The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Exterior photoThe Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Exterior photoThe Ancient Unicorn Hotel Barnard Castle Exterior photo

The Ancient Unicorn - Guest House in Barnard Castle, United Kingdom

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Check rooms and rates
From$131 /night
Check-in
29Aug
Check-out
30Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL
-
Near Bowes Medieval Castle
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
3.9
4.5
/5

4-Star Traditional Coaching Inn in Bowes, Teesdale

Core Offerings

The Ancient Unicorn is a traditional coaching inn dating back 400 years, located in Bowes, a short distance from Barnard Castle. With a prime location near the Trans-Pennine A66, the hotel serves as a convenient stop for travelers heading to and from Scotland and the Lake District. This inn provides a base to explore the unspoiled countryside of Teesdale and a variety of local activities.

Accommodation Options

The Ancient Unicorn offers various accommodation choices, including the newly refurbished Amalphia Apartment that accommodates up to 8 guests. There is also a selection of twin, double, and deluxe ensuite rooms featuring modern baths, Freeview TVs, and inviting lounge spaces. Charles Dickens Cottage provides a fully fitted kitchen and cozy lounge area, perfect for extended stays.

Dining and Entertainment

The bar area of The Ancient Unicorn offers live coverage of TNT Sports and Sky Sports, providing a social atmosphere to enjoy major sporting events. Guests can relax with a drink while catching up on the latest games. The local scene includes classic English fare with a mix of regional options, enhancing the dining experience.

Local Attractions

Bowes is an excellent starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the Teesdale area, with local walks and stunning river views available nearby. The Pennine Way passes through Bowes, attracting hiking enthusiasts looking to experience a piece of this historic route. Nearby landmarks include the impressive Raby Castle and historic Barnard Castle, enriching outdoor adventures.

Activities and Experiences

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a range of walking paths in the surrounding countryside, allowing for miles of exploration away from crowds. The area changes with the seasons, offering photography and artistic inspirations year-round. Guests can engage in local history while enjoying picturesque views from various vantage points.

Highlights

Location: Close to Barnard Castle and Trans-Pennine A66

Accommodations: Newly refurbished Amalphia Apartment for up to 8

Dining: Live coverage of TNT Sports and Sky Sports

Activities: Access to the Pennine Way and local walks

“The Ancient Unicorn in Barnard Castle presents itself as a welcoming spot, with rooms consistently noted for comfort and cleanliness, complemented by reliably hot showers and well-made beds. Its location proves a practical base for exploring the surrounding area, and the approachability of the staff, particularly Susan and Karli, adds a distinct warmth to the stay, with the breakfast service frequently highlighted for its generous and delicious offerings.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Guestshouses

Select your room type

The Ancient Unicorn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Budget Triple Room
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Heating
  • Standard Twin Room
    2 persons
    2 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Budget Double Room
    2 persons
    2 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Ancient Unicorn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Security

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

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
Show more

The Ancient Unicorn Location

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL
Explore Barnard Castle
Local Highlights near The Ancient Unicorn
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Bowes Castle
5 minutes' walk
Bowes Castle is a historic fortification with impressive views of the surrounding countryside, ideal for history buffs.
Church of St Giles
2 minutes' walk
The Church of St Giles exhibits stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass, perfect for peaceful reflection.
Barnard Castle
7 minutes' drive
Barnard Castle is a picturesque ruin set upon a cliff, notable for its rich history and dramatic river views.
The Bowes Museum
9 minutes' drive
The Bowes Museum houses a magnificent collection of fine art and exquisite exhibits, renowned for its unique design.
Discover the local attractions near The Ancient Unicorn
Wander through the intriguing landmarks near Ancient Unicorn Bowes that offer a glimpse into the local history and culture of Barnard Castle.
Well suited for appreciating historic architecture: Church of St Giles
Ideal for art enthusiasts and cultural exploration: The Bowes Museum
Great for scenic walks and historical intrigue: Egglestone Abbey
Perfect for those interested in local produce: Cross Lanes Organic Farm
Suited for exploring stunning church interiors: Saint Mary's Church
Best for enjoying local performances and events: The Witham
Works well for quiet reflection and history: St Nicholas Church
Ideal for those seeking local artisan crafts: The Sandra Parker Studio
Teesdale Alpacas
7 minutes' drive
Teesdale Alpacas offers guided tours where guests can interact with friendly alpacas, providing a relaxing outdoor experience.
Cycling along the Tees
5 minutes' drive
Cycling trails along the Tees offer scenic views and invigorating rides for thrill-seekers and families alike.
The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant
1 minute's walk
This cozy inn serves hearty local dishes and a selection of ales in a warm atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal.
The Witham
9 minutes' drive
The Witham features a contemporary menu with local ingredients; great for a relaxed dining experience with friends.
The Witham Arts Centre
9 minutes' drive
The Witham hosts a variety of live performances, from theater to concerts, appealing to all ages and tastes.
Bowes Museum Events
9 minutes' drive
The Bowes Museum hosts regular events, including exhibitions and family workshops, perfect for cultural enrichment.
Getting around
  • 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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ancient Unicorn from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 474 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Pros
Comfortable rooms
Clean rooms
Convenient location
Dog-friendly pub
Reasonable prices
Cons
Noise issues
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.
Open reviews
FAQs
About The Ancient Unicorn
What time is check-in and check-out at The Ancient Unicorn?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is The Ancient Unicorn from the nearest airport?
The hotel is approximately 38 km from Durham Tees Valley Airport.
What dining options are available at The Ancient Unicorn?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving seasonal, home-cooked British cuisine.
How close is The Ancient Unicorn to local attractions?
The hotel is a 15-minute drive from The Bowes Museum and directly adjacent to Bowes Castle.
What room amenities are provided at The Ancient Unicorn?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and some have kitchenettes with a fridge and microwave.
Are there outdoor areas for relaxation at The Ancient Unicorn?
The property features a private garden for guest relaxation.
Which activities can guests enjoy at The Ancient Unicorn?
Guests can enjoy hiking in the beautiful Teesdale countryside and exploring local landmarks.
Is there internet access provided at The Ancient Unicorn?
Free internet access is available throughout the hotel.
What are the historical attractions near The Ancient Unicorn?
Nearby historical sites include the Bowes Museum and Raby Castle, offering rich local heritage.
Is there a bar or lounge area at The Ancient Unicorn?
The hotel includes an on-site bar area featuring TNT and Sky Sports.

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