Name: The Old Well Inn
Address: 15-21 The Bank, Barnard Castle, England, United Kingdom, Barnard Castle, Durham, GB
Price range: US$103–US$120 per night
Rating: 8.13

What guests think

At The Old Well Inn, travellers praise the friendly, attentive staff, freshly cooked and generous breakfasts, and the characterful, dog-friendly old building with many spacious rooms in a convenient town-centre location.

Several reviews note dated fixtures and variable bathrooms, including tiny or awkward showers, occasional maintenance or cleanliness lapses, and mismatches with photos. Food and bar service can finish early or be unavailable on some nights, and the historic building means steep stairs; a few guests mentioned bed comfort, and one reported hot water limitations. Expect a charming, centrally placed inn with standout breakfasts and warm service, best for guests comfortable with an older property's quirks.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Characterful old building that is dog-friendly, with an on-site bar. Some facilities feel tired; stairs are narrow and steep, and the bar/meals can finish early.

Related guest reviews

8

Simon

17 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We were in a spacious, well-appointed room and bathroom. Dog-friendly, for an extra charge per dog. Excellent real ale; I loved the Timothy Taylors Landlord. Excellent Indian food, and breakfast. Friendly landlord. Recommended and would stay again!

8

Kath

20 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice on the whole but facilities require attention. Very old building with lovely atmosphere. Dogs made very welcome. Interesting menu in the inn, had lovely spicy samosas then a naanza, which is a combination naan and pizza with a choice of toppings.

8

Ray

16 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great stay. It’s not quite within pub oven hours but didn’t bother me at all. Will stay again.

8

Audrey

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bar closed at 9pm on a Friday nite

6

Christine

10 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast was really good however the room we stayed in was nothing like the photos. We booked 2 double rooms and were given rooms 4 and 5, room 5 had a bathroom however room 4 was basically just an old shower base with a curtain, and a toilet fitted into a space the size of a cupboard, the door was a struggle to open and close and the height was so low (im 5.3 and felt i needed to duck) my husband did bang his head several times, the sink was in the bedroom. I fully understand that old buildings are uneven and quirky amd i think that adds to the charm however the photos misrepresent the room we had been allocated. We also felt it odd that the pub was closed at 9.30 pm both on the Friday and Saturday evenings. The beer garden was also a bit neglected, the place just needs a bit of TLC.

6

Gladys

25 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel very tired but clean. Nice bar and good Indian food. Very good breakfast , freshly cooked

6

A

7 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It is a very old building so obviously the stairs are narrow and steep which would be difficult for some people. The fixtures are very tired. Whilst the bedding was spotless the heater in the room was covered in thick dust and I was scared to use it in case it caught fire.

8

David

28 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were helpful, no meals to be had as they stopped serving at 8:30pm on a quiet Friday night, however the helpful staff permitted us to buy Indian takeout and eat it in their restaurant space, even provided plates & cutlery. We stayed in room 4, the family room. Comfortable enough but tiny shower cut into what once would have been a cupboard. Functional but not luxury, good all round value for the price as included breakfast for 3!

8

Scott

19 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff are great, Indian chef is excellent. Location is great, we would stay again. Extremely good with dogs and good set up with a seperate area for families if they choose to use it.

8

Graham Andrew

10 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is a quaint old Inn that has kept its period pieces like fire places in the rooms. The staff are really friendly and helpful. The only down side was the shower which wasn't up to much at all. But it was a super big bath. If you decide to eat in the bar the portions are big and don't make the same mistake as me and order the fish platter for yourself. There is enough for at least two maybe even three people

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Generally clean with spotless bedding mentioned, but a few lapses were noted, including dust on a heater, a dirty bathroom chair, and a fried-food odour from a bathroom fan.

Related guest reviews

10

Steven

29 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was big and clean, location was perfect and the staff were brilliant, our stay was great

10

Srividya Gopalakrishnan

11 Apr 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Quaint , old world look. clean. Friendly service.

8

Constance

2 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Enjoyed our visit. Hotel is full of character. Bedroom was huge, clean and comfortable. Staff were friendly and the breakfasts good.

8

Sheila

2 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

A very characterful hotel. I loved the old traditional furniture in the room , it suits the old building . I think the bathroom could do with a kick of paint & the chair in the bathroom needs a very big clean !! Overall very pleasant .

6

Gladys

25 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel very tired but clean. Nice bar and good Indian food. Very good breakfast , freshly cooked

6

A

7 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It is a very old building so obviously the stairs are narrow and steep which would be difficult for some people. The fixtures are very tired. Whilst the bedding was spotless the heater in the room was covered in thick dust and I was scared to use it in case it caught fire.

4

David

27 May 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Continual Fried Food Smell in the bathroom when the fan was on .

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are frequently spacious and comfortable, with traditional furniture and character. Some guests reported cramped or awkward showers/bathrooms in certain rooms, creaky or very soft beds, and mismatches between room photos and what was allocated.

Related guest reviews

8

Michael

21 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel, food very tasty and plenty of it. Typical old hotel with creaky floors but also a creaky bed! Breakfast cooked fresh and excellent

10

Steven

29 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was big and clean, location was perfect and the staff were brilliant, our stay was great

8

Constance

2 Apr 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Enjoyed our visit. Hotel is full of character. Bedroom was huge, clean and comfortable. Staff were friendly and the breakfasts good.

8

Krisztina

17 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff very friendly Really nicely furnished Spacious room and bathroom Good location

6

Christine

10 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast was really good however the room we stayed in was nothing like the photos. We booked 2 double rooms and were given rooms 4 and 5, room 5 had a bathroom however room 4 was basically just an old shower base with a curtain, and a toilet fitted into a space the size of a cupboard, the door was a struggle to open and close and the height was so low (im 5.3 and felt i needed to duck) my husband did bang his head several times, the sink was in the bedroom. I fully understand that old buildings are uneven and quirky amd i think that adds to the charm however the photos misrepresent the room we had been allocated. We also felt it odd that the pub was closed at 9.30 pm both on the Friday and Saturday evenings. The beer garden was also a bit neglected, the place just needs a bit of TLC.

10

Malcolm

10 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely accommodation in the centre of Barnard Castle. Massive room, friendly staff and very comfortable bed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it

8

David

28 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were helpful, no meals to be had as they stopped serving at 8:30pm on a quiet Friday night, however the helpful staff permitted us to buy Indian takeout and eat it in their restaurant space, even provided plates & cutlery. We stayed in room 4, the family room. Comfortable enough but tiny shower cut into what once would have been a cupboard. Functional but not luxury, good all round value for the price as included breakfast for 3!

8

Graham Andrew

10 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is a quaint old Inn that has kept its period pieces like fire places in the rooms. The staff are really friendly and helpful. The only down side was the shower which wasn't up to much at all. But it was a super big bath. If you decide to eat in the bar the portions are big and don't make the same mistake as me and order the fish platter for yourself. There is enough for at least two maybe even three people

10

Andrew

7 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice place. Room was good - quite a decent level of fixtures and fittings

6

John

21 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice historic old pub near centre of town. The room was very spacious with a massive bathroom. However, I found the bed far too soft for me and uncomfortable. Breakfast was good. Overall reasonable value.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Service is consistently friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with easy check-in and staff going above and beyond. A few isolated issues included one missed meal order and an unsatisfying response to a room complaint.

Related guest reviews

10

Jane

18 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The welcome we got was above kind,breakfast was amazing.

10

Steven

29 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was big and clean, location was perfect and the staff were brilliant, our stay was great

8

Ian

19 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I ordered 2 evening meals mine never came the staff couldn't apologise enough and eventually gave me the meal free I have stayed here a lot and normally have my dog ( The owner loves him ) This is the 1st time we have had anything negative to say

10

Sally-ann

4 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely welcome, great breakfast, room was an excellent size as we had two dogs. There was no food available on the night of our stay but the staff recommended an alternative

10

Beverley

20 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in do easy . Wonderful staff , so friendly and attentive , went over and above to make our stay memorable . Excellent breakfast .

10

Julie

26 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very polite excellent service

10

Dawn

31 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were friendly. Only downside was hot water ran out after one bath. Had to wait over 20 minutes for breakfast but was worth the wait.

8

David

28 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were helpful, no meals to be had as they stopped serving at 8:30pm on a quiet Friday night, however the helpful staff permitted us to buy Indian takeout and eat it in their restaurant space, even provided plates & cutlery. We stayed in room 4, the family room. Comfortable enough but tiny shower cut into what once would have been a cupboard. Functional but not luxury, good all round value for the price as included breakfast for 3!

8

Scott

19 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff are great, Indian chef is excellent. Location is great, we would stay again. Extremely good with dogs and good set up with a seperate area for families if they choose to use it.

4

SHARON

1 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked a family room from the images did not get either of the pictures room was a tiny shower which was not a relaxing experience. Spoke to the person that booked me in and they responded by saying that the hotel was fully booked so no alternative. Complained to the manager through hotel . Com and they responded by saying that the pictures are random and it was unfortunate that I got that room and if I was to visit again to ring them first to see if a different room was available! No thank you not a good experience and I don’t like to complain but when you expect something like a picture it’s disappointing when you get something far less than expected

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Central, convenient location near the town centre, appreciated by multiple guests.

Related guest reviews

10

Steven

29 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was big and clean, location was perfect and the staff were brilliant, our stay was great

8

Krisztina

17 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff very friendly Really nicely furnished Spacious room and bathroom Good location

10

Malcolm

10 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely accommodation in the centre of Barnard Castle. Massive room, friendly staff and very comfortable bed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it

8

Scott

19 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff are great, Indian chef is excellent. Location is great, we would stay again. Extremely good with dogs and good set up with a seperate area for families if they choose to use it.

6

John

21 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice historic old pub near centre of town. The room was very spacious with a massive bathroom. However, I found the bed far too soft for me and uncomfortable. Breakfast was good. Overall reasonable value.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast draws strong praise for being freshly cooked, hot, and generous. Indian dishes and real ale are well liked, but evening service can end early or be unavailable on some nights; portions are large when served.

Related guest reviews

8

Michael

21 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely hotel, food very tasty and plenty of it. Typical old hotel with creaky floors but also a creaky bed! Breakfast cooked fresh and excellent

8

Simon

17 Nov 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

We were in a spacious, well-appointed room and bathroom. Dog-friendly, for an extra charge per dog. Excellent real ale; I loved the Timothy Taylors Landlord. Excellent Indian food, and breakfast. Friendly landlord. Recommended and would stay again!

8

Kath

20 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice on the whole but facilities require attention. Very old building with lovely atmosphere. Dogs made very welcome. Interesting menu in the inn, had lovely spicy samosas then a naanza, which is a combination naan and pizza with a choice of toppings.

8

Audrey

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bar closed at 9pm on a Friday nite

10

Sally-ann

4 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely welcome, great breakfast, room was an excellent size as we had two dogs. There was no food available on the night of our stay but the staff recommended an alternative

6

Gladys

25 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel very tired but clean. Nice bar and good Indian food. Very good breakfast , freshly cooked

8

David

28 May 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were helpful, no meals to be had as they stopped serving at 8:30pm on a quiet Friday night, however the helpful staff permitted us to buy Indian takeout and eat it in their restaurant space, even provided plates & cutlery. We stayed in room 4, the family room. Comfortable enough but tiny shower cut into what once would have been a cupboard. Functional but not luxury, good all round value for the price as included breakfast for 3!

8

Scott

19 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff are great, Indian chef is excellent. Location is great, we would stay again. Extremely good with dogs and good set up with a seperate area for families if they choose to use it.

10

D

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast was magnificent - cooked and delivered with care and attention

8

Graham Andrew

10 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The property is a quaint old Inn that has kept its period pieces like fire places in the rooms. The staff are really friendly and helpful. The only down side was the shower which wasn't up to much at all. But it was a super big bath. If you decide to eat in the bar the portions are big and don't make the same mistake as me and order the fish platter for yourself. There is enough for at least two maybe even three people

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7 $103	8 $109	9	10 $110	11	12
13 $110	14 $114	15 $113	16 $113	17 $114	18 $117	19 $120
20 $113	21 $107	22 $107	23 $113	24 $110	25 $113	26
27 $111	28 $113	29 $113	30 $110

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $113	2 $113	3 $117
4 $111	5 $107	6 $113	7 $112	8 $110	9	10 $111
11 $114	12 $113	13 $108	14 $111	15 $107	16 $113	17 $114
18 $111	19 $113	20 $111	21 $112	22 $112	23 $113	24 $111
25 $113	26 $114	27 $111	28 $111	29 $111	30 $112	31 $111

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About this property

Location

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

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