Skip to main content

The Ancient Unicorn

3.0 star property
Barnard Castle guesthouse with bar/lounge

Choose dates to view prices

At The Ancient Unicorn, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere with free WiFi in public areas. Enjoy easy parking and a smoke-free environment that lets you focus on your stay.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (5)

  • Weekly housekeeping
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Garden

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single 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)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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)

  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

Triple Room, Ensuite (Dale Strider) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace
The Castle Tavern
Richmond
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 295 reviews
The price is Rp1.838.464
Rp2.206.157 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
The Castle Tavern
Compare similar properties
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

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

What's nearby

  • North Pennines - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Barnard Castle - 9 min drive - 7.7 km
  • The Garage Spa - 10 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Bowes Museum - 11 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Egglestone Abbey - 11 min drive - 11.1 km

Getting around

  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 42 min drive
  • Kirkby Stephen Station - 21 min drive
  • Bishop Auckland Station - 26 min drive
  • Darlington Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Three Horse Shoes - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coach & Horses - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Milbank Arms - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Rose & Crown - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Ancient Unicorn

  • Enjoy your visit to Barnard Castle with a stay at The Ancient Unicorn. You can grab a bite to eat at the coffee shop/cafe or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 15 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 10:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Guests will receive lockbox information
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs only)*
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property
    • No stag or hen parties

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Free daily reception

What to do

  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Room amenities

More

  • Weekly housekeeping

Fees & policies

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:
  • Bar/lounge
  • Restaurant

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay

Policies

This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag and hen parties.

This property does not have lifts.

Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting on-site.

This property accepts credit/debit cards.

Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard

This property is professionally cleaned.

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

Are pets allowed at The Ancient Unicorn?

Yes, dogs are welcome. There's a charge of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

Is parking offered on site at The Ancient Unicorn?

Yes, there's free self parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ancient Unicorn?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless social distancing and check-out are available.

What is there to do at The Ancient Unicorn and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking. The Ancient Unicorn also has a garden.

What's the area around The Ancient Unicorn like?

The Ancient Unicorn is located a short 16-minute walk from North Pennines.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently praised for its quality, variety, and deliciousness, with many guests enjoying their meals. (13 reviews)
AI Sparkle Icon
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Room
Food
Service staff
Bar
Pub
Breakfast
Ambience
Restaurant
Accomodation Type
Bed

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Very good

Good cosy room
Murray, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

A little basic but comfy, very quiet, delicious breakfast and friendly and accommodating staff.
Louisa, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent staff and well positioned for a stop over.
Hayley, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Lovely overnight stay, comfortable accommodation and facilities. Food lovely breast and evening meal. Great parking for motorcycles
Carolyne, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great Stay !

Lovely rooms , comfy bed & comfy pillows , great shower. Service & hospitality was fantastic ! Would highly reccomend.
Lilly, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Sarah, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely place to stay

We loved our stay. The staff were lovely and the whole place was cute and friendly
Sharon, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly, helpful staff.
Jean, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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****
Mickie, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
paula, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely and GF breakfast

Lovely stay with lovely hosts. If you’re gluten free, the landlord is coeliac so you get a fabulous breakfast!
Ruth, 1-night trip
Verified

6/10 Good

No one to greet on arrival. Evening food not available. Room floor was very cold and room not pre-heated. Malc was very sociable and made a very good breakfast. Set in wonderful countryside.
Andrew, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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.
jakub, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Fabulous room . Helpful, friendly staff . Lovely food .
Angela, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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?
David, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

It was in a quiet wee village but if you have a car you can go to town I upgraded to a cottage and it had a microwave and kettle also a hob was very clean and there’s parking the breakfast and food was lovely would go again
jennifer, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly, helpful staff. Modern, very clean en-suite room with comfortable bed. Evening meal and breakfast good. Great to meet Gus the dog!
1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Markus, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Deirdre, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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.
Lorna, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We loved the quaintness of the hotel - it was beautiful too. The area is perfect for walking/rambling and was very quiet. The staff we encountered were lovely, kind, helpful and polite. And we particularly loved Gus, the resident doggie. Checking in was easy when we realised it was a staff-free experience and had to use codes and lock boxes to get the keys - simple and effective.
Brenda, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The pub/hotel has evolved from a traditional coaching inn which has being doing basically the same job for over 400 years. Our room was basic, but had character (window seats) and the main facilities were fine (good bed, plenty of heating and lots of hot water). There is parking in the old cobbled coaching yard and the town of Bowes is quiet, but conveniently close to the A66.
John, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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.
Sue, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

lovely little hideaway

I stayed with 2 female friends in a small but comfy courtyard room. We stayed for tea on the night and it was gorgeous, the staff were friendly and accommodating swapping the meal to suit our needs. Next morning breakfast was included so we all had a large full English, veg option available. We will definitely be back. Small issue re damp smell in bathroom but loved the place.
Jac, 1-night trip
Verified

6/10 Good

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.
Alison, 1-night trip