Park Information

The experimental 2009 adult only season was a huge success and we with therefore be continuing into the future as an Adult Only park.

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 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 40 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.

If you would like to select your plot we will try to accommodate you but we cannot guarantee your desired plot will be available especially at weekends and public holidays. 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 serviced sites have a different pitch fee per night please see the pricing information page for more information.

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 have developed a wildflower dog walking area. 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 in bins provided.

The park also has a 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, located on the touring park, it offer free hot showers, wc’s, washing up facilities available. Razor sockets are provided if required, and hairdryers and hand dryers are available within the block. There is also a disposal point on site for chemical toilet waste.

The park 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 park are invited to use.

Although the park 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.

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 refurbished in 2007.

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.