Local Interests

There are many places of interest in the local area, ranging from the historic City of Durham with its Castle and Cathedral to golf courses and the sea life center. The following attractions are all within an easy drive of the park and approximate distances 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.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

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. The Golf course also has a bar which welcomes patrons of the caravan park, children also welcome.

Distance from Finchale Abbey – ten minute walk

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.

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately four miles.

Durham Tourism - http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/

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.

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately seven miles.

http://www.Beamish.org.uk

Botanic Gardens

The 18 acre garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham City. Cared for by Durham University the gardens include plant collections from around the world.

"A great day out for all the family"

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately four miles.

http://www.dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden/

Killhope Lead mining Center.

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.

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately thirty five miles.

http://www.durham.gov.uk/killhope

Blue Reef Aquarium, Tynemouth

This marine life center takes looking at fish in tanks one step further with interactive areas such as the touch-pools 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.

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately twenty-five miles

http://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/tynemouth.htm

Metro Center

The largest shopping center in the North East, the Metro Center offers free parking and shops and activities for all the family. Metroland provides amusements for young and old with roller coasters and fun and games. There is also a cinema and numerous bars and restaurants.

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately fifteen miles.

http://www.metrocentre-gateshead.co.uk/

Digger Land

Diggerland guarantees a fun filled, exciting, action packed day out for kids and adults of all ages.

Children (and adults if they wish) have the opportunity to ride in, and drive, different types of construction machinery including Dumper Trucks, Mini Diggers and Giant Diggers (all under strict supervision).

There are great opportunities to take photos, or learn about the workings of the machines from the fully trained Instructors constantly on hand. Diggerland is a day out with a difference: not only can families learn about how these diggers work, they can actually drive them, too!

Distance from Finchale Abbey - approximately nine miles.

http://www.diggerland.com/

Washington Wildfowl and Wetland Trust

Set in 45 hectares of stunning wetland and woodland on the River Wear, Washington Wetland Centre is one of the North East's biggest conservation success stories.

Our vibrant and fascinating wetlands area is home to exotic birds, amazing insects, beautiful wild scenery and so much more.

Distance From Finchale Abbey – approximately eleven miles.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/123/washington.html

There is a shopping complex with a major supermarket outlet and various other stores within two miles of Finchale Abbey but the site shop also provides a range of everyday items and necessities.

These are just a few of the places to visit in the local area, if you’ve enjoyed visiting somewhere in the area let us know and we’ll add it to the list!