The Ancient Unicorn
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1 night
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All properties in Bowes
The Ancient Unicorn
The St, Bowes, County Durham, DL12 9HL, United Kingdom
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Amenities
Hiking
Private parkingFree
Bar
Restaurant
Wi-Fi in public areasFree
Express check-in and check-out
English
Snack bar
All amenities
Property Description
Located in Barnard Castle, The Ancient Unicorn is a 2-minute drive from North Pennines and 5 minutes from Barnard Castle. This guesthouse is 16.5 mi (26.6 km) from Yorkshire Dales National Park and 29 mi (46.6 km) from Durham University.
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8.5/10
Cleanliness8.5
Amenities8.5
Location8.5
Service8.5
All 71 reviews
Surroundings
Train: Bishop Auckland Station
(30.1 km)
Landmarks: Bowes Castle
(270m)
Landmarks: Mill Force
(400m)
Landmarks: Ivy Hall Farm Campsite
(590m)
Landmarks: Deepdale Beck
(1.9 km)
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Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies

12
Basic Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
3 bedrooms: 2 single beds
Non-smoking
TV
Electric fan
Towels
Conditioner
Check Availability

11
Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)
3 bedrooms: 1 single bed and 1 double bed
Non-smoking
TV
Heating
Blackout curtains
Bedding: Blanket or quilt
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12
Basic Double Room with Shared Bathroom
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Non-smoking
Towels
Shampoo
Soap
Wired Internet in room
Check Availability

15
Comfort Double Ensuite Room
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Towels
Shampoo
Soap
Check Availability

14
Family Triple Room, Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 1 single bed and 1 double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
TV
Electric fan
Towels
Check Availability

18
Deluxe Double Room Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
TV
Electric fan
Towels
Check Availability

18
Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)
1 bedroom: 1 double bed | 1 living room: 1 sofa bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Towels
Microwave
Check Availability

19
Classic Double Room With Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Bathtub
Towels
Private toilet
Check Availability

13
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 2 single beds
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
TV
Towels
Check Availability
Hide Room Types
Guest Reviews
8.5/10
Very Good
71 reviews

- Cleanliness8.5
- Amenities8.5
- Location8.5
- Service8.5
Average for similar properties in Bowes

Guest User
July 26, 2025

The welcome was amazing the room was clean and well decorated. The food was outstanding the steak and ale pie was to die for great pub food. A very down to earth relaxed atmosphere.some lovely walks around Bowes castle and barnyard castle. You must try it outstanding

Guest User
June 3, 2025

Went for drinks on Saturday with wife then next day for Sunday lunch, and it was fantastic, all the staff made you more than welcome, and also fun, will definitely be back😄, also allow motorhome stopovers if meal purchased , so might look at that

Natasha W
April 2, 2025

What an absolute disgrace from start to finish! My three sons had kindly gifted my husband and me a Buyagift voucher for our anniversary, allowing us to select a hotel for a two-night stay. We chose this particular hotel as a treat, intending to explore Durham and enjoy a relaxing break. Unfortunately, our experience was anything but pleasant. After a three-hour drive, we arrived at the hotel, only to discover that we had been allocated a twin room with a shared bathroom. This was completely unacceptable, as we had specifically booked a double room with a private bathroom. The sight of two single beds and the prospect of sharing a bathroom with strangers was appalling. Immediately, I approached the gentleman at reception, who then contacted the owner. To my disbelief, the owner disrespectfully claimed that we had not paid for the booking. I explained that we had used a Buyagift voucher, which had been paid for in February. She then stated that the payment had been made to the previous owner and that she had not received the money. As a result, she insisted that we pay for the two nights ourselves. Furthermore, if we wanted a double room, she said it would incur an additional charge. I outright refused to pay again, given that the stay had already been covered by the voucher. Despite my explanation, she refused to acknowledge the payment, leaving us with no choice but to leave. This meant another exhausting three-hour drive back home, not only wasting our vouchers but also the travel expenses incurred. This experience was nothing short of disgraceful. The level of customer service was appalling, and the lack of professionalism was shocking. We were left out of pocket and utterly disappointed. I strongly urge others to avoid this hotel at all costs. A special occasion was ruined due to their incompetence and unwillingness to honor a legitimate booking.

Sue
April 4, 2025

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.

Guest User
March 27, 2025

Stayed here overnight on Sunday, 23rd March. Clean, warm and cosy room. We stayed in room 11 which had the added benefit of a little kitchen. The staff were super friendly. The breakfast was lovely. We will definitely be back. A really lovely place to stay. Thank you!

Hayley
March 13, 2025

Excellent staff and well positioned for a stop over.

Deirdre K
March 9, 2025

We were only staying for one night and it was a fantastic place to stay and the staff are very friendly and cant do enough for you. we had our evening meal there and also breakfast. The evening menu was varied a lot and the portions very generous as was breakfast. The cooked breakfast was cooked as you ordered and the cold cereals etc were varied as well. Would highly recommend a stay here if you are in the part of the country. 5 Stars

Deirdre
March 10, 2025

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

Beggarsdale
March 1, 2025

Warm welcome from the bar team and locals on our way across the A66. Great hike cooked beer batter fish and (home cut and cooked) chips. Doggo was made very welcome too! Beer and n tap included Back Sheep and a 0% draft beer too (can’t remember what it was but good if you’re using this as an A67 pit stop
Services & Amenities
Most Popular Amenities
Hiking
Private parking
Free
Bar
Restaurant
Wi-Fi in public areas
Free

Bar

Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Wi-Fi in public areas
Free
Parking
Private (exclusively for guests) is available On-site parking. Reservation not possible
Private parking
Free
Front Desk Services
Express check-in and check-out
Languages Spoken
English
Food & Drink
Snack bar
Bar
Health & Wellness
Hiking
Public Areas
No smoking in public areas
Garden
Safety & Security
CCTV in public areas
Property Policies
Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: After 15:00
Check-out: Before 10:00
Self check-in: Contact the property for instructions on how to obtain the card/keys
Child Policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
Cribs and Extra Beds
Extra bed and crib policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.
Breakfast
Breakfast is available at the hotel. Please contact the hotel for details.
Age | Fee |
---|---|
Adult | Contact property |
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.
Pets
Pets are allowed on requestAdditional charge
Fee: Contact the property for details
Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
Paying at the Hotel
Property Description
- Number of Rooms: 15
Located in Barnard Castle, The Ancient Unicorn is a 2-minute drive from North Pennines and 5 minutes from Barnard Castle. This guesthouse is 16.5 mi (26.6 km) from Yorkshire Dales National Park and 29 mi (46.6 km) from Durham University.
This smoke-free guesthouse features hiking/biking trails nearby.
Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary breakfast is included.
Free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 15 guestrooms.
This smoke-free guesthouse features hiking/biking trails nearby.
Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary breakfast is included.
Free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 15 guestrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy for The Ancient Unicorn?
The cancellation policy for The Ancient Unicorn varies depending on the type of room and booking conditions.What is the cancellation policy for The Ancient Unicorn?
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ancient Unicorn?
Standard check-in time at The Ancient Unicorn is 15:00 and check-out time is 10:00.What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ancient Unicorn?
Can I bring my pet inside the The Ancient Unicorn?
Pets are allowed on request at The Ancient Unicorn. Charges may be applicable.Can I bring my pet inside the The Ancient Unicorn?
About This Property
Nearest Train Station | Bishop Auckland Station |
---|---|
Distance to Train Station | 30.15KM |
Average Price From | PHP9033 |
Hotel Star Rating | 3 |