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The Ancient Unicorn

2.0 star property
Barnard Castle guesthouse with bar/lounge

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Photo gallery for The Ancient Unicorn

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Lounge
Bar (on property)
Classic Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom
Bar (on property)
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Private kitchen
At The Ancient Unicorn, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere with free WiFi in public areas. Enjoy easy parking and a smoke-free environment that lets you focus on your stay.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Non-smoking
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi

Main amenities (2)

  • Weekly housekeeping
  • Bar/lounge
$117 nightly
The total price is $140
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Microwave
Oven
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 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) | 1 bedroom

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

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Blackout drapes/curtains
Digital channels
Pet friendly
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, Ensuite

Classic Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Classic Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Pet friendly
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom | 1 bedroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom | 1 bedroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 158 reviews
The price is $131
$109 nightly
$131 total
Total includes taxes and fees
Jun 24 - Jun 25
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About the neighborhood

Map
The St, Bowes,, The Street, Barnard Castle, England, DL12 9HL

What's nearby

  • Barnard Castle - 6 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Bowes Museum - 7 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Egglestone Abbey - 9 min drive - 10.4 km
  • Raby Castle - 19 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park - 21 min drive - 31.7 km

Getting around

  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 42 min drive
  • Kirkby Stephen Station - 21 min drive
  • Bishop Auckland Station - 26 min drive
  • Darlington Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Babul’s - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coach & Horses - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Redwell Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Golden Lion - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Ancient Unicorn

When visiting Barnard Castle, The Ancient Unicorn is a great choice to consider. Freebies like breakfast and self parking are added perks, and guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 17 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Guests will receive lockbox information
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs only)*
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property
    • No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast
  • Bar/lounge

What to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Room amenities

More

  • Weekly housekeeping

Fees & policies

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay

Policies

This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting on site.
This property accepts credit/debit cards.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
This property is professionally cleaned.

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

Frequently asked questions

Are pets allowed at The Ancient Unicorn?

Yes, dogs are welcome. There's a charge of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

Is parking offered on site at The Ancient Unicorn?

Yes, there's free self parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ancient Unicorn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at The Ancient Unicorn and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking.

What's the area around The Ancient Unicorn like?

The Ancient Unicorn is located a short 16-minute walk from North Pennines.

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The Ancient Unicorn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Food
Service staff
Bar
Restaurant
Breakfast
Pub
Ambience
Bed
Bathroom

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently praised for its quality, variety, and delicious options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices. (9 reviews)
  • Breakfast was nice with various options and evening meals were also good. (3 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent staff and well positioned for a stop over.
Hayley, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely stay Very cosy
Tracy, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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
Deirdre, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Markus, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Sue, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly, helpful staff.
Jean, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous room . Helpful, friendly staff . Lovely food .
Angela, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Lorna, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly, helpful staff. Modern, very clean en-suite room with comfortable bed. Evening meal and breakfast good. Great to meet Gus the dog!
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Relaxing stay in historic inn.

Nice stay in an historic inn, with clean room, good pub food and a hearty breakfast. Reasonable price too - what's not to like?
David, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
John, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It was in a quiet wee village but if you have a car you can go to town I upgraded to a cottage and it had a microwave and kettle also a hob was very clean and there’s parking the breakfast and food was lovely would go again
jennifer, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Happy visitors

We were delighted by this place, we had a very warm welcome and very well appointed, spotlessly clean rooms; which were very comfortable. The food was good and the atmosphere very relaxing. Cheerful friendly staff made it a good place to stopover on our travels.
suzanne, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Alastair, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

lovely little hideaway

I stayed with 2 female friends in a small but comfy courtyard room. We stayed for tea on the night and it was gorgeous, the staff were friendly and accommodating swapping the meal to suit our needs. Next morning breakfast was included so we all had a large full English, veg option available. We will definitely be back. Small issue re damp smell in bathroom but loved the place.
Jac, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We loved the quaintness of the hotel - it was beautiful too. The area is perfect for walking/rambling and was very quiet. The staff we encountered were lovely, kind, helpful and polite. And we particularly loved Gus, the resident doggie. Checking in was easy when we realised it was a staff-free experience and had to use codes and lock boxes to get the keys - simple and effective.
Brenda, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Ancient Unicorn

Lovely Hotel full of character. It was comfortable, clean and the service was excellent. It was was very clean and well maintained throughout. Food was very good too.
S, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

A very convenient overnight stop on our drive north to Scotland. Lovely old building in the heart of the village. We arrived late but had been provided with codes that gave us access to our 3-person room, which was very comfortable and fine for an overnight stay but might be a bit small if you were staying longer. Very comfortable beds but rather a lot of noise from the adjacent room. Very good value for money - we would certainly consider returning to use the Ancient Unicorn as a base for exploring the local area.
John, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Bill, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Cosy means not much space. Shelf in bathroom and coat hooks would have been really useful. No evening meal to be had anywhere on a Sunday evening unless you drive somewhere . We were on foot and couldn't even get a pizza delivery. The howling baby in the next room was just unfortunate.
Hannah, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

An unpleasant experience

The hotel is self service. I received a text with a code to open a key box. The latch and lock on the bedroom door were broken on the inside, meaning that I could unlock the door from the front but could not latch or lock it. I had to push the sofa against the door overnight for security as I had a lot of expensive camera equipment in the room. There was no internet available despite being promised and sent a WiFi password. The walls were paper thin and I was woken up by drunken guests at 1am followed by another wake up at 3am due to a man loudly vomiting.
Matt, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

Unfortunately our stay was ruined by the repulsive smell contained within the property (Charles Dickens Cottage). When we arrived the smell of damp dogs was overwhelming. We were offered a tokenistic can of air freshener to spray around the property. This failed to eliminate the smell which remained all week. This was compounded by a number of soft furnishings containing dog hair. The property is defined as pet friendly on their website but be warned (certainly within the Charles Dickens Cottage) that if you have sensitive smell you would be advised to book a different cottage!
clive, 5-night trip

4/10 Fair

Not great

No WiFi available in our room even though it is stated on the website. You had to go down to the door of the bar in the pub to pick up the WiFi. I contacted the number given and they sent the WiFi password a couple of hours later after they obviously didn't read my message properly. I measured back but heard nothing else. The hairdryer in the room turned on, got hot without blowing air and then shut down, I left a note saying this may be a fire hazard.
Nicola, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Not happy with the check-in!!!

We travelled 4 hours to get here to find out that the code they had given us wasn't working. With two tired children, we kept trying the door and making phone calls where we just got told that they didn't have any booking by my name. They kept asking if we were at the right place!! After around 45 minutes or so, the lady at the pub downstairs, tells us as a matter of fact that it was door 15 and not door 1 that we were allotted!! The door number on the WhatsApp message sent to us was 1!!! She also shouted out our door passcode out loud in a pub full of customers!! And after one of our outings, we found our door open (none of our stuff was missing and no, it wasn't opened by the staff for cleaning as the neither the bins were emptied nor the dirty mugs taken away). No apologies at all for any of the things listed above!! And she behaved as if it was our fault for some reason! We made a formal complaint and got a compensation. Apart from the very disappointing check-in, we enjoyed the stay there. The apartment was in an old cottage style and very beautifully kept!
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Jane, 1-night trip