"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 Barnard Castle
Amenities
The Ancient Unicorn has a private garden and a bar serving TNT and Sky Sports. Live music performances are held on-site. The property provides free on-site private parking, express check-in and check-out, and CCTV in common areas.
Rooms
The hotel offers family rooms, newly refurbished apartments, and cottages, including the Charles Dickens Cottage. Each unit has a private bathroom, kitchenette, and streaming services. Some rooms are in courtyard buildings with direct parking access for guests with pets.
Dining
The on-site restaurant serves seasonal, home-cooked British cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast choices include continental, full English, and Irish selections. The bar offers a snack bar and packed lunches on request.
Location
The Ancient Unicorn is located in Bowes, within 8 km of The Bowes Museum and 18 km of Raby Castle. Guests have access to local hiking trails and the Pennine Way, with High Force waterfall a short drive away. The property sits 5 km from Barnard Castle town centre.
Pet-Friendly & Family-Friendly
The hotel welcomes dogs in courtyard rooms with easy outdoor access. Family rooms have two beds and kitchenettes, suitable for groups. The on-site bar and restaurant are family-friendly, with children's menus and a games room available.
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!
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
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,
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
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
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Number of rooms:
16
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at The Ancient Unicorn.
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.