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The Ancient Unicorn

2.0 star property

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Bar (on property)
Family Triple Room, Ensuite
Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage) | Private kitchen
Bar (on property)
Bar (on property)

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
The St, Bowes,, The Street, Barnard Castle, England, DL12 9HL
  • Barnard Castle
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Bowes Museum
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)

Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)

Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)

  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)

Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage) | Lounge

Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, Ensuite

Classic Double Room, Ensuite

Classic Double Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About this property

The Ancient Unicorn

Guesthouse in Barnard Castle with free breakfast and a bar
A bar/lounge, free breakfast, and free self parking are available at this smoke-free guesthouse. WiFi in public areas is free. Weekly housekeeping is available.
The Ancient Unicorn offers 15 accommodations. Housekeeping is provided weekly.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
During your stay at The Ancient Unicorn, you'll be within walking distance of North Pennines. Free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are available.
  • Free breakfast offered
  • Free WiFi in some public areas
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy drinks at the bar/lounge
  • Just a 2-minute drive from North Pennines and 5 minutes from Barnard Castle
  • Dogs welcome for a fee
You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Free self parking is available.

This Barnard Castle guesthouse is smoke free.

Guests are served free breakfast.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast available
  • A bar/lounge

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (weekly)

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Smoke-free property

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive lockbox information

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
This property is professionally cleaned
Guests will receive lockbox information.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the property's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.

Property is also known as

Ancient Unicorn Inn Barnard Castle
Ancient Unicorn Barnard Castle
Ancient Unicorn
Ancient Unicorn Barnard
Ancient Unicorn Inn
The Ancient Unicorn Guesthouse
The Ancient Unicorn Barnard Castle
The Ancient Unicorn Guesthouse Barnard Castle

Reviews

The Ancient Unicorn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 135 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 38 out of 135 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 135 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 135 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 135 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Julian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Two night stay in the small village of Bowes. Double room was comfortable with en suite. Tasty English breakfast included. We used the pub for our evening meal on both nights - there is no other option nearby for dinner without a short drive. Bar food was cooked really well. The bar itself was functional but lacking a bit of character.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Aydan

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
didn't like the price differential between booking direct with the hotel to booking with you.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

paula

Wonderful trip away

Such a lovely stay property was lovely very clean inviting and cosy and great for our dogs too. The staff were so lovely friendly helpful and made us feel very welcome. I am coeliac and they were fantastic with the food for me would highly recommend loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sue

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quality accommodation/ disappointing dinner.

Charming olde world inn. Beautiful room and nice original features. Very friendly staff. Superb breakfast (even did me porridge as can't manage a full english). Lovely views from our second floor room which was very spacious. Evening meal disappointed. Steak was too well-done - no pink in the middle/ sticky toffee pudding was very dry.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff and well positioned for a stop over.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deirdre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overnight Stay in Room 5 The Ancient Unicorn

We only were there for 1 night but it was a very comfy and enjoyable one. We had dinner there and it was very good also breakfast next morning was cooked as you ordered and a very good choice of cold items we had room 5 and it was a beautiful room with tea and coffee making facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Markus

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic place

We had a fabulous stay in the Ancient Unicorn. We were a family of 4 and also had our dog with us. We stayed in the Charles Dickens Cottage and it was outstanding. When we arrived, the cottage was warm and welcoming. The kitchen was well-equipped. The breakfast was delicious and the staff were super friendly. The location is great for exploring the area. We look forward to coming back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stop-over

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lilly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Stay !

Lovely rooms , comfy bed & comfy pillows , great shower. Service & hospitality was fantastic ! Would highly reccomend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely and GF breakfast

Lovely stay with lovely hosts. If you’re gluten free, the landlord is coeliac so you get a fabulous breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely stay Very cosy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Lorna

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely historical property and good value for money. Quiet location, great stop off for travelling on the A66, with Barnard Castle just a short drive. Easy check into cosy courtyard cottage. Nicely decorated and furnished, though the bed would benefit from a better quality mattress. Friendly staff and good breakfast. Evening pub menu satisfactory but not exceptional.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous room . Helpful, friendly staff . Lovely food .
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pub/hotel has evolved from a traditional coaching inn which has being doing basically the same job for over 400 years. Our room was basic, but had character (window seats) and the main facilities were fine (good bed, plenty of heating and lots of hot water). There is parking in the old cobbled coaching yard and the town of Bowes is quiet, but conveniently close to the A66.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alastair

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Landlady was amazing. I arrived in a sorry state coming off the Pennine way. An hour later showered and fed I was on my way into BC in a taxi she organised. Room was clean and the whole place had been been repainted and felt looked after.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mickie

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
Loved our first experience at the ancient unicorn wonderful staff beautiful food I would highly recommend anyone to stay or visit you won’t be disappointed A****
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

jakub

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great little cottage.

Charles Dickens cottage was great for a family of 4 on a short break. Comfortable and convenient location just off A66 without braking the bank. Great to have a fully equipped kitchen as well if you have kids to feed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We (couple adult daughter dog) stayed at the Ancient Unicorn to break the journey between East Anglia and Scotland. We arrived at the charming inn located in the centre of the lovely Pennine village of Bowes to be told that we had been upgraded to the Charles Dickens Cottage(!) because there was a problem with our booked room. The Cottage was immaculate and comfortable with a fantastic shower. Despite the fact that the staff were very busy because there was a folk group getting set up to play in the bar nothing was too much trouble for Karli and her staff to make us welcome. We had an excellent dinner of home-made food (made earlier in the day by Karli!) in the dog-friendly restaurant and then enjoyed a pint of real ale in the bar. And the cooked breakfast in the morning was fabulous. A perfect stay and so, so much better than a generic motorway hotel. The area is full of attractions in its own right (we had a quick look at the ruin of Bowes Castle just up the road) and we will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024