Finchale Priory — Attraction in Framwellgate Moor

Yesterday, I visited Finchale Priory, a 6-mile journey from Durham City on a nice sunny day; the temperature being 21°C was just right. I parked my bike by the side of the river and climbed up the stone steps to take me onto the main road. This space was filled with an assortment of visitors and locals, and it was heartwarming to see children playing while others were enjoying their surroundings outside. At the priory, I saw much that was devoted to St. Godric, who had lived a most extraordinary life as a sailor and a merchant before deciding to adopt Finchale on the River Wear as his home. Founded in 1196, the priory is now today's beautiful Finchale Priory – well, not quite entirely. I saw St. Godric's original 12th-century church and stopped by his tomb. Also, there was the 13th-century priory, which has rather significantly been restored. St Godric's tomb—marked incidentally by a cross in the grass—is truly something to behold. St Godric was known as something of a healer and was frequently consulted by many notable people such as Thomas Becket, Aelred of Rievaulx, and even Pope Alexander III. He also heard the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary during a pilgrimage, which to him was overwhelming. Finchale Priory is not only rich in history, but it's a haven for many aspects of natural beauty, always appealing to tourists interested in birdwatching or outdoor pursuits. The walk through the woods and across the meadows is enchanting, with a chance to immerse oneself in natural beauty that poignantly captures a sense of England's rich history...

Beautiful tranquil Finchale Priory is a 13th Century Benedictine hermitage ruin founded by Godric. The ruins are well laid out and mostly accessible, though there are steps and slopes to some areas. It is free to visit though there is a charge for car parking. those staying on the adjacent caravan site can simply walk across to it.

The Priory is located directly next to the River Wear, and there are plenty of walks along the river, a footbridge to cross it and picnic benches on the riverside.

There is a small shop onsite though I didnt visit it, and a kind of café/serving hatch. I say 'kind of' because the lady wouldnt let anyone in and said they only open when she thinks it is busy enough. She did offer to serve us through the serving hatch but as it meant sitting on wet seats we just had a drink. The coffee and hot chocolate is very nice. We also bought some duck food to feed the ducks and guinea fowl which freely wander the caravan site

It's a really peaceful place and lovely to visit - I would definitely go back, especially to stay on the caravan site which is literally...

Finchale Priory is easy to find, sign posts right to the gate. Where isn’t so obvious is where to park. The guy in the pick-up likes to give the orders, and was quite eager to tell us the side of the Prioy up the road is private. The Priory is of a decent size, a decent hour would get you to see most of what’s on offer. It’s quite typical of what Priory’s are about. Steeped in history. There are some lovely preserved stone, arches and windows. How great it would be to see how it looked when in its prime. The bridge leads to some walks and the whole area is surrounded by the river and trees. There was a cafe on site which served basic drinks, and a few choices of food. There was no dairy free option on the hot drinks. The staff were very pleasant and my dad enjoyed his hot dog. Facilities wise, there was a toilet, it was very clean, a little shop and the tea shop. There is a contactless pay machine to get out of the gate, it was £4.00. All in all, we enjoyed our visit. Other than the guy in the pickup being a little abrupt, I’m not a mind reader, nor stupid, we had a...