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The Ancient Unicorn

3.0 star property
Guesthouse in Barnard Castle with free breakfast and a coffee shop

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Photo gallery for The Ancient Unicorn

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Lounge
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | Private kitchen
Classic Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom
Bar (on property)
Bar (on property)

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
The St, Bowes,, The Street, Barnard Castle, England, DL12 9HL
  • Place, Barnard Castle
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Bowes Museum
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, The Garage Spa
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

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

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

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 | 1 bedroom

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 | 1 bedroom

Basic Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Comfort Double Room, Ensuite

Comfort Double Room, Ensuite | 1 bedroom

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 | 1 bedroom

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 | 1 bedroom

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

  • 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)
  • 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) | 1 bedroom

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

  • 194 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Barnard Castle

The Ancient Unicorn is located 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from North Pennines and within a 10-minute drive of Barnard Castle. This 15-room, 3-star guesthouse welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, a bar/lounge, and free self parking.
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What's nearby

  • Barnard Castle - 6 min drive - 4.8 miles
  • Bowes Museum - 7 min drive - 5.4 miles
  • The Garage Spa - 8 min drive - 7.3 miles
  • Egglestone Abbey - 9 min drive - 6.5 miles
  • Eggleston Hall - 15 min drive - 9.3 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Cricketers Arms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cross Lanes Organic Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ancient Unicorn Inn - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Coach & Horses - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Rose & Crown - ‬12 min drive

About this property

The Ancient Unicorn

Guesthouse in Barnard Castle with free breakfast and a coffee shop
Guests of The Ancient Unicorn enjoy free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a garden. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast available
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Free daily manager's reception

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (weekly)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive lockbox information

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:
  • Bar/lounge
  • Dining venue(s)

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit/debit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting.
  • The property is professionally cleaned.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The guesthouse can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • There are no elevators.

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

What's there to see close to The Ancient Unicorn?

This guesthouse is located in Barnard Castle within a short 16-minute walk of North Pennines. You'll also find Barnard Castle and Bowes Museum within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Ancient Unicorn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the guesthouse.

Does The Ancient Unicorn feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Ancient Unicorn doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Ancient Unicorn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Ancient Unicorn?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like a bar plus some accommodations include soaking tubs and kitchens.

Does The Ancient Unicorn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this guesthouse.

Does The Ancient Unicorn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Ancient Unicorn serves free breakfast from its cafe.

Will The Ancient Unicorn allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at The Ancient Unicorn for a fee of GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay.

Does The Ancient Unicorn have connecting rooms?

No, this guesthouse doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from The Ancient Unicorn?

The closest major airport to The Ancient Unicorn is Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.), which is 29.4 mi away (42 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Ancient Unicorn?

No, you won't find accommodations with balconies at The Ancient Unicorn.

The Ancient Unicorn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 39 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 137 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Northern Break

It was the perfect place for a stopover. The room was lovely, the food was good, and the service was good too.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Carolyne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely overnight stay, comfortable accommodation and facilities. Food lovely breast and evening meal. Great parking for motorcycles
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Alison

Traveled with partner
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

Louisa

Traveled with family
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

David

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Andy

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Julian

Traveled with partner
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

4/10 Poor

Aydan

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Traveled with family
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

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

8/10 Good

Sue

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Matthew

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

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

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

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

Markus

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

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

Stop-over

Stayed 1 night in Feb 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

Tracy

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

8/10 Good

Lorna

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Jean

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