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The Ancient Unicorn

Bowes, Barnard Castle, Bowes DL12 9HL, England
Hotel amenities
The Ancient Unicorn
Ranked #1 of 1 Bowes B&B and Inns
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30 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    5
    10
    8
    2
    5
Date Rating
Wellingborough, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 April 2013

Blown up the A1 by the wind that increased in ferocity throughout the day which resulted in a very noisy night, but the welcome and the food more than made up for that. The rooms may be a bit dated, but it was comfortable, the water was hot and I was made to feel very welcome. It's a 16th century... More

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Derbyshire
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 September 2012

We stayed at the B&B whilst walking the Pennine way - at the end of probably the worst weather day this year. We arrived soaked. The owners were really helpful - they dried all our clothes whilst we helped ourselves to a hot shower. The rooms are a bit tired - but if you're looking for a good feed in... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ashtead, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
14 hotel reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 September 2012

Stopped overnoght whilst walking the Pennine Way. The rooms are a bit sparse and facilities for drying wet clothing not good. Only just adequate for an overnight stay. But the bar and restaurant were fine - well run and busy. Breakfast was good.

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Penrith, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 August 2012

The room had not been properly cleaned for some time and felt uncomfortably grubby. There was very little hot water in the evening. We were cycling so seeking an alternative was not an option. If we could have done we would have moved on without staying. However, the food and beer was fine.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Knutsford, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 July 2012

I was looking for a cheap B&B as object to paying extra just for single accommodation. Found The Ancient Unicorn. A bedroom in the courtyard opposite the pub, double and single bed, TV, tea and coffee facilities, shower, basin and toilet. All was clean and tidy though perhaps a little tired. The welcome at the pub was nice - single... More

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Abingdon, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
23 hotel reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 July 2012

Booked a night via Late Rooms when travelling on business, selected because it is just off the A66. Trip Advisor's map is completely wrong, it shows this hotel on the A67 near to Barnard Castle - it is not, it is in Bowes village south of the A66.This is a quirky and historic17th-century inn ( Dickens stayed there) with motel-type... More

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Lincolnshire, UK
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 July 2012

Booked a budget room by e-mail. Explained while booking that I was travelling to take part in a marathon race the following day. Joanne assured me that I'd be able to have an early breakfast and get out in time for my race. When I arrived I was shown to my room, and was surprised to find that, because there... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Berkshire
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
13 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 June 2012

Nice helpful people, food good and very wide choice. Rooms bit tired from heavy use and a bit dowdy. But an important staging post on the Pennine Way and very little else in the Town that we could find

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Harrogate, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
60 hotel reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2012

Stayed heer 3 years ago whilst walking the pennine way and promised myself a return visit. On arrival the propietor had kindly left a note telling us the room and where the key was as she was out. The room has digital tv, bath and shower ensuite and tea and coffee facilities, it was straight on to the courtyard meaning... More

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Halifax
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

We stayed at the Ancient Unicorn for two nights as part of our Pennine Way trek (which we are doing in stages, not all at once!) and found the Ancient Unicorn a great place to stay. The food (breakfast and dinner) is excellent, with the members of staff (both serving and cooking) not finding any request to be too much... More

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Additional Information about The Ancient Unicorn

Also Known As:
The Ancient Unicorn Hotel
The Ancient Unicorn Hotel Bowes
The Ancient Unicorn Bowes, Durham
Address: Bowes, Barnard Castle, Bowes DL12 9HL, England
Region: United Kingdom > England > Durham > Bowes
Amenities:
Free Parking Restaurant
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 1 B&Bs / Inns in Bowes

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