Camping & Caravanning

Finchale Abbey Eco Village & Touring Park

Lying within a meander of the River Wear in the heart of beautiful County Durham is Finchale Abbey Eco Village & Touring Park. It is family-run and has had the same owners since 1951. The park is in a beautiful location overlooking the ruins of a Benedictine Priory.

OPEN ALL YEAR ~ ADULTS ONLY

Visitors from all over the world have been entranced by the park's peace and tranquillity and continue to return time and again. Finchale Abbey is becoming established as one of the North East premier residential parks.

The park makes a great base for visiting all of County Durham's attractions. It is less than an hour's drive from the sea, dales, moorlands, towns and cities.

Finchale Abbey Eco Village & Touring Park is dominated by the impressive and historic remains of the Finchale Priory. It is now an extensive and highly atmospheric ruin. It was once the important daughter house of Durham Cathedral. Its ancient monastic precincts still exude an air of tranquillity across the campsite.

There are many attractions in the local area. They range from the historic City of Durham with its Castle and Cathedral, golf courses, the sea life centre and more. These attractions are within an easy drive of the park:

? Finchale Priory: It was built in the 12th Century as a shelter by the hermit St Godric. During the 13th century Benedictine Priory was established as a holiday retreat for monks from Durham cathedral. It is now in ruins and is run by English Heritage to preserve it for future generations.

? CockenLodge Golf Course and Driving Range: It is a new golf course that is within walking distance of the caravan park. It offers all you would expect from a 9 hole course. CockenLodge Golf Course and Driving Range also features a bar that welcomes patrons of the caravan park. Children are also welcome.

? Durham City: In the medieval city the fabulous Cathedral and Castle tower above. They still echo the importance of Durham as the Prince Bishops' seat of power and government. The Castle has housed University College since 1836, the foundation college of England's third oldest University.

? Beamish Open Air Museum: This attraction vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800's and 1900's. The costumed staff welcomes visitors to the turn of the century offering a range of authentic shops and businesses. There is real 'drift' mine underground to visit or you can see a housewife bake bread in the farmhouse kitchen. Visits take a full day to enjoy and are great for the whole family.

? Botanic Gardens: This is an 18 acre garden that is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham City. It is cared for by Durham University. The gardens include plant collections from around the world.