We had a last-minute getaway and stayed at The Ancient Unicorn for one night. The converted barn room was perfect and spotlessly clean. The restaurant had a fantastic selection of homemade dishes, and the prawn cocktail starter was the best I've ever had. The staff were fantastic and the prices were incredibly reasonable. The location was ideal for exploring nearby attractions like the Bowes Museum and the castle.

Would be happy to recommend this hotel.

The value for money at Ancient Unicorn was excellent, with clean and tastefully decorated rooms. The location was perfect, with plenty of attractions nearby. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

The food for breakfast could have had more vegetarian options.

The location of the hotel was great, with easy access to nearby attractions and activities. the bed was comfortable and provided a good night's sleep. the staff were friendly and helpful, offering useful information about the area and providing good food options.

The parking at the hotel was very limited and we had to find parking on the road nearby. the bathroom amenities were lacking, with almost empty shower gel and basic liquid soap.

The hotel rooms were quite nicely decorated and we enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant with the fireplace. the location was easy to find and in a peaceful spot away from the busy road. We appreciated the thoughtful touch of having a bottle of wine waiting for us in our room upon check-in.

The windows in our room did not open, leaving the air stale and stuffy. This made it difficult to sleep comfortably and we woke up feeling unrefreshed.

The location of the hotel is ideal, right in the center of beautiful countryside and just a short cab ride away from the charming town. The room was spacious and nicely decorated, with a comfortable bed and a good-sized en-suite bathroom. The service provided by the staff was friendly and helpful, promptly resolving any issues that arose. The breakfast offered a delicious full English spread along with a variety of cereal, fruit, and hot beverages.

The bar/restaurant area could use some improvement as it was described as a bit gloomy in one of the reviews.

We were pleasantly surprised by the size and cleanliness of our room at The Ancient Unicorn. The comfortable bed and spotless bathroom made for a great stay. The pub onsite offered excellent food and drinks at reasonable prices. we would definitely recommend staying here.

We loved the cozy and quirky charm of this small hotel. The courtyard layout and convenient parking made it easy for us as those with physical handicaps. The spacious rooms with comfortable chairs and large bathrooms were a pleasant surprise. The firm mattress and lovely cotton sheets ensured a restful night's sleep. The efficient service and friendly manageress made us feel right at home. The daily breakfast with teapots and proper crockery was a delightful touch. The entertainment from the geese, rabbits, and swallows in the land under the archway was both entertaining and fun to watch. The location was perfect for exploring Barnard Castle and visiting the Bowes Museum for a bit of culture. a great place to stay for walkers and those looking for a quiet and convenient stopover.

Felt very much at home, no complaints at all.

Great comfy beds and big breakfast! We were upgraded to a larger room, which was a nice surprise. the staff were friendly and accommodating. the location was convenient and we enjoyed exploring the nearby attractions. Plus, the breakfast included a wide range of options, including a full English breakfast and various drinks. we had a comfortable stay and enjoyed the hearty breakfast.

This hotel is a great value choice for an overnight stop off the A66. It is conveniently located near the main pub in a super quiet village, making it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas, including Barnard Castle, Lake District, or Scotland. The staff at this hotel are very welcoming and helpful, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay. The rooms are clean and tidy, with comfortable beds and additional electric heaters for chilly nights. The breakfast included is delicious, with proper sausages and good quality ingredients.

That the hotel does not offer biscuits or complimentary water in the rooms.

This hotel offers great value for money, with reasonable prices and attention to detail. The location of the hotel in the beautiful area, near the ruined castle, adds to its charm. The pub within the hotel is a lovely addition, providing a cozy atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy. It's refreshing to see that the vegetarian choices on the menu are more diverse and interesting than the typical vegetable lasagna found at many restaurants.

While all was well, the rooms could have been improved with a valance on the bed.

We recently had the pleasure of staying at a charming coaching inn in County Durham. the Ancient Unicorn provided exceptional service from Carly, Terry, and the team. the rooms were beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean, with comfortable beds. the food was excellent, and the staff were friendly and helpful. the location was perfect for exploring the nearby village of Bowes and enjoying the surrounding countryside.

Was all great! 👍

The hotel facilities were excellent, with a restaurant and big sofas for lounging. The location in a super quiet village was ideal, but still within a short drive of nearby attractions. The breakfast was delicious and the staff were friendly and accommodating. I will definitely revisit.

Couldn't find any faults at all.

Beautiful, clean, updated accommodation. Friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Brilliant food, especially the full English breakfast. Great location for sightseeing.

Nothing to mention.

Spacious room, large bathroom. Quiet location near the main pub. Friendly staff, delicious breakfast. Highly recommended for sights. Comfortable bed, modern bathroom. Tea/coffee provided. Reasonable priced food. Environmentally friendly approach, accommodating requests. No mention of breakfast.

The service from the staff, especially Carly, Terry, and the team at the Ancient Unicorn was exceptional. Our room was beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed. the Unicorn's steak dinner was cooked to perfection, and the breakfasts were delicious. the inn is in a good location, with plenty to explore in the lovely village of Bowes and the surrounding countryside.

Nothing not to love! 😊