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The Ancient Unicorn

2.0 star property
Guesthouse in Barnard Castle with free breakfast and bar/lounge

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Ancient Unicorn

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Lounge
Bar (on property)
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Private kitchen
Classic Double Room, Ensuite
Bar (on property)
The Ancient Unicorn offers a warm atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. Travelers appreciate practical touches like free WiFi in common areas and straightforward parking. The smoke-free setting creates a clean, comfortable environment for a restful experience.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sept 19 - Sept 20
Check availability for tonight Sept 19 - Sept 20

Tomorrow

Sept 20 - Sept 21
Check availability for tomorrow Sept 20 - Sept 21
Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Stovetop
Oven
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)

Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)

Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)

Highlights

Heating
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Digital channels
Pet friendly
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)

Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage) | Lounge

Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, Ensuite

Classic Double Room, Ensuite

Classic Double Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Pet friendly
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Pet friendly
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
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About the area

Map
The St, Bowes,, The Street, Barnard Castle, England, DL12 9HL

What's nearby

  • Barnard Castle - 6 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Bowes Museum - 7 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Raby Castle - 19 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park - 21 min drive - 31.7 km
  • High Force - 31 min drive - 28.9 km

Getting around

  • Kirkby Stephen Station - 21 min drive
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cross Lanes Organic Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Cricketers Arms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Red Well Inn - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Three Horse Shoes - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coach & Horses - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Ancient Unicorn

Property highlights
The Ancient Unicorn provides amenities, such as free breakfast and a bar. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas.
Other perks at this guest house include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast available
  • A bar/lounge

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (weekly)

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Smoke-free property

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive lockbox information

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting
This property is professionally cleaned

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties

Property is also known as

Ancient Unicorn Inn Barnard Castle
Ancient Unicorn Barnard Castle
Ancient Unicorn
Ancient Unicorn Barnard
Ancient Unicorn Inn
The Ancient Unicorn Guesthouse
The Ancient Unicorn Barnard Castle
The Ancient Unicorn Guesthouse Barnard Castle

Frequently asked questions

Is The Ancient Unicorn pet-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed at this property. There's a fee of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at The Ancient Unicorn?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Ancient Unicorn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at The Ancient Unicorn?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Ancient Unicorn located?

Situated in Barnard Castle, this guesthouse is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from North Pennines and within 6 miles (10 km) of Barnard Castle and Bowes Museum. Eggleston Hall and Raby Castle are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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Reviews

The Ancient Unicorn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.2

Eco-friendliness

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 135 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 38 out of 135 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 135 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 135 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 135 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Amenities
Very friendly establishment. Great service and good dinner menu and breakfast. The cottage could of done with a deep clean as there was loads of spiders and cobwebs. Would definitely stay there again but maybe in the pub next time
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louisa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A little basic but comfy, very quiet, delicious breakfast and friendly and accommodating staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff and well positioned for a stop over.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Julian

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Two night stay in the small village of Bowes. Double room was comfortable with en suite. Tasty English breakfast included. We used the pub for our evening meal on both nights - there is no other option nearby for dinner without a short drive. Bar food was cooked really well. The bar itself was functional but lacking a bit of character.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

paula

Wonderful trip away

Such a lovely stay property was lovely very clean inviting and cosy and great for our dogs too. The staff were so lovely friendly helpful and made us feel very welcome. I am coeliac and they were fantastic with the food for me would highly recommend loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely stay Very cosy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deirdre

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overnight Stay in Room 5 The Ancient Unicorn

We only were there for 1 night but it was a very comfy and enjoyable one. We had dinner there and it was very good also breakfast next morning was cooked as you ordered and a very good choice of cold items we had room 5 and it was a beautiful room with tea and coffee making facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lilly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Stay !

Lovely rooms , comfy bed & comfy pillows , great shower. Service & hospitality was fantastic ! Would highly reccomend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely and GF breakfast

Lovely stay with lovely hosts. If you’re gluten free, the landlord is coeliac so you get a fabulous breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
didn't like the price differential between booking direct with the hotel to booking with you.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was lovely with a very comfy bed. Please add a reading light as the main light was very 'soft'. However the food was NOT good. I'm pretty sure our evening meal choices of scampi+chips and sausage+mash were both microwaved ready meals, not freshly prepared. The scampi+mushy peas were hard/overdone but the chips soggy & limp. The sausage+mash meal fared better but the sausages were really poor quality meat and not tasty. Overall, we would happily sleep there another night if we're in the area but it's not somewhere we want to eat again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly, helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely place to stay

We loved our stay. The staff were lovely and the whole place was cute and friendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mickie

Liked: Amenities
Loved our first experience at the ancient unicorn wonderful staff beautiful food I would highly recommend anyone to stay or visit you won’t be disappointed A****
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Markus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic place

We had a fabulous stay in the Ancient Unicorn. We were a family of 4 and also had our dog with us. We stayed in the Charles Dickens Cottage and it was outstanding. When we arrived, the cottage was warm and welcoming. The kitchen was well-equipped. The breakfast was delicious and the staff were super friendly. The location is great for exploring the area. We look forward to coming back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quality accommodation/ disappointing dinner.

Charming olde world inn. Beautiful room and nice original features. Very friendly staff. Superb breakfast (even did me porridge as can't manage a full english). Lovely views from our second floor room which was very spacious. Evening meal disappointed. Steak was too well-done - no pink in the middle/ sticky toffee pudding was very dry.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous room . Helpful, friendly staff . Lovely food .
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

jakub

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great little cottage.

Charles Dickens cottage was great for a family of 4 on a short break. Comfortable and convenient location just off A66 without braking the bank. Great to have a fully equipped kitchen as well if you have kids to feed.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic experience

Booked the Deluxe double as a stop over, and had a lovely night's sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Happy visitors

We were delighted by this place, we had a very warm welcome and very well appointed, spotlessly clean rooms; which were very comfortable. The food was good and the atmosphere very relaxing. Cheerful friendly staff made it a good place to stopover on our travels.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing stay in historic inn.

Nice stay in an historic inn, with clean room, good pub food and a hearty breakfast. Reasonable price too - what's not to like?
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Rooms feel very comfy and the colour style was lovely
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, helpful staff. Modern, very clean en-suite room with comfortable bed. Evening meal and breakfast good. Great to meet Gus the dog!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Lorna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely historical property and good value for money. Quiet location, great stop off for travelling on the A66, with Barnard Castle just a short drive. Easy check into cosy courtyard cottage. Nicely decorated and furnished, though the bed would benefit from a better quality mattress. Friendly staff and good breakfast. Evening pub menu satisfactory but not exceptional.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024