"Extremely convenient courtyard room which was ideal with our dog."
Helen 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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"Breakfasts and evening meals were really good, chips were amazing."
Carole from United Kingdom
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"We had dinner in the bar which was very good and breakfast was one of the best we have had"
Gordon from United Kingdom
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"Booked a few hours in advanced as biking on the road.A friendly welcome, room spotless, views exceptional."
Katrina May C from United Kingdom
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400-year-old coaching inn in Bowes with a restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine and direct access to the Pennine Way
Historic Hotel & Grounds
The Ancient Unicorn is a 400-year-old coaching inn located in the village of Bowes. The building has a private garden for guest relaxation and is set directly along the Pennine Way. Live music and performances are held on-site in the bar.
Accommodations
The hotel offers 16 rooms, including newly refurbished apartments and cottages in the courtyard. Room types include Deluxe Double Rooms, Budget Double Rooms, Standard Twin Rooms, and a One-Bedroom Cottage. Some accommodations have kitchenettes, and all rooms are pet-friendly.
Dining & Bar
The on-site restaurant serves seasonal, home-cooked British cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast includes continental and full English/Irish selections. The bar offers TNT and Sky Sports, a snack menu, and hosts a happy hour.
Location & Activities
The Ancient Unicorn is 8 km from The Bowes Museum and 18 km from Raby Castle. High Force waterfall is a nearby attraction within driving distance. Hiking trails on the Pennine Way start directly from the property.
Family & Pet-Friendly Policies
The hotel offers family rooms and a private garden for children. Pets are allowed on the property, and the resident dog Gus is present on-site. Express check-in and check-out are available to streamline arrivals with families and pets.
Highlights
History: 400-year-old coaching inn in Bowes
Location: Direct access to the Pennine Way
Rooms: 16 rooms including refurbished cottages
Dining: Seasonal British cuisine with dietary options
Attractions: 8 km from Bowes Museum, 18 km from Raby Castle
Policy: Pet-friendly with pet-friendly apartments
Must-do experiences
Visit the stunning Barnard Castle just a short walk away.
Explore the scenic walks along the River Tees for picturesque views.
Don't miss the Bowes Museum for its exquisite art collections.
Savor a slice of homemade pie at The Teesdale Hotel's restaurant.
Shop for local produce at Barnard Castle Market on Tuesdays.
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Ancient Unicorn provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
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
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The Ancient Unicorn: Location in England
The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL,
Explore Barnard Castle
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Bowes Castle
5-minute walk
A historic Norman castle with stunning views, perfect for a leisurely visit and enjoying the surrounding landscapes.
Church of St Giles
2-minute walk
An iconic church showcasing fine architecture, ideal for a brief cultural stop and reflection.
The Bowes Museum
9-minute drive
A magnificent museum featuring an impressive collection of art and design, with guided tours available for deeper insights.
Barnard Castle
7-minute drive
A scenic medieval castle, steeped in history, with beautiful grounds perfect for a family outing or a romantic stroll.
Teesdale Alpacas
8-minute drive
Interactive experiences with alpacas set in lush nature, great for families and animal lovers seeking a unique outing.
Hiking Trails at Egglestone Abbey
10-minute drive
Scenic hikes along the River Tees with historical ruins, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant
1-minute walk
Traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere; known for its homemade pies and local craft beers.
The Witham
9-minute drive
A vibrant spot offering seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, ideal for casual dining with family and friends.
The Sandra Parker Studio
9-minute drive
A local art gallery hosting exhibitions and events, with a focus on community engagement and cultural appreciation.
The Witham
9-minute drive
A lively venue with live music nights and performances, offering a fun atmosphere for all ages and tastes.
Getting around England
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:
16
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Ancient Unicorn.
Review score
Based on 473 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Pros
Cute staff
Quality dining
Comfortable rooms
Historical features
Affordable prices
Cons
Inconsistent service
Room heating issues
Common area cleanliness
Internet access difficulties
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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Questions of the users
About The Ancient Unicorn
Are the bathrooms in the rooms equipped with en-suite facilities?
10 October 2025
Booking a double room with a private bathroom means it includes en-suite facilities.
Is it possible to bring my dog to meals in the dining area?
12 November 2024
Dogs are welcome in the snug and bar area where dining is permitted, provided they are kept on a lead.
Are there shops and dining options available nearby?
20 December 2024
There are shops and restaurants located approximately 6.4 kilometers away in Barnard Castle.
Can I stay with two dogs in a pet-friendly accommodation?
5 January 2025
Two dogs are allowed in pet-friendly rooms, with a £10 charge per dog per night.
Which types of rooms can accommodate my dog during my stay?
15 February 2025
Five double en-suite rooms are available that are dog-friendly. It's essential to inform the property in advance if you're bringing a dog.
Is breakfast included in the booking cost?
14 March 2025
Breakfast is included with your stay; currently, it is provided by a local bistro due to ongoing refurbishment.
What are the options for meals besides breakfast?
25 April 2025
Evening meals are served from 5 PM during weekdays and all day on weekends.
Can an early check-in be arranged for my stay?
2 May 2025
Early check-ins are subject to availability; it's advisable to inquire in advance.
Is late checkout available, and how should I arrange it?
8 June 2025
Late checkout can be arranged based on incoming bookings; contacting the hotel for specifics is recommended.
Is there a car park available for guests?
16 July 2025
A car park is available, with the latest check-in time at 9:30 PM.