Campsite Description: Finchale Abbey is a historic site situated in a meander of the river Wear. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the caravan park overlooks the ruins of the Benedictine priory. If you desire; fishing, canoeing and swimming are available on the river although you must provide your own equipment.
Finchale is situated approximately four miles from Durham and provides an excellent base for exploring the city and other local attractions. Description of Area: There are many places of interest in the local area, ranging from the historic City of Durham with it's Castle and Cathedral to golf courses and the sea life center. The following attractions are all within an easy drive of the campsite and approximate journey times are given.
Finchale Abbey (Priory) - In the 12th Century the hermit St Godric built a shelter here. Later a 13th century Benedictine Priory was established as a holiday retreat for monks from Durham cathedral. The priory now in ruins is run by English Heritage to preserve it for future generations.
CockenLodge Golf Course and Driving Range- This newly built golf course is easily within walking distance of the caravan park and offers all you would expect from a nine hole course.
Durham City- The fabulous Cathedral and Castle towering above the medieval city, still echo the importance of Durham as the Prince Bishops' seat of power and government. Since 1836 the Castle has housed University College, the foundation college of England's third oldest University.
Beamish open air Museum- Beamish vividly recreates life in the North of England in the early 1800's and 1900's. Costumed staff welcome visitors to the turn of the century with a range of authentic shops and businesses. You can go underground to a real 'drift' mine or visit a housewife baking bread in the farmhouse kitchen. A visit to Beamish takes a full day and is enjoyable for all the family.
Killhope Lead mining Centre- Explore the life of a lead mining family. Armed with hard hats and lamps you can explore the original tunnel used by the miners to excavate lead in the days of the Victorian miners. Back on the surface see how miners lived and worked.
Sea Life Center. Tynemouth - This marine life center takes looking at fish in tanks one step further with interactive areas such as the touchpools which allows children and adults to handle a range of marine life. There are over thirty displays with marine life from shrimps and crabs to sharks and octopus. There is a full range of feeding demonstrations to view as well as expert talks and special presentations.
Description of caravan hire: Lodge may be ready to hire late summer, as the developers did not start stage two till January (not Sept as we had hoped ) we are a few months behind schedual
Directions: Off A1M juntion 63 head south on to the A167 stay on this road 3/4 miles till you see large roundabout with Arnison centre follow signs for Finchale priory
