-friendly rooms, and the beautiful Kent countryside on your doorstep. From £110 per night.
Welcoming
Your Gateway to Canterbury
Just 15 minutes from Canterbury Cathedral — one of the most magnificent buildings in all of England — The Old Alma has been welcoming travellers since 1854. Tucked away in the beautiful medieval village of Chilham, we offer everything you need for a memorable Canterbury visit without the city-centre prices.
Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has drawn pilgrims for over 800 years, and The Old Alma is the perfect base to explore it. Drive in for the day, wander the cobbled streets and medieval lanes, visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, then retreat to the peace and quiet of the Kent countryside — with a home-cooked breakfast waiting for you each morning to round off a well-earned rest.
The surrounding countryside is some of the finest in southern England. Rolling orchards, hop gardens, and ancient woodland stretch in every direction, while the Great Stour river valley winds gently through the landscape. The famous North Downs Way passes right through the village, and the walk from Chilham to Canterbury through ancient woodland is one of the best sections of the entire trail.
Whether you're visiting Canterbury Cathedral, walking the North Downs Way, exploring local vineyards, or simply looking for a peaceful countryside escape within easy reach of one of England's greatest cities, The Old Alma offers a genuine welcome, comfortable rooms, and a hearty English breakfast — everything you need for a stay you'll remember.
Our Rooms
Comfortable, character-filled rooms with complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking — everything you need for a perfect Kent getaway
Popular
Classic Double
Views over the Chilham rooftops and rolling Kent countryside. Steps from the medieval village square, Chilham Castle, and the North Downs Way. Free parking and breakfast included.
Twin Room
Bright and welcoming with two single beds — great for friends or anyone who prefers their own space. Stroll to tea rooms, the castle, and riverside walks. Free parking and breakfast each morning.
Double Room
A comfortable double in the heart of historic Chilham. Set off along the Pilgrim's Way, explore local vineyards, or visit Canterbury Cathedral — all on your doorstep. Breakfast included.
Family Room
A family-friendly room with a double and a single bed — great for exploring Kent together. Castle gardens, riverside walks, and Canterbury minutes away. Dog-friendly. Breakfast included.
Double Room
A comfortable double with views over Chilham — one of the most photographed villages in Kent. The period fireplace surround and twin sash windows give it real character. En-suite shower, free parking, and breakfast included.
All rooms include complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free on-site parking
View All Rooms & BookWhy Stay With Us
Breakfast Included
A freshly prepared full English breakfast every morning — locally sourced sausages, free-range eggs, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, toast, and a proper cup of tea. Continental options always available too. It's included with every stay, no extras.
Free Parking
Complimentary on-site parking right outside the front door for every guest, every night — no meters, no permits, no stress. Just pull up and unload. Perfect if you're exploring Kent by car.
Dog Friendly
Four-legged family members are very welcome in our Family Room. Countryside walks start right from the front door, with miles of footpaths, woodland, and river trails to explore together.
Free WiFi
Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the building — stay connected, stream, or plan tomorrow's adventures from the comfort of your room or our lounge.
Warm Welcome
We're a family-run B&B with genuine hospitality at our heart. From the moment you arrive to the morning you leave, we're here to make sure your stay is comfortable, relaxed, and everything you hoped for.
Gateway to Canterbury
Just 15 minutes from Canterbury Cathedral — one of England's greatest landmarks. Steps from Chilham's medieval village square, right on the North Downs Way, and surrounded by beautiful Kent countryside.
"Canterbury Cathedral is just 15 minutes away, breakfast is on the house, and you'll sleep in one of Kent's most beautiful villages — The Old Alma is the perfect base for exploring Canterbury."
— The Old Alma, Chilham
Explore the Area
Canterbury Cathedral is just 15 minutes away — and beyond it, medieval villages, ancient woodland, the Kent coast, and miles of stunning countryside are all within easy reach of The Old Alma
Canterbury Cathedral
15-minute driveA UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England's greatest landmarks. Over 800 years of pilgrimage, breathtaking medieval stained glass, the shrine of Thomas Becket, and the atmospheric Norman crypt. An unforgettable day out — and just 15 minutes from our door. Visit the Cathedral website →
Chilham Village
2-minute walkOne of Kent's prettiest medieval village squares — half-timbered Tudor houses, a Jacobean castle, jousting events, and the 12th-century Church of St Mary. Step outside and you're there.
North Downs Way
Passes through ChilhamThe famous 153-mile National Trail runs through the village — world-class walking through chalk downland, ancient woodland, orchards, and wildflower meadows.
Leeds Castle
25-minute drive"The loveliest castle in the world" — 900 years of history on two lake islands, 500 acres of parkland, a famous maze, and seasonal events year-round.
Whitstable
25-minute driveFamous for native oysters, colourful beach huts, a bustling harbour, independent galleries, and some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Kent coast.
Vineyards & Wine
15–30 minute driveKent's chalky soil produces award-winning English sparkling wines. Several vineyards nearby open for tours, tastings and seasonal events — just ask us when you arrive.
Godmersham Park
5-minute driveJane Austen's brother's estate — widely believed to have inspired Mansfield Park. Heritage tours, woodland walks along the Great Stour, and a summer literary festival.
Dover & White Cliffs
30-minute driveEngland's most iconic fortress above the famous White Cliffs — Roman lighthouse, WWII tunnels, and cliff-top walks with views across the Channel to France.
Breakfast & Beyond
Every stay at The Old Alma begins with a hearty home-cooked breakfast — because a great morning sets the tone for the whole day
Full English Breakfast
Start your day the right way with our generous full English breakfast — locally sourced sausages from a Kentish butcher, free-range eggs, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, golden toast, and a proper cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. Prefer something lighter? We always have continental options including cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit, and pastries. Breakfast is included with every room, every night — there are no hidden extras at The Old Alma.
Breakfast Is What We Do
A proper cooked breakfast is included with every stay at The Old Alma — but we don't serve lunch or evening meals ourselves. What we do offer is local knowledge. Chilham village is on your doorstep, Canterbury is a short drive, and the Kent coast is only a little further. When you arrive, just ask us — we'll happily point you toward places nearby that are worth trying, whether you fancy a quiet village evening, a day in the city, or a trip to the sea.
We keep this bit deliberately simple and don't promote any particular business online. Your taste is yours — and we'd rather have a real chat about it over coffee at breakfast.
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 8:00 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, right outside the front door. There are no permits, no meters, and no time limits — just pull up and unload at your leisure. It's one less thing to worry about, and it makes The Old Alma a perfect base for exploring Kent by car. Whether you're heading to Canterbury, the coast at Whitstable, or out into the countryside, you'll always have a space waiting when you get back.
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 [email protected]. You can also find us on Booking.com and TripAdvisor.
What Our Guests Say
Real reviews from guests who've stayed at The Old Alma
"What a lovely place. The Old Alma is full of character and charm. The room was spotless, the bed incredibly comfortable, and the breakfast was one of the best we've had at a B&B. Chilham village is absolutely gorgeous — we'll definitely be back."
"Perfect for a peaceful weekend away from London. The hosts couldn't have been more welcoming. Great location for exploring Canterbury and the Kent countryside. The garden is beautiful and the breakfast generous. Highly recommended."
"We stayed for two nights while walking the North Downs Way. The Old Alma was the perfect stop — comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast to fuel our walks, and genuinely friendly hosts. The pub nearby was a bonus for evening meals!"
"Brought our dog along and were made to feel very welcome. The room was well-equipped, clean, and cosy. Plenty of lovely walks right from the doorstep. Breakfast was excellent with good vegetarian options too. A real gem in Kent."
"Stayed here for a family celebration and it was just perfect. The family room was spacious, the breakfast superb, and the village of Chilham is like stepping back in time. Easy access to Canterbury too. Can't wait to return."
"A charming Victorian inn with bags of character. Everything was thought of — from the complimentary tea tray to the local tips pinned in the room. Parking right outside, fantastic cooked breakfast, and incredibly reasonable prices. A real find."
See all our reviews — or share your own
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Address
The Old Alma
Canterbury Road
Chilham, Kent
CT4 8DX