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The Ancient Unicorn

2.0 star property
Barnard Castle guesthouse with bar/lounge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Ancient Unicorn

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Lounge
Bar (on property)
Classic Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Private kitchen
Bar (on property)
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

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 22 - Sep 23
Check availability for tonight Sep 22 - Sep 23

Tomorrow

Sep 23 - Sep 24
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 23 - Sep 24
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
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Stovetop
Oven
  • 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) | 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
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

Similar properties

Double Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

The Fox Hall Inn

  • Free breakfast
  • Pet friendly
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 26 reviews
$123 nightly
The price is $148
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Total with taxes and fees
The Fox Hall Inn
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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
  • Raby Castle - 19 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park - 21 min drive - 31.7 km
  • High Force - 31 min drive - 28.9 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

  • ‪Cross Lanes Organic Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Cricketers Arms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Red Well Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Three Horse Shoes - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coach & Horses - ‬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.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 15 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

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Food
Service staff
Bar
Breakfast
Ambience
Restaurant
Pub
Bathroom
Bed

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently described as delicious, good, and excellent with a great choice of options. (12 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

Northern Break

It was the perfect place for a stopover. The room was lovely, the food was good, and the service was good too.
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Lovely overnight stay, comfortable accommodation and facilities. Food lovely breast and evening meal. Great parking for motorcycles
Carolyne, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

8/10 Very good

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.
Julian, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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
paula, 2-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

Great Stay !

Lovely rooms , comfy bed & comfy pillows , great shower. Service & hospitality was fantastic ! Would highly reccomend.
Lilly, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely and GF breakfast

Lovely stay with lovely hosts. If you’re gluten free, the landlord is coeliac so you get a fabulous breakfast!
Ruth, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

didn't like the price differential between booking direct with the hotel to booking with you.
George, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely place to stay

We loved our stay. The staff were lovely and the whole place was cute and friendly
Sharon, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

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****
Mickie, 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

10/10 Exceptional

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

8/10 Very good

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.
jakub, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic experience

Booked the Deluxe double as a stop over, and had a lovely night's sleep.
Andrew, 1-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

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

Rooms feel very comfy and the colour style was lovely
Steven, 1-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

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

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

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