The Street, Bowes,
Barnard Castle,
United Kingdom,
DL12 9HL,
Durham
-
Close to Bowes Medieval Castle
Great
8.3
8.6
/10
3.9
4.5
/5
Loved by 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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Rooms and Suites
The Ancient Unicorn offers a variety of accommodations. The Amalphia Apartment is a refurbished three-bedroom apartment for up to 8 guests, featuring a lounge area with a TV, sofa, and sofa bed. There are also double and twin rooms with private bathrooms that include Freeview TV, Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Some rooms have kitchen facilities with a fridge, oven, and microwave. The Charles Dickens Cottage is a one-bedroom cottage with a fully fitted kitchen, including a hob and microwave, and a lounge area with a TV. The William Turner Cottage has a kitchenette equipped with a hob, fridge, and microwave, as well as a lounge area with a TV.
Onsite Restaurant
The Ancient Unicorn restaurant serves a seasonal menu of home-cooked dishes. The bar shows TNT Sports and Sky Sports. Beef or chicken are served in a brioche bun with smoked bacon, cheddar, coleslaw, and chunky chips. All meats are served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, creamy mash, and seasonal vegetables, along with pan juice gravy.
Leisure Activities
Guests at The Ancient Unicorn can enjoy activities in and around Barnard Castle, including hiking. The Pennine Way passes through Bowes near the Ancient Unicorn. Guests must ensure their dogs are kept under close control. The Bowes Museum is situated in the town of Barnard Castle. High Force, one of the most impressive waterfalls in England, is located nearby.
Location and Access
Located in the village of Bowes, near Barnard Castle, The Ancient Unicorn is easily accessible from the A66. The Bowes Museum is 6.5 km away. Egglestone Abbey is 7 km away. Bowes Castle is 0.5 km away. Durham Tees Valley Airport is 50 km from The Ancient Unicorn.
Hotel Services
The entire Inn can be hired for business meetings or family celebrations. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms. Ironing and tea/coffee facilities are provided. Some rooms accommodate pets; contact the property in advance.
“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.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type
The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
One-Bedroom Cottage
2 persons
15 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Budget Triple Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
room details
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Facilities
The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
No smoking on site
Free parking
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
Happy hour
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Garden 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
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Location
The Street, Bowes,
Barnard Castle,
United Kingdom,
DL12 9HL,
Durham
Map view
The Street, Bowes,
Barnard Castle,
United Kingdom,
DL12 9HL,
Durham
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
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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
Teesside International Airport (MME)71 min
·
29.2
mi
Newcastle International Airport (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
is available in 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:
16
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.