Book Your Stay at The Ancient Unicorn in Durham, UK
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Key details
About the Hotel
The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL,
-
Near Bowes Medieval Castle
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
3.9
4.5
/5
Loved by The Ancient Unicorn guests
amazing breakfast
excellent value
friendly staff
generous portion sizes
comfortable bed
"The accommodation was lovely (we stayed in Charles Dickens Cottage) and there was plenty of history about the pub."
Evangeline R P from United Kingdom
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"The food was outstanding the steak and ale pie was to die for great pub food."
Craig F from United Kingdom
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"The room was comfortable, quiet and spacious."
Ian from United States
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"Hearty food and close enough to the wedding venue to maximise our time away."
Adele from United Kingdom
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"Brilliant cooked breakfast, and the dinner was excellent too."
Marleen from United Kingdom
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4-star traditional coaching inn in Barnard Castle
Location
The Ancient Unicorn is located in the scenic village of Bowes, close to Barnard Castle. Just a few minutes from the Trans-Pennine A66, this hotel serves as a convenient stop for travelers heading between Scotland and the Lake District. Guests can explore the stunning countryside of Teesdale, known for its walking paths and historic sites.
Rooms
The Ancient Unicorn offers a variety of newly refurbished accommodations, including the Amalphia Apartment which accommodates up to 8 guests. Every room type ranges from twin rooms with shared bathrooms to luxurious suites with ensuites featuring baths and showers. The Charles Dickens Cottage provides additional privacy with a fully fitted kitchen and lounge area.
Dining & Entertainment
Guests can enjoy sports offerings, as the bar shows TNT Sports and Sky Sports, providing an engaging atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The hotel's restaurant serves traditional fare, emphasizing local ingredients and flavors. In addition, the lush scenery surrounding the hotel provides an excellent backdrop for leisure activities.
Activities in the Area
The countryside surrounding The Ancient Unicorn offers miles of walking trails with picturesque views and historical sites, including the Pennine Way. Local attractions such as Barnard Castle and Raby Castle provide additional exploration options. Photographers and nature lovers can appreciate the varied landscapes of Teesdale throughout the seasons.
Unique Amenities
The hotel stands out with its three-bedroom Amalphia Apartment, accommodating larger groups or families. Charles Dickens Cottage offers a separate space with kitchen amenities for a more homely stay. The location near the A66 allows for easy access to numerous outdoor adventures in the Teesdale area.
Highlights
Location: village of Bowes, close to Barnard Castle
Rooms: Amalphia Apartment accommodates 8 guests
Dining: Bar offers TNT Sports & Sky Sports
Activities: Access to Pennine Way walking trails
Accommodation: Charles Dickens Cottage with kitchen
“The comfortable rooms and generous, hearty breakfasts offer considerable value, especially given the property's charming location. It's clear the management and staff, alongside Gus the Frenchie, are dedicated to ensuring a pleasant stay, making it a reliably welcoming stop.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukdurham
Select your room type
The Ancient Unicorn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Budget Triple Room
2 persons
18 m²
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
2 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Budget Double Room
2 persons
2 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Ancient Unicorn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
No smoking on site
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
Show more
Location
The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL,
Explore Barnard Castle
Explore Barnard Castle
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Bowes Castle
5 minutes' walk
Historic Bowes Castle features stunning ruins with scenic countryside views, ideal for history enthusiasts.
Church of St Giles
2 minutes' walk
Stunning architecture and tranquil grounds characterize St Giles Church, a perfect spot for reflection.
Barnard Castle
7 minutes' drive
This medieval castle offers rich history and beautiful river views, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
The Bowes Museum
9 minutes' drive
Renowned for its collection of fine art, The Bowes Museum also boasts a striking building and lovely gardens.
Teesdale Alpacas
28 minutes' walk
Engaging experiences with alpacas await at Teesdale, perfect for families and animal lovers.
Cycling in Teesdale
7 minutes' drive
Numerous trails make cycling popular in Teesdale, suitable for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant
1 minute' walk
A local favorite offering traditional English fare with a cozy atmosphere, ideal for casual dining.
The Witham
9 minutes' drive
This arts venue focuses on local ingredients and diverse dishes, providing a vibrant setting for meals.
The Sandra Parker Studio
9 minutes' drive
Art lovers can find unique local artwork and regular exhibitions at this creative venue.
Comedy Nights at The Witham
9 minutes' drive
Enjoy laugh-filled evenings with live comedy shows at The Witham, perfect for a fun night out.
Getting around
City Centre
Barnard Castle 10 min · 6.2 km
Airports
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 71 min · 47 km
Newcastle (NCL) 133 min · 88.6 km
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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:
16
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Ancient Unicorn from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 476 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable room
Good food
Spacious room
Powerful shower
Cons
Room cleanliness issues
Noise disturbance
Guest reviews
based on 797 reviews
8.3/10
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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