Finchale Priory - Durham

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Finchale Priory: A Historical Gem in Durham

For those seeking a captivating journey into England’s rich past, Finchale Priory stands as a remarkable historical landmark and a treasured heritage building. Located at Address: Finchale Ave, Framwellgate Moor, Durham DH1 5SH, United Kingdom, this site offers a serene and thought-provoking experience for visitors of all ages. Contactable at Phone: 3703331181, and easily accessible via english-heritage.org.uk, Finchale Priory’s specialties include its monastic history, its role as a significant tourist attraction, and the preservation of its unique environment.

A Glimpse into the Past

Finchale Priory’s origins trace back to the 13th century, initially established as a small Benedictine community. Over the centuries, it evolved into a more substantial and influential priory, playing a vital role in the religious and social landscape of the region. The site itself is characterized by the evocative remains of its medieval buildings, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era. Visitors can explore the foundations of the church, cloisters, and domestic structures, gaining a sense of the scale and grandeur of the priory in its heyday. The location, nestled within a beautiful woodland setting, undoubtedly contributed to its significance and tranquility.

Visitor Information & Amenities

Finchale Priory is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all. Entry to the site is free of charge, however, a small parking fee of £4 is applicable. A well-maintained wheelchair-accessible car park is available on-site, alongside a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring inclusivity for visitors with mobility requirements. Furthermore, basic on-site services such as restrooms are provided. A small shop/cafe offers refreshments and souvenirs, adding to the overall convenience of a visit. The site benefits from a consistently peaceful atmosphere, particularly during the shoulder seasons – as reported by many visitors – allowing for a truly immersive experience.

Recent Feedback & Recommendations

The site boasts an impressive 1158 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting a consistently high level of visitor satisfaction, averaging 4.6/5. Many visitors highlight the pleasant woodland walks and the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the ruins. The location itself, with its stunning natural surroundings, seems to be a key element of the appeal.

We strongly encourage potential visitors to explore the detailed information available on the English Heritage website. This resource offers further insights into the history of Finchale Priory, the ongoing conservation efforts, and planned events. For the most up-to-date information and to plan your visit, we recommend contacting the team directly through the website: english-heritage.org.uk

Finchale Priory promises a rewarding experience for history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Don’t hesitate to reach out via their website to secure your visit and delve deeper into this remarkable piece of English heritage

👍 Reviews of Finchale Priory

Matthew T.

5/5

Me and Star had a nice walk around Finchale Priory where we explored its ruins and went on a nice woodland walk. I also got her favourite doggy ice cream of scoops too.

Free to enter, just £4 charge for parking

Helen J.

5/5

The weather helped no doubt, but this is such a haven. There is private car park £4, but very well maintained and toilets. There's also a little shop/cafe. The abbey ruins are set in a stunning location and when I visited in May it was quiet. It's also the starting point for the Camino de Santiago.

Martin T.

5/5

A nice place to visit and explore, I went with my family and we enjoyed looking around the Priory as well as going for a walk across the bridge and down along the riverside.

For just the cost of the £4 parking it was definitely worth it.

Michael B.

5/5

I love places of history, spent hours here looking around the priory and surrounding area. Parking is £4 and paid on exit with a card, very easy.

Ian G.

5/5

Went on a sunny Saturday afternoon and no queue to get in but the car park was full, so we waited a short while before getting a space. £4 to park that you pay exiting, only by contactless credit/debit card. Coffee shop on site plus toilets - used neither, so can't comment! Nice river walk and Priory ruins are good to walk around. Can easily spend several hours here.

David A.

4/5

Free to enter and a cafe on site; a stunning setting for sure. The history is remarkable with some stone rooms still standing. Climb on top, go underneath, it is quite surreal.

Louise B.

5/5

Free entry in February, just pay for parking which is £4. A great priory with a really interesting history - being founded by a reformed pirate. Easy to spend up to an hour exploring the ruins and then walking along the river.

John G.

5/5

Lovely place to visit for a wander around... Has a shop and will cost you £4 to park, payable on exit using contactless at the barrier...