The Street, Bowes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9HL, United Kingdom
#4 of 6 B&Bs and inns in Barnard Castle
Guests' ChoiceBased on 712 hotel reviews
8.3Cleanliness
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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Read more– opens a dialog boxEach review score is between 1 and 10. To get the overall score you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of them. We use a weighted review system, which means the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. Guests can also give separate “subscores” in crucial areas like location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value, and free Wifi. Note that guests submit their subscores and overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
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End of dialog contentReviewed: September 7, 2025
Rhona
United KingdomWe 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
Richard
United KingdomNothing
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
Martin
United KingdomWiFi 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
Lynn
United KingdomThere 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
John
United KingdomThe 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
Susan
AustraliaTNT 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
Elaine
United KingdomNo 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
Peter
United KingdomGood breakfast and very good pub style meals.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 29, 2025
Fred
United KingdomNothing to dislike
Staff very engaging and friendly. Good food and good selection of quality beers.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 20, 2025
Dorothy
United KingdomMy 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
Kenneth
United KingdomVery good breakfast Friendly and helpful staff
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 19, 2025
Jill
United KingdomReally 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
Richard
United KingdomThe continental breakfast was poor
Friendly locals
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 17, 2025
Jean-daniel
SwitzerlandThe landlady made us some curry even though the restaurant was closed.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 17, 2025
Moira
United KingdomNo food on Wednesday evening.
Room & atmosphere, quiet also
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 16, 2025
Albert
United KingdomA 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
Mike
United KingdomNothing
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
Katharine
United KingdomCharacterful old coaching inn.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 10, 2025
Kerrie
United KingdomOffice 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
Andrew
United KingdomComfy room with nice toiletries. Good breakfast.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: July 7, 2025
Hugh
United KingdomNothing
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
Tim
United KingdomCheck-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
Lorraine
United KingdomLimited Menu
Location
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: June 13, 2025
Jenny
United KingdomNothing
Lovely spacious courtyard rooml Very friendly and helpful hosts Good evening meal and breakfast, packed lunch available for walking
Stayed in June 2025
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