The Ancient Unicorn

–Great location - show map
+27 photos
Scored 8.3
Rated very good

Staff

9.1

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

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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

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Guests who stayed here loved

  • Simon
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Great room, well located for hiking the Pennine Way.”
  • Caroline
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “The landlady was exceptional. The food was fab. The location was brilliant. Best night sleep. Highly recommend and we will be back”
  • Chris
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “run by lovely people. excellent breakfast, evening meal and raspberry sponge with coconut. good honest pub food... rooms were good size even tho it said small bedroom. lovely walk in morning around village. castle at top of hill free entry great...”
  • Marion
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Close to A66 - half a mile if the route. Codes for accessing the accommodation allowed us to check in late without any hassle. Comfortable accommodation and good breakfast”
  • Richard
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Nice clean room, parking outside, bar and food just across the courtyard.”
  • Chris
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Extremely convenient with very good service and breakfast”
  • James
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Lovley country pub serving both locals and guests. Has an old-world look being an historic coaching inn, yet with modern rooms and facilities, all in a quiet and peaceful country setting with easy access to surrounding places of interest and good...”
  • David
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Very friendly and helpful staff, quirky and perfect.”
  • Michael
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Good location,on site parking,attractive restored outbuildings full of character”
  • Sutton
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Great food and really friendly staff. Bedroom fantastic, second time we have stayed on room1.”

Managed by The Ancient Unicorn

Company review score: 9.1Based on 766 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!

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.