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 - 3-Star Hotel in Barnard Castle, England

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Check rooms and rates
From$131 /night
Check-in
29Jul
Check-out
30Jul
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 historic coaching inn in Bowes, Barnard Castle

Rooms

The Ancient Unicorn offers a variety of newly refurbished rooms and apartments, accommodating couples and families. The Amalphia Apartment sleeps up to 8 guests, providing a lounge area with a TV and sofa bed. The hotel includes different room types such as the Charles Dickens Cottage, ideal for a cozy retreat with a fully fitted kitchen.

Location

Located in the village of Bowes, the hotel is just minutes from Barnard Castle and the Trans-Pennine A66. Guests can easily explore the stunning countryside of Teesdale, with scenic walking trails available nearby. The historic Pennine Way passes through Bowes, offering access to breathtaking views and landmarks.

Dining & Entertainment

The hotel features a bar that shows TNT Sports and Sky Sports, creating an engaging atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy a selection of beverages while watching live events. Dining options within the hotel allow for convenient meal choices throughout the stay.

Activities

The surrounding area offers numerous outdoor activities, with local walks that highlight the pristine countryside and historic sites. Guests can enjoy close proximity to Raby Castle and various nature trails for exploration. Photographers and artists will find the landscape particularly inspiring.

Family Accommodations

The Ancient Unicorn offers family-friendly rooms, including a triple family room with ensuite facilities. The variety of space ensures comfort for guests traveling with children. Shared facilities make it convenient for families to enjoy quality time together.

Highlights

Location: Near Barnard Castle and Teesdale countryside

Rooms: Amalphia Apartment and Charles Dickens Cottage

Dining: On-site bar with sports programming

Activities: Scenic walks and historic landmarks

“The Ancient Unicorn in Barnard Castle offers a genuinely convenient stay, particularly in its courtyard rooms where parking is right outside and the space itself is thoughtfully decorated with a truly comfortable bed. Its position in a charming village proves ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside, making it a welcoming stop.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Hotels3s

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!
July 2026 - July 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-minute walk
A historic site with impressive ruins and picturesque views, showcasing medieval architecture.
Church of St Giles
2-minute walk
A charming church known for its stunning architecture and serene ambiance, perfect for a quiet visit.
Barnard Castle
7-minute drive
A magnificent medieval castle detailing local history, with beautiful gardens and stunning views over the Tees.
The Bowes Museum
9-minute drive
A grand museum featuring fine art and decorative crafts, set in a striking building with a picturesque park.
Discover the local attractions near The Ancient Unicorn
Explore the notable landmarks near Ancient Unicorn Bowes to enhance your stay with cultural and historical experiences.
Ideal for local history enthusiasts: Church of St Giles
Great for art lovers: The Bowes Museum
Suited for scenic walks and photography: Egglestone Abbey
Perfect for organic produce and farm experiences: Cross Lanes Organic Farm
Well suited for serene visits: Saint Mary's Church
Best for cultural events and performances: The Witham
Works well for historical visits: St Nicholas Church
Ideal for art explorations: The Sandra Parker Studio
Teesdale Alpacas
6-minute drive
Friendly alpaca encounters and guided walks provide an enjoyable outdoor experience for all ages.
Hiking at Egglestone Abbey
10-minute drive
Breathtaking natural scenery paired with intriguing ruins; perfect for both thrill-seekers and casual hikers.
The Ancient Unicorn Inn Restaurant
1-minute walk
Traditional British cuisine in a cozy setting, known for hearty dishes and local ales; reservations recommended.
Cross Lanes Organic Farm
5-minute drive
A delightful farm-to-table experience with organic dishes, set in a rustic atmosphere that's perfect for families.
The Witham
9-minute drive
A vibrant arts center hosting live performances, exhibitions, and community events in a welcoming atmosphere.
Local Pubs and Bars
5-minute walk
Quaint local pubs offering night entertainment and a friendly atmosphere, ideal for evening relaxation or socializing.
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.
Breakfast
At the hotel The Ancient Unicorn guests are invited to a full breakfast served 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 476 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Pros
Warm welcome
Comfy bed
Really good breakfast
Dog-friendly
Friendly staff
Cons
Shared bathroom location
Room cleanliness 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.
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FAQs
About The Ancient Unicorn
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Ancient Unicorn?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Is parking available at The Ancient Unicorn?
Private parking is available on-site for free.
What popular attractions are near The Ancient Unicorn?
Nearby attractions include The Bowes Museum (approximately 15 minutes drive), Raby Castle, and High Force waterfall.
What dining options does The Ancient Unicorn provide?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving seasonal, home-cooked British cuisine.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Ancient Unicorn?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, an electric kettle, a coffee maker, and a kitchenette area in some options.
How far is The Ancient Unicorn from Durham Tees Valley airport?
The hotel is approximately 38 km from Durham Tees Valley airport.
Is there an on-site bar at The Ancient Unicorn?
The hotel has an on-site bar area where guests can relax.
Are there any activities available at The Ancient Unicorn?
Guests can enjoy hiking and relaxing in the private garden.
Can The Ancient Unicorn accommodate large groups or events?
The entire inn can be hired for business meetings or family celebrations.

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