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The Ancient Unicorn

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

Photo gallery for The Ancient Unicorn

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bar

Explore the area

View map
The St, Bowes,, The Street, Barnard Castle, England, DL12 9HL
  • Place, North Pennines
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Barnard Castle
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Yorkshire Dales National Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Microwave
Oven
Stovetop
Coffee/tea maker
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 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

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
  • 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

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 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)

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Pet friendly
  • 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)

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Pet friendly
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Family Triple Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Digital channels
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 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)

Highlights

Heating
Premium bedding
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Digital channels
Pet friendly
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

About the area

Barnard Castle

At The Ancient Unicorn, you'll be 26.6 km (16.5 mi) from Yorkshire Dales National Park. Highlights at this guest house include free breakfast, free self-parking and a bar/lounge. .This pet-friendly guest house has free WiFi in public areas and a garden. Other amenities include a free manager's reception, a coffee shop/cafe and coffee/tea in a common area. .In proximity to this 3-property class Barnard Castle guest house you'll find Durham University.
View more Guest houses in Barnard CastleOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • North Pennines - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Barnard Castle - 6 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park - 20 min drive - 31.7 km
  • Durham University - 42 min drive - 53.7 km
  • Durham Cathedral - 44 min drive - 55.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cross Lanes Organic Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Cricketers Arms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Ancient Unicorn Inn - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Milbank Arms - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Coach & Horses - ‬7 min drive

About this property

The Ancient Unicorn

Guesthouse in Barnard Castle with free breakfast and coffee shop/cafe
There's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served, and guests can also enjoy a free manager's reception. Public spaces have free WiFi.

The Ancient Unicorn also features a garden and coffee/tea in common area. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Barnard Castle guest house is smoke free.

  • 15 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (free)
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
The Ancient Unicorn offers 15 accommodations. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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 lift

More

  • Smoke-free property

Policies

Check-in

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

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

Special check-in instructions

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

Renovations and closures

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

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 10.00 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property accepts credit or debit cards, Visa and Mastercard. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting in all accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.

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

Is parking available at The Ancient Unicorn?

Yep, The Ancient Unicorn has a free self car park.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Ancient Unicorn?

No, The Ancient Unicorn does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Ancient Unicorn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

The Ancient Unicorn Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 83 out of 138 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 39 out of 138 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 138 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 138 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 138 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

8/10 Good

Murray

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good cosy room
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Travelled with group
Liked: Amenities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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