Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Reviews of Finchale Abbey Touring Park

Campsite Search > UK > North East England > Co Durham > Durham > Finchale Abbey Touring Park > Reviews

Finchale Abbey Touring Park
Finchale Abbey Farm
Durham
Co Durham   (Browse area)
DH1 5SH
Tel: 0191 3866528
Visit their website    Check Digital TV coverage    See Weather Forecast

Share  Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email
 Featured Site

Pitches: 41
Open: 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024
           01/01/2025 to 31/12/2025

Rating: Average Review Score: 9/10 from 195 Reviews
                9/10 from 195 Reviews

Photos (19)

 No Tents   Caravan Pitches   Motorhome Pitches   Small Campervans 
 Glamping Units   Holiday Homes for Hire   No Statics for Sale   No Seasonal Pitches 
 Electric Hookups   Hardstanding Pitches   Fully Serviced Pitches   Show Full Facilities
Who's it for
 Adults Only   Not Members Only   Rallies Welcome   Not Naturist Site 
 Dogs Welcome   No Dogs Allowed   Groups Welcome 
Facilities
 Toilet Facilities   Hot Showers   Washing Up   No Bathroom 
 No Baby Changing   Laundry On Site   Drinking Water   Disabled Friendly 
 Chemical Disposal   No Battery Charging   Gas Exchange   Recycling Facilities 
 No Kitchen Facilities   No Freezer / Fridge    Motorhome Point   No Wifi Access 
 Shop <5 miles   Bar <1 mile   Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway On Site 
Activities
 No Playground   No TV Room   No Games Room   No Evening Ents 
 Fishing On Site   Wild Swimming On Site   Indoor Pool <5 miles   No Outdoor Pool 
 No Horse Riding   No Cycle Hire   Golf <1 mile   No Tennis 
 Beach <10 miles   No Watersports   No Boat Launch 
Other Features
 No Sea Views   Not Working Farm   No Campfires Allowed   Open All Year 
 Riverside Pitches   Public Transport <1 mile  Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 

Reviews:  195 in total, now showing 101 to 110                 Previous 10          Next 10
Jump to Page   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   19   20  

Write your own Review to win an Outdoor Revolution Screenhouse 4 and £150!

If you've ever visited this campsite please submit a review for your chance to win! Each month one lucky person will have their review picked at random and will win an Outdoor Revolution Screenhouse 4 worth £299 AND £150 of Amazon vouchers. Leave as many reviews as you can for more chances - it only takes a few minutes



Date of Visit: June 2014 Unit:  Campervan
Reviewer: Dave 418 38 reviews from this member

 We stayed at this site last month on route to Scotland. We arrived on spec without booking and were very surprised at what we found. Yes the site has some sloping pitches, I believe the ones by the river were super pitches and fairly level but we managed with our levers. The toilet block was fairly new looking and everything you could want. For a small site it had a proper drive over motorhome service point. The location was superb. You are in amongst the ruins of the priory. To the left of the entrance for the priory is a bridge across the river with woodland walks. The staff we met were very helpful with any information you needed. As a start to a holiday this was a great site. 


Date of Visit: June 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Yorkshire Tykes 3 reviews from this member

 My wife and myself have just returned from a 4 night stay here (Friday / Tuesday ) and have to say it is a beautiful place and site to stay at.

The proprietors are very friendly and made us feel welcome.

A few things about the site first:

The location is about as good as you can get anywhere with the Abbey taking centre stage.

On a beautiful day, a walk across the bridge and along the river Wear is highly recommended.

This is a premium price site and I guess this is for the location alone as the facilities are average.

The water points are few (unless the 3 'super size pitches are empty then you can get water from them).

The toilet / shower block is very nice and always kept clean (only two of everything + disabled) so on a busy day there could be some wait.

The main downside would be the pitches themselves as most of them are nowhere near level so require a few wood blocks and side to side levelling (lifting a wheel onto supports. )

Durham itself is a must to visit as is the famous cathedral. We were a bit disappointed with the castle tour however as it is a working university so the places we we're allowed to go we're limited.

There is a reasonable eating pub just 3 minutes away but our favourite meals came from a local Chinese/fish&chip shop (combined) called The Evergreen and can be found on Finchale Rd.

Would we go here again ? DEFINITELY (if we can be guaranteed a flat pitch, the four in front of the Abbey are best). 


Date of Visit: June 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Lottyj 4 reviews from this member

 Lovely place. Easy and friendly booking over the phone, happy smiling welcome when we arrived, we got pitch A2 which backed straight onto the Abbey. Lovely place to stay if you want peace with some lovely views and walks. This site also has a really nice bathroom and pot wash block and we look forward to visiting again soon. 


Date of Visit: June 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Nelson8217 5 reviews from this member

 The first observation that I would like to make is that the site could do with better signposting as you find yourself driving down a narrow lane and unable to turn round if the satnav or the driver has made a mistake. Upon arrival the site was very well kept and the check in very friendly and easy. Once sited we explored the site and checked the toilet block, very pleased to report that they were very well kept and modern, access is with a swipe card. The owners said that since they went adults only their maintenance bill for the toilets had fallen dramatically! We were only booked for 3 nights and can thoroughly recommend this site. The only problem we encountered was that the power tripped out if we put more than one item on together eg. Kettle and toaster, but that was probably a fault on that pitch as our friends didn't have any problems. 


Date of Visit: June 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Dawath1948 21 reviews from this member

 If there were prizes for a top class site this would be a gold medallist.

We can find nothing to fault.

As a family run site the welcome is open friendly and warm, typically north eastern, site rules are explained simply and quickly as is other important information.

Any questions on being asked during our stay were answered without hesitation and welcome and friendly advice offered.

Toilets, large and roomy, very well maintained and cleaned.

The only sounds to be heard are bird song.

Easy access to local tourist sites such as:-

Beamish Museum, allow at least a full day to visit, possibly 1. 5, fabulous place, plenty of refreshment opportunities.

Shildon (Locomotion) not too far away, great extension to the NRM in York, let down by the poor or non-existant road signage.

Durham, nice town shame about the sites rules. NO photography allowed in the Cathedral (closed when we visited for two days due to services for children. Castle does not look very old, can only be visited on the hour for a guided tour.

DLI museum be aware closes at 16:00 prompt, we were too late in the day to warrant paying to gain admission.

I HAVE NO HESITATION IN RECOMMENDING THIS SITE TO PEOPLE WHO WANT PEACE, QUIET AND EASY ACCESS TO THE MANY LOCAL TOURIST SITES. 

Advertisement

Date of Visit: July 2014 Unit:  Campervan
Reviewer: Bopeep2 3 reviews from this member

 The setting cannot be better. When you book in, you are given a yellow sticker to place on your windscreen indicating your departure date. THIS WILL NOT COME OFF THE WINDOW. We were left with thick glue on the windscreen. Most of the pitches are very uneven and on grass. The one we were allocated would have taken too much time and effort to suit our camper, so we decided to go for a serviced pitch, which was hard standing. When we saw how long it took a caravan to get settled on our original pitch, we knew we had made the right decision. The toilet block was clean, but I agree, a curtain is needed to keep clothes dry. There were folding chairs in the ladies, which, if you attempted to move, closed up immediately and everything went on the floor, as there is nowhere for a toilet bag and only a hook on the door for clothes. There is no control over the heat of the water either, which obviously will not please everyone. When using the mop to clean the shower after use, again, there is nowhere to put your towel and toilet bag whilst you are mopping. There are two cubicles with sinks in which to clean teeth or wash, but again, nowhere to put any toiletries. In one of the cubicles is a hair dryer, so if someone is drying their hair, there is only one sink for the whole campsite. However, I must state that the chap who cleaned the shower block was very efficient and very pleasant.

At £28 per night, we found this to be pricey for the limited facilities. 


Date of Visit: May 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Technobubbles 1 review from this member

 Stayed for 5 nights over the late May Bank Holiday we arrived on the Sunday and even though the site was nearly full it felt as if there was only a few pitches in use.

The site was very quiet and no noise could be heard from the many visitors to the Abbey/Priory from our pitch.

The site was well kept and exceptionally clean with plenty of rubbish bins, the toilets and showers were always clean and tidy (2 showers and 1 disabled cubicle).

Visited the Newham Grange pub 5 minutes away which had a lovely atmosphere and the meal was very filling and as an added bonus the meals were 2 for 1

The Arniston Centre was 10 minutes down the road and had a large Sainsbury's store, petrol station and numerous other popular stores including Poundland, KFC, Lidl, Boots and M&S We also ventured into Durham City Centre and again numerous popular shops

Would recommend this site to anyone looking for a relaxing break with peace and quiet and plenty of wildlife

Definitely going back, well done to all concerned 


Date of Visit: May 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Mackamaple 1 review from this member

 We just planned on stopping for 2 nights but decided to stop a further night, partly due to the weather but also due to the lovely site. On arriving we were greeted by a very polite warden with a charming Irish brogue, he dutifully showed us to our pitch, we got set up without a problem and settled down and poured ourselves a drink. Unfortunately a tourer arrived with some very rude and noisy people, who had 3 dogs that ran all over the place when the campsite rule is that dogs need to be tethered. They were asked to put the dogs on the leads and after some stern words from the afore mentioned warden, this was done. The circumstances of the situation could have been blown out of proportion had it not been for the professionalism of the team here at the site.

We would not hesitate to come back here, thanks again to all the staff at Finshale. 


Date of Visit: May 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Alf27 1 review from this member

 Recently visited this site over late May bank holiday. This is a nice quiet site with good facility's. Down side the slope on the pitch I had needed chocks under one side I requested these and they did not arrive. I had to go looking around for bits of wood to do the job : (. Nice pub about a mile away and durham centre about 4miles. I would definitely return again. I went out and Bought some levelling ramps : ). This is a very tidy and well looked after site 


Date of Visit: May 2014 Unit:  Touring Caravan
Reviewer: Eclectus 32 reviews from this member

 What a very beautiful site, set in the grounds of the ruins of Finchale Priory. Just spent a week here to explore the local area and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Access to the park is through electric barrier, exiting the park requires the use of a key card(this is also needed for the toilets) the entrance to the park is shared with visitors to the priory.

The site itself is situated between the ruins of the old priory and a park home estate. It is a very pretty location on the meander of the river Wear with a bridge that crosses the river to woodland ideal for walking the dogs. There are about 50 or so pitches which on the whole unless you have reserved a super pitch are not level and could pose a problem to some units, especially those wanting to pitch awnings. There are 4 serviced pitches which were probably previously used for static caravans as the water and drainage points were very oddly placed and may require extensions to access the serve points fully. Placement of awnings too was very obscure and looked like caravans had to position facing outwards in order to place awnings in the directions marked on the pitches( very odd). I assume to allow all users of the serviced pitches to pitch awnings.

Toilets and showers were more than adequate and require a key card to access.

There is the resident peacock and a group of Guinea fowl that wander the park, always nice to see.

Entry to the priory is free and worth a visit very interesting. There is also a small shop and refreshment area next to the priory facilities.

Nearest shops were at the Arnison centre - Sainsburys and lidl and an array of other outlets are there, though I am sure you could find other supermarkets if you wanted to venture further afield.

The site is supposed to be adults only, but as other reviewers have commented previously we did see the odd child or two in the motor homes.

There is a dog walk on site too, very dog friendly we thought with doggy bag bins well placed throughout the park.

Satellite and mobile phone (EE and Vodafone) reception was good. Finchale had there own wifi access point which strangely enough wasn't advertised.

We visited:

Durham - was a little let down with this city, very small, cathedral and castle very pretty when viewed from the river.

Beamish - definitely worth a visit but I would suggest avoid at peak times and prepare to walk a lot - dogs were welcome but take water with you as they provide nothing to support you taking dogs. They were allowed on trams and busses but not in the buildings - not a problem

Seaham - lovely little seaside town - nice beach and marina with a very nice cafe in the marina buildings - dogs welcome

Dalton Park - Shopping Shopping Shopping the usual array of outlet shops

Bishop Aukland - Don't bother Unless you want to visit the castle

Castle Barnard - Beautiful little town-near to Raby Castle- lovely little park area next to the castle ruins and river. Had a lovely afternoon here after getting away from the rather dismal visit to Bishop Aukland.

Chester le Street - Nice town, nice little market and the usual array of shops. Went to visit the 'Angel of the North' - just to say that we had been.

All in all a very nice week. A lovely site in very picturesque surroundings. If we visited again we would definitely opt for a fully serviced pitch to avoid the levelling issues. Don't let this put anyone off. If your not using an awning I am sure that you will be fine. 


Previous     195 Reviews in total, now showing 101 to 110      Next

Share  Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Write a Review of this Site to Win an Outdoor Revolution Prize and £150

Win £150

Write a review of this campsite and you could win an Outdoor Revolution Screenhouse 4 worth £299 AND £150 of Amazon vouchers. Each month one lucky person will have their review picked at random and will win! Leave as many as you can for more chances - submit your review here!

Outdoor Revolution strive to facilitate precious family leisure time by creating the most reliable, practical and exceptional value for money Family Tents, Caravan & Driveaway Awnings on the market, together with our endless vision for innovation and quality! Therefore, there has never been a better time to rediscover camping and caravanning with Outdoor Revolution!

Common Questions

Is Finchale Abbey Touring Park child friendly?  NO, this site is adult only  View all facilities

Where is the nearest shop to Finchale Abbey Touring Park?  There is a shop within 5 miles  View all facilities

Is Finchale Abbey Touring Park dog friendly?  YES  View all facilities




Other Sites Near Durham      Other sites within 10 miles   -   All Sites in Co Durham

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...













--
Upcoming Event!
UKCS Meet Scottish Caravan and Motorhome Show 2025 06/02 to 09/02

Back at the SEC, Glasgow with over 170 exhibitors, caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes, lodges, tents and accessories all in one destination. 20 pairs of tickets to be won!

Follow us on Facebook!
You can now follow UKCampsite.co.uk on Facebook! Keep abreast of the latest news and updates much more easily.

Simply click here then click on the Like button!

All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.

The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions


4303 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Open Today's Window