About this property

Historic Setting: The Ancient Unicorn in Barnard Castle is housed in a historic building, offering a unique and charming atmosphere. Comfortable Accommodations: Guests enjoy family rooms with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include streaming services, work desks, and free toiletries. Dining Experience: The family-friendly restaurant serves British cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast includes continental and full English/Irish selections. Leisure Activities: The property offers a garden, bar, and live music. Hiking enthusiasts can explore nearby attractions such as Bowes Museum (8 km) and Raby Castle (19 km). Guest Services: Highly rated for its attentive staff and excellent service support. Express check-in and check-out, free on-site private parking, and a variety of menus cater to special diets.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

  • Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.9)

  • Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian

  • Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 double bed
1 double bed
2 single beds
1 double bed
2 single beds
1 single bed
and
1 double bed
1 double bed
Bedroom
1 double bed
Living room
1 sofa bed
1 single bed
and
1 double bed
1 double bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free WiFi

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

John
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Very comfortable room. The vegetable soup on Saturday night was delicious. Breakfast was included in the overnight price and the full English Sunday morning was brilliant.
Richard
United Kingdom United Kingdom
The location was nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The room in the courtyard was very warm, cosy, and quiet. We were lucky enough to be there on the night they had a firework display, which was excellent. The bar was busy, and with...
Michael
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Everything about it was amazing and the manger was very friendly and such a top lass
Jack
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Very friendly and accommodating staff, the room was also cosy and private. I was travelling alone and felt very welcome in the pub to kill a few hours before getting some sleep. I saw complaints that room 8 was too my small but it was bigger than...
Ray
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Stayed here as it was close to a family event. It's easy to find friendly staff and a nice room.
Gayna
United Kingdom United Kingdom
The room was decorated beautifully. We went for dinner in the pub and that was lovely
Mrs
United Kingdom United Kingdom
Staff were great. Really helpful and friendly. Lovely food. Although there was nothing veggie on the menu, you only had to ask and there was a great selection. Fantastic breakfast. Location is great.
Christine
Malta Malta
Everything was perfect super friendly staff lovely and clean all you need for a short stay - and lots to choose from the breakfast menu definitely would stay again if we are in this location
Brian
New Zealand New Zealand
Hotel was near where I was visiting. We were staying the night of a local pool competition at the hotel and saw some impressive play. Staff made a real effort to help and make stay pleasant
Tracy
United Kingdom United Kingdom
If you have a furry friend this place is so dog friendly. Unfortunately my dog passed away before our trip, but it would have been ideal for her

Managed by The Ancient Unicorn

Company review score: 9.1Based on 786 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Property information

This historic building is full of character and warmth, to ensure our guests have a cosy and comfortable environment to enjoy and relax in. The building is steeped in history – Charles Dickens was a guest in days gone by and based some of his writing on the places he discovered whilst visiting. Another famous visitor was the artist William Turner, who painted some landscapes in the local area. When you stay at the Ancient Unicorn there is plenty to explore and do! The surrounding countryside is stunning – changing with the seasons and you can walk for miles and see no-one. The Pennine Way passes through Bowes so you can take in part of this historic route, exploring the ruined castle in the village. Travelling just a bit further, the 3.5 miles into Barnard Castle, this historic, quaint market town with its massive ruined castle is set alongside the River Tees. So whether you're just passing through or stopping for a week there is plenty to keep you occupied right on our doorstep! PLEASE NOTE OUR BAR AND RESTAURANT ARE CLOSED MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY EVENINGS DURING WINTER PERIOD.

Neighbourhood information

When you stay at the Ancient Unicorn there is plenty to explore. The countryside is stunning – changing with the seasons and you can walk for miles and see no-one. The Pennine Way passes through Bowes so you can take in part of this historic route, exploring the ruined castle in the village. Travelling just a bit further, the 3.5 miles into Barnard Castle, this historic, quaint market town with its massive ruined castle is set alongside the river Tees.

Language spoken

English

Property surroundings

Restaurants

1 restaurant on site
Unicorn
  • Cuisine
    British
  • Open for
    Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
  • Ambiance
    Family friendly • Traditional
  • Dietary options
    Vegetarian • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

House rules

The Ancient Unicorn takes special requests - add in the next step!
Check-in
From 15:00
Check-out
Until 10:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.
Cards accepted at this property
VisaMastercard Cash is not accepted
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
Quiet hours
Guests must be quiet between 00:00 and 06:00.

The fine print

Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please note pets can only be accommodated in certain rooms. Please inform the property in advance.

This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

Quiet hours are between 00:00:00 and 06:00:00.