The Ancient Unicorn Hotel - Barnard Castle

3-star historical coaching inn in Barnard Castle's countryside

History & Location

The Ancient Unicorn is a 400-year-old coaching inn located in the village of Bowes, directly off the A66. The hotel provides access to the Pennine Way hiking trail and is within 5 miles of the Bowes Museum and 11 mile of Raby Castle. Guests can also explore High Force waterfall, one of England's most powerful waterfalls, a short drive away.

Accommodations

The Ancient Unicorn Bowes offers 14 rooms, including newly refurbished apartments and cottages with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. Room types range from budget doubles to deluxe doubles and family-friendly triple rooms, many with courtyard views. Each room includes a TV with streaming services and free toiletries.

Dining

The on-site restaurant serves seasonal, home-cooked British cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Breakfast includes both continental and full English/Irish selections, all cooked to order. The bar offers a selection of beers, including Black Sheep ale, and hosts live music performances on select evenings.

Pet-Friendly & Family

The Ancient Unicorn Inn is a dog-friendly hotel with courtyard rooms providing easy access for pets. Families can choose from triple rooms and cottages with kitchenettes, and the hotel offers a private garden for children to play. The hotel also participates in Britstops, allowing camper vans to park overnight when dining in the bar or restaurant.

Activities & Services

Guests have access to a private garden and a bar with TNT and Sky Sports for live sports viewing. The hotel provides express check-in and check-out with keypad entries for contactless access. Packed lunches are available on request, and CCTV covers all common areas and outside property for security.

• Location: Barnard Castle countryside, 5 miles from Bowes Museum
• Rooms: 14 rooms including cottages and apartments with kitchenettes
• Dining: Seasonal British cuisine with dietary-safe options
• Pet-friendly: Dog-friendly courtyards and Britstops camper parking
• Activities: Live music, Pennine Way hiking, private garden
• History: 400-year-old coaching inn with self-check-in