The Ancient Unicorn in Barnard Castle, United Kingdom - Book Now from £97

Name: The Ancient Unicorn
Address: The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 9HL
Price range: US$131+

The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Exterior photo

The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Room photo

The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Beds photo

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

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

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.

Leisure

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.

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

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Facilities

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

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security

Sports & Fitness

Hiking

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

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

The Ancient Unicorn Location

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL

Map view

City landmarks

Farm

Cross Lanes Organic Farm

5.32 km

Landmark

Barnard Castle

6.12 km

Museum

The Bowes Museum

6.65 km

Landmark

Egglestone Abbey

6.9 km

Church

Saint Mary's Church

6.21 km

Landmark

The Witham

6.27 km

Landmark

The Sandra Parker Studio

6.25 km

Landmark

St Nicholas Church

6.2 km

Nearby

The St

Bowes Castle

350 m

4 Low Road Bowes Barnard Castle

Church of St Giles

120 m

Restaurants

The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant

70 m

The Street Bowes

Explore Barnard Castle

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.

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 from previous guests about their experience.

Pros

Friendly staff

Comfortable room

Good food

Spacious room

Powerful shower

Cons

Room cleanliness issues

Noise disturbance

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Questions of the users

About The Ancient Unicorn

Are the bathrooms in the rooms arranged for private use or are they shared?

12 March 2024

If a double room is booked with a private bathroom, it means the bathroom is en-suite.

Is it possible to bring a dog into the restaurant during meals?

25 April 2024

Dogs are welcome in the bar and snug area, where meals can be enjoyed.

Are there grocery stores and dining options within walking distance?

10 August 2024

There are shops and restaurants located in Barnard Castle, which is approximately 6.4 kilometers away.

What is the policy for accommodating pets in the hotel?

4 June 2024

Pets are allowed in certain designated rooms, with a small fee of £10 per dog per night. It's advisable to inform the hotel at the time of booking.

Is there a minimum number of dogs allowed in pet-friendly accommodations?

19 September 2024

Up to two dogs can be accommodated in pet-friendly rooms, subject to a charge per dog per night.

Are breakfast options available early in the morning?

30 July 2024

A continental breakfast can be arranged, but it's essential to request it in advance based on your departure schedule.

What are the options for enjoying a meal in the hotel outside of breakfast?

21 November 2024

Meals are served in the bar area each evening from 5 PM on weekdays and all day during weekends.

Is an early checkout possible, and how can I arrange that?

15 May 2024

Early checkouts can be arranged depending on availability. It's best to confirm directly with the hotel prior to arrival.

Does the hotel provide free Wi-Fi in the guest rooms?

1 October 2024

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms for guests to enjoy during their stay.

How can I find local scenic walking trails around the hotel?

16 February 2025

The area surrounding the hotel features beautiful walking trails, especially along the Pennine Way, which offers stunning views of the countryside and historical sites.