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Reviews of The Ancient Unicorn

The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL, United Kingdom

#4 of 6 B&Bs and inns in Barnard Castle

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 712 hotel reviews

8.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.8

  • Comfort

    8.8

  • Location

    8.9

  • Facilities

    8.3

  • Staff

    9.1

  • Value for money

    8.8

  • Free Wifi

    7.1

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: September 7, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We had trouble with the lock on the door....also, the light switch was located behind the door...if this had been pointed out to us earlier, it would have been easier. Also, one of the wall sockets next to the bed was cracked !!!

    All aspects of the accommodation, straight in off the car park (courtyard), room size, T.V, kettle, etc. Excellent bathroom. Fantastic breakfast in the morning.

    Stayed in September 2025

  • Reviewed: August 31, 2025

    9.0
    Great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Easy to find, good location just off A66 Friendly staff, nice room, good food and good breakfast

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 26, 2025

    9.0
    A comfortable stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    WiFi signal very patchy, though this is a small village in a fairly remote area to be fair. Better signal in the pub though!

    Nice clean room, comfy bed. Breakfast was good and the evening meal was very tasty and good value for money.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 25, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There was a slight smell from the drain in the bathroom when we arrived.

    Lovely accommodation, our room was very spacious and comfortable with easy access and a lovely view. Tastefully decorated and a fantastic shower in the bathroom. Staff were very friendly and attentive and the place had a warm, country welcome on arrival and throughout our stay.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 16, 2025

    7.0
    Very good accommodation. Not so good in the restaurant.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The quality of food in the restaurant wasn't good. Breakfast was fine but we had an evening meal which was poor and not inexpensive.. The marguerita pizza was made with cheddar which made it greasy and the steak was overcooked. My son couldn't finish the pizza even after hiking 13 miles to get there. No other options in the village.

    The rooms were very good on the whole and had everything you need for a short stay. Clean and comfortable. There was a small shop in reception which mitigated the general lack of facilities in the village. Staff were generally friendly and polite.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 14, 2025

    7.0
    Enjoyed my stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    TNT sports advertised but could not find it in my room to watch The Hundred cricket. WiFi did not work in my bedroom that was across the courtyard from the main pub.

    Friendly and helpful staff, particularly Jack who went out of his way to find me a fan when he couldn’t locate a key to open my bedroom window after a hot day. Comfortable well set up room and peaceful location. Breakfast very well cooked and good selection of fresh fruit and cereals.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: July 31, 2025

    7.0
    Fine
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Triple Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    No ensuite - can't remember if this was in our booking.

    Meals acceptable, room comfortable and clean. Close proximity to Pennine Way Bowes Loop route

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 31, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Good breakfast and very good pub style meals.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 29, 2025

    8.0
    Nice place
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Budget Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing to dislike

    Staff very engaging and friendly. Good food and good selection of quality beers.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 20, 2025

    8.0
    It was a nice pub in a nice place . We couldn’t open the windows and it was very close
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    My husband said his fish was ok but not great

    The starters were amazing and very hot . The mains were hot but not as lovely

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 19, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Budget Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very good breakfast Friendly and helpful staff

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 19, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Really didn't like the television being put on right by our heads with loud news on. Another guest felt the same way. Peace and quiet in the morning is important.

    Comfortable, clean and quiet. Hot showers, comfy beds.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 19, 2025

    8.0
    Comfortable beds, hot powerful shower and friendly environment
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The continental breakfast was poor

    Friendly locals

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 17, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The landlady made us some curry even though the restaurant was closed.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 17, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No food on Wednesday evening.

    Room & atmosphere, quiet also

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 16, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    A traditional pub serving good food and local beers. The rooms are spacious and the keypad entry is very convenient.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 14, 2025

    8.0
    Route 66 tick
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Easy going local Pub with Rooms off in courtyard. Ideal for Route 66 walkers..If driving plenty of historic sites nearby. Barnard Castle just a few miles, & Bowes Museums, Bowes Castle and the River Eden

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 12, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Characterful old coaching inn.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 10, 2025

    7.0
    Comfortable bed and good location for purpose of visit. Absolutely gorgeous resident dog.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Office type blinds not providing privacy with lights on at night as it overlooked car park. Interconnecting door to next room that occupants would try and open at night thinking it was to their bathroom. When occupants are in next room you can hear every sound.

    It was clean and the food was good. Good location short distance drive into the town.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 8, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Comfy room with nice toiletries. Good breakfast.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 7, 2025

    8.0
    We will be back! Really liked it.
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    I chose it because of the location breaking my drive from Scotland to Norfolk. Small double, was so comfortable. Perfect location. Very friendly welcome, breakfast included 😁

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 3, 2025

    9.0
    Now we’ve found this Unicorn, we will definitely visit again! Great value, comfortable and well placed!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Check-in was a bit vague, with no-one around at nearly 4pm. Likewise the chef had to handle breakfast time by himself - so the first morning we were a bit nonplussed!

    The Ancient Unicorn is a characterful property in a lovely setting - handy for all the sights in the area. Room was smart, we slept great, ate well and enjoyed the bar (thanks Jack).

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: June 24, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Limited Menu

    Location

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: June 13, 2025

    9.0
    Great Pennine Way stopover
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Standard Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Lovely spacious courtyard rooml Very friendly and helpful hosts Good evening meal and breakfast, packed lunch available for walking

    Stayed in June 2025

Showing 1 - 25

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