The Ancient Unicorn
1 night
Rooms and Guests
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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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.Show More
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Highlights
Free parking
Delicious breakfast
Lots to do
Pets welcomeAmenities
Hiking
Private parkingFree
Bar
Wi-Fi in Public AreasFree
Express Check-In and Check-Out
English
No Smoking in Public Areas
CCTV In Public Areas
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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4.1/5
Very GoodCleanliness4.1
Amenities4.1
Location4.1
Service4.1
All 73 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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Rooms
Guest Reviews
Services & Amenities
Policies
11
Basic Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
2 Single bed
Non-smoking
TV
Electric fan
Towels
Conditioner
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10
Basic Triple Room, Shared Bathroom, Courtyard View (Mini Unicorn)
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
1 Double bed
Non-smoking
Towels
Shampoo
Soap
Wired Internet in room
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15
Comfort Double Ensuite Room
1 Double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Towels
Shampoo
Soap
Check Availability
13
Family Triple Room, Ensuite
1 Double bed and 1 Single bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
TV
Electric fan
Towels
Check Availability
19
Deluxe Double Room Ensuite
1 Double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
TV
Electric fan
Towels
Check Availability
17
Comfort Cottage, Ensuite, Courtyard View (Charles Dickens Cottage)
Bedroom 1:1 Double bed ● Living Room:1 Sofa bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Towels
Microwave
Check Availability
18
Classic Double Room With Ensuite
1 Double bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Bathtub
Towels
Private toilet
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12
Classic Twin Room, Ensuite
2 Single bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
TV
Towels
Check Availability
Hide Room Types
Guest Reviews
4.1/5
Very Good
73 reviews
Verified Reviews- Cleanliness4.1
- Amenities4.1
- Location4.1
- Service4.1
Average for similar properties in Bowes
AI Summary
Guests laud the diverse, delicious breakfast and cozy, clean rooms with spacious layouts. They appreciate the friendly, attentive staff and convenient location near outdoor attractions and a pub restaurant.
Guest User
March 10, 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
Guest User
March 2, 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
Guest User
February 21, 2025
Came here for my husband's birthday and Valentine's Day and had a great time. The accommodation was lovely (we stayed in Charles Dickens Cottage) and there was plenty of history about the pub in the main building, which was a lovely touch. We were pleased with the value for money. The range of beers/drinks at the bar was good and the staff were incredibly friendly. Evening food was fine and the breakfasts were great. We were lucky enough to time our trip with the first race night at the pub which was a fun and affordable night out. Good location for those wanting an outdoor retreat - very close to multiple castle ruins, waterfalls, Hadrian's Wall, and other interesting spots. Would definitely recommend and will be back.
Guest User
January 13, 2025
A very good hotel friendly staff. The food was very good and the menu had plenty of variety. The Ribeye Steak was excellent as was the Apple ruby desert. Rooms good clean and with modern decor. I didnt see any option for wifi in the cottage room I stayed in which was separate to the main hote (which has wifi) l but the mobile signal worked well. Beds clean and comfy. Good large flat screen TV and kitchen area in the room.
Guest User
December 22, 2024
Excellent customer service who went to above and beyond lovely evening meal we had the chicken roast any my hubby had mice and dumplings I had the most nicest pint of Stella ive ever tasted ,dogs are very welcome and we were totally made a fuss in a nut shell Excellent
Guest User
December 6, 2024
Great two day stay at the Ancient Unicorn. Made most welcome by the friendly staff, and a special shout out for Susan who cooked our fab breakfasts (and evening meal). Lovely room (No 1) right at the top with great views. Excellent Value for money.
Guest User
November 9, 2024
The rooms are clean and comfortable with a great shower. internet is none existent in the old building so ask for a different room lower down if you need connection all the time. Staff were friendly and helpful; breakfast and dinner were really good and tasty.
Nathan B
September 1, 2024
A very nice place to stay and not that expensive for food and drinks. Very friendly helpful staff. Even better we were able to park on-site and outside of the room. We would definitely stay there again. It's not that far from Bowes castle not that much to see though, but worth a visit to the castle.
Services & Amenities
Most popular business facilities
Hiking
Private parking
Free
Bar
Wi-Fi in Public Areas
Free
Bar
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
Bar
Public Areas
No Smoking in Public Areas
Health & Wellness
Hiking
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.
Cots 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
TypeFull English/Irish
| Age | Fee |
|---|---|
Adult | Contact hotel |
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: 17
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.