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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Highlights
Free parking
Delicious breakfast
Ideal location
Lots to do
Pets welcomeAmenities
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 13.8 mi (22.2 km) from Eden Valley and 16.5 mi (26.6 km) from Yorkshire Dales National Park.
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8.5/10
Cleanliness8.5
Amenities8.5
Location8.5
Service8.5
All 75 reviews
Surroundings
Train: Bishop Auckland Station
(30.1 km)
Train: Kirkby Stephen
(30.6 km)
Landmarks: Bowes Castle
(270m)
Landmarks: Mill Force
(400m)
Landmarks: Ivy Hall Farm Campsite
(590m)
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Overview
Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
22
Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)
1 bedroom: 1 double bed | 1 living room: 1 sofa bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Refrigerator
Towels
Microwave
Shampoo
Check Availability
12
Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)
3 bedrooms: 1 single bed and 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
TV
Blackout curtains
Wi-Fi in room
Bedding: Blanket or quilt
Check Availability
13
Basic Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
3 bedrooms: 2 single beds
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
TV
Towels
Wired Internet in room
Electric kettle
Check Availability
13
Basic Double Room with Shared Bathroom
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Towels
Shampoo
Soap
Wired Internet in room
Check Availability
19
Comfort Double Ensuite Room
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Towels
Shampoo
Soap
Check Availability
15
Family Triple Room, Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 1 single bed and 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
TV
Towels
Private toilet
Check Availability
19
Deluxe Double Room Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
TV
Towels
Private toilet
Check Availability
20
Classic Double Room With Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 1 double bed
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Bathtub
Towels
Private toilet
Check Availability
14
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite
3 bedrooms: 2 single beds
Free Wi-Fi
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
TV
Towels
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Hide Room Types
Guest Reviews
8.5/10
Very Good
75 reviews
Verified Reviews- Cleanliness8.5
- Amenities8.5
- Location8.5
- Service8.5
Average for similar properties in Bowes
Guest User
October 7, 2025
We found our hosts to be very relaxed and very friendly. Our room was excellent value for money, clean and had all that we required, We were well looked after. Breakfast and dinner were well prepared and presented. This stay lived up to our expectations of great little village hospitality. Thanks to Norma and her crew. Lyn and Barry from Australia.
Guest User
August 26, 2025
We were holidaying in the area and had a few meals in The Ancient Unicorn. The staff and locals were friendly, the drinks were reasonably priced, the menu was varied and also reasonably priced, the food was well cooked and the portion sizes were generous. All in all well worth the slight detour off the A66 if you are looking for a drink and a bite to eat.
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
Carolyne
July 28, 2025
Lovely overnight stay, comfortable accommodation and facilities. Food lovely breast and evening meal. Great parking for motorcycles
Alison
July 21, 2025
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.
Louisa
July 12, 2025
A little basic but comfy, very quiet, delicious breakfast and friendly and accommodating staff.
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
Julian
June 16, 2025
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.
George
May 8, 2025
didn't like the price differential between booking direct with the hotel to booking with you.
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
Lobby 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
Phone:+44-330-3410608
Located in Barnard Castle, The Ancient Unicorn is a 2-minute drive from North Pennines and 5 minutes from Barnard Castle. This guesthouse is 13.8 mi (22.2 km) from Eden Valley and 16.5 mi (26.6 km) from Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
Satisfy your appetite at the guesthouse's coffee shop/cafe. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. 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.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
Satisfy your appetite at the guesthouse's coffee shop/cafe. Mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily. 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’s the cancellation policy at The Ancient Unicorn?
The cancellation policy at The Ancient Unicorn depends on your room type and booking terms.What’s the cancellation policy at The Ancient Unicorn?
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ancient Unicorn?
Check-in at The Ancient Unicorn starts from 15:00, and the standard check-out time is by 10:00.What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ancient Unicorn?
Are pets allowed at The Ancient Unicorn?
Yes, pets are allowed at The Ancient Unicorn, but it’s recommended to contact the property directly to confirm.Are pets allowed at The Ancient Unicorn?
About This Property
| Nearest Train Station | Bishop Auckland Station |
|---|---|
| Distance to Train Station | 30.15KM |
| Average Price From | SEK1347 |
| Hotel Star Rating | 3 |