The Ancient Unicorn, Barnard Castle ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, United Kingdom, DL12 9HL

Close to Bowes Medieval Castle

Great

8.3

8.7

/10

3.8

4.5

Loved by The Ancient Unicorn Hotel guests

Immaculate cottage
Fantastic shower
Home-made food
Dog-friendly restaurant
Friendly staff

"The pub/hotel has evolved from a traditional coaching inn which has being doing basically the same job for over 400 years."

John from United Kingdom

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"Fab stay in the Charles Dickens little cottage at The Ancient Unicorn."

Su G from United Kingdom

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"Cosy,once we shut the door it felt like home."

Sherree from United Kingdom

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Location

The Ancient Unicorn is situated in the picturesque village of Bowes, just minutes from Barnard Castle. It offers easy access to the Trans-Pennine A66 for travelers heading to Scotland or the Lake District. The surrounding countryside of Teesdale presents unspoiled views and a landscape ideal for outdoor activities.

Accommodations

The Ancient Unicorn provides a variety of newly refurbished rooms and cottages, including Charles Dickens Cottage and the Amalphia Apartment, which sleep up to 8 guests. Guests can select from options such as Twin Room-Comfort-Ensuite and Suite Luxury Ensuite, with modern comforts including electric kettles and Freeview TV. Each room is designed to cater to different preferences and group sizes.

Dining and Bar

The hotel's bar showcases TNT Sports and Sky Sports for sports enthusiasts, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for guests. Dining options celebrate local flavors and craftsmanship, allowing for a satisfying culinary experience. Guests can unwind while enjoying food and beverages in a welcoming environment.

Activities and Exploration

The Ancient Unicorn is a gateway to scenic walks along the Pennine Way, enabling guests to experience the natural beauty of the area firsthand. Local attractions include the historic Raby Castle and the stunning river views that are perfect for exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes that surround the hotel.

Family-Friendly Options

The variety of room configurations at The Ancient Unicorn includes family-oriented accommodations, such as the Amalphia Apartment and Triple Family Room. This allows families to comfortably stay together while enjoying amenities catering to their needs. The nearby countryside serves as a backdrop for outdoor family adventures.

Highlights

Location: Picturesque village of Bowes

Accommodations: Variety of newly refurbished rooms

Dining: Bar with TNT Sports and Sky Sports

Activities: Access to Pennine Way and local history

“This hotel, a coaching inn with a 400-year history, is a notable base for exploring Barnard Castle. While some past guests have reported cleanliness issues, its character and location near attractions like the Bowes Museum are definite advantages. The customizable meal options are a thoughtful touch.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingSafe Parking

I could park my car right outside my room. This was very handy as I was moving on the next day.

Richard from England

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DiningAmazing Food

The steak and ale pie was really good, the best I've ever had. I'd come back for Sunday lunch.

Sarah from Wales

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BedroomComfort Defined

The room was blissfully quiet and spacious. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. I slept great.

Olga from Russia

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Room FeaturesCottage Upgrade

We were upgraded to a cottage, which was spotless and comfortable. The shower was great. It was better than expected.

David from Scotland

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Select your room type

The Ancient Unicorn Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Budget Triple Room

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Heating

room details

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

25 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Budget Double Room

2 persons

25 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Budget Twin Room

2 persons

25 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Facilities

The Ancient Unicorn Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

Non-smoking property
Free internet access
Pets allowed

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Location

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, United Kingdom, DL12 9HL

Map view

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, United Kingdom, DL12 9HL

City landmarks

Farm

Cross Lanes Organic Farm

3.3 mi

Landmark

Barnard Castle

3.8 mi

Museum

The Bowes Museum

4.1 mi

Landmark

Egglestone Abbey

4.3 mi

Church

Saint Mary's Church

3.9 mi

Landmark

The Witham

3.9 mi

Landmark

The Sandra Parker Studio

3.9 mi

Landmark

St Nicholas Church

3.9 mi

Nearby

The St

Bowes Castle

1200 ft

4 Low Road Bowes Barnard Castle

Church of St Giles

400 ft

Restaurants

The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant

300 ft

The Street Bowes

Explore Barnard Castle

Local Highlights

Bowes Castle

5 minutes' walk

A 12th-century castle ruins offering stunning views of the countryside, perfect for a relaxed stroll through history.

Church of St Giles

2 minutes' walk

A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a great spot for quiet reflection.

Barnard Castle

7 minutes' drive

A grand medieval castle that provides insight into the region's history, with picturesque grounds to explore.

The Bowes Museum

9 minutes' drive

An impressive museum featuring art collections and beautiful gardens, hosting regular exhibitions and events.

Teesdale Alpacas

20 minutes' walk

An engaging activity where you can walk with friendly alpacas while enjoying the beautiful scenery, great for all ages.

Hiking the Bolam Lake

15 minutes' drive

A thrilling hiking experience that offers challenging trails and breathtaking views for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, known for its homemade pies and ale. Reservations are recommended.

The Witham

9 minutes' drive

A vibrant venue offering a mix of local and international dishes along with a lively bar scene, catering to various dietary needs.

The Sandra Parker Studio

9 minutes' drive

A local arts venue featuring exhibitions and workshops, offering a platform for creative expression in the community.

Live Music at The Witham

9 minutes' drive

A great spot for live performances, with events ranging from jazz nights to comedy shows suitable for all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Barnard Castle10 min · 3.9 mi

Airports

Durham Tees Valley (MME)71 min · 29.2 mi

Newcastle (NCL)133 min · 55.1 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel The Ancient Unicorn guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ancient Unicorn Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Ancient Unicorn provides good value, especially with the included breakfast, and many guests found the rooms surprisingly spacious. The location is ideal for exploring nearby attractions such as Barnard Castle, Bowes Museum, and Bowes Castle, as well as for walkers on Route 66 or the Pennine Way. The hotel also offers convenient parking. Though a small number of guests have mentioned cleanliness issues, most enjoy the ease of access to the pub for meals, with some praising the Sunday roast in particular.

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Review score

Based on 441 verified reviews

8.3/10

Great

84%

Recommend

Pros

Comfortable bed

Clean room

Friendly staff

Good breakfast

Convenient location

Cons

Draughty door

Unmanned premises

Noisy bar

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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Questions of the users

About The Ancient Unicorn

Are the bathrooms in the rooms equipped with en-suite facilities?

15 February 2024

Yes, if a room is booked with a double and private bathroom, it implies an en-suite facility.

Can I bring my dog with me to dine in the restaurant areas?

23 March 2024

Dogs are welcome in the snug and bar area where meals are served, provided they are kept on a lead.

Are there shopping and dining options nearby?

5 April 2024

The nearest shops and restaurants can be found in Barnard Castle, located approximately 6.4 kilometers away.

Is parking available on-site, and what is the latest time for check-in?

10 May 2024

There is a car park available for guests, and the latest check-in time is 21:30.

What is the pet policy at this accommodation, and is there an additional charge?

12 June 2024

Dogs are permitted at the property with a charge of £10 per dog per night.

Do you offer early check-in options for guests?

28 June 2024

Early check-ins are subject to availability and specific room types may also influence this option.

Is breakfast included in the booking, and what type is provided?

14 July 2024

Breakfast is included in the rate, currently served through a local bistro as the property undergoes refurbishment.

Are there any rooms suitable for guests with mobility limitations?

1 August 2024

Unfortunately, most rooms are not designed for those with disabilities, as the property features steps being an old coaching inn.

Will there be options for dining beyond breakfast during my stay?

18 September 2024

Yes, meals are served outside of breakfast hours every evening from 17:00 on weekdays and throughout the day during weekends.

Is there a means of public transport available to visit Barnard Castle from this location?

22 October 2024

Yes, there is a bus service operating into Barnard Castle nearby, typically running on weekdays at 09:45.

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