Site Information

The ruins of Finchale have stood in the meander of the river Wear for hundreds of years and the surrounding scenery and picturesque sights and views make the caravan park, which overlooks the Abbey quite unique.

The aerial photograph below was taken by Keith Taylor on the 1^st December 2006 and shows the caravan park overlooking the priory and the Park Home Village.

If you’d like another view you can also see us on Google Earth!

The park has 50 pitches for touring caravans supplied with electricity hook-up points. The plot plan shown below is designed to be used as a guide to help visitors choose their plots.

Please specify when booking if you have a preference on which plot you would like and we will do our utmost to accommodate you although plots will be allotted on a first come first served basis and we can not guarantee your desired plot will be available. All plots are hard standing with space for awning and access to an electric hook-up point.

Plots B1-B3 are Super Sites allowing direct access to mains water, grey water disposal and an electric hook-up with 16amp supply. These super sites have a different pitch fee per night please see the pricing information page for more information.

Please note from the 2009 season we will be adopting an adult only policy on the park.

We are pleased to announce that the park has been awarded four stars after an inspection on behalf of the Northumbria tourist. The park is also a member of the British Holiday and Home Parks Association.

We have been awarded a Silver David Bellamy Conservation award in recognition that the park is managed in a responsible and sustainable way, meeting stringent criteria with regard to saving water and energy, recycling, eco-friendly landscaping, promoting local transport and protecting wildlife and flowers.

To further develop the wildflowers and support the wildlife on our park we are currently in the middle of developing a wildflower area. The area was prepared and seeded in the autumn and we’re now waiting with great anticipation to see what will grow in the spring. As well as promoting wildlife we hope this area will become a favourite with dog walkers to enjoy a stroll and take in some lovely fresh country air although we’d like to encourage all of our dog owners to act responsibly, keep all dogs on a lead and clean up after their dogs and dispose of any mess accordingly.

The caravan park has twenty five residential caravans; these large caravans are connected to main water and electricity to make them into a real home. The park also has a new development of fully residential Park Homes; please see our new Eco Village section for more information on the new homes. 

The caravan park has an excellent toilet block which has been fully refurbished for the 2006 season, located on the touring park, it offer toilets, showers, washing up facilities and a launderette is also available. Sockets are provided if required, and a hairdryer is available within the block. There is also a disposal point on site for chemical toilet waste.

The site shop opens daily and provides a range of basic goods. The shop also has a small cafe which sells a range of snacks.

Approximately ten minutes walk from the main site is Cocken Lodge driving range, here they have a private bar which patrons of the caravan site are invited to use. Children are welcome.

Although the site is quiet, there is still lots to do, from walking in the woods around the site and quiet strolls beside the river to visiting the local bar.

Fishing is very popular on the river and permits are available from the site shop the permit covers fishing along a two mile stretch of river bank. Please see the fishing section of the site.

The site until recent years was also a working farm, the farm buildings are now used for different purposes although there are a range of different bird to be seen, from hens and ducks to the peacocks who are always a favourite.

There is a play area on site for children of all ages to enjoy but we urge parents to supervise children at all times.

The main attraction for many is the river. While we obviously advise you to supervise your children at all times there are parts of the river suitable for paddling, inflatable boats and fishing nets.

A bridge across the river gives access to a riverside country park owned by Durham County Council which has beautiful riverside walks and offers fantastic views of the priory. The bridge was closed for 2 months at the end of 2007 for essential repair work but it now fully restored to it’s former glory and open for use.

Safety on the site - we have a code system for access to the site, all residents and visiting tourists will be provided with a code for the barrier to provide added security while on site. 

There is also a security guard on site 24 hours a day to deal with any problems which may arise.

The residential site is currently undergoing a major redevelopment with the introduction of Lodge style detached homes, please see our Eco Village section for more information.

Dogs are welcome on the site although they must be kept on a lead at all times and owners must have respect for other people and ensure any mess is disposed of safely, dog litter bins are situated around the park and bags are available from reception on request.