Finchale Abbey Park

The place was so peaceful that we ended up extending our stay from Friday to Tuesday, even though we'd only planned to be there until Sunday. We had a great time and would definitely return. Dogs are allowed, which is a must for us, and there are good walks nearby. Cookeden Woods is beautiful. The toilets and showers were very clean too.

I live in a lodge by the Abbey, and friends have told me the cottage is great. From my own experience, the whole site is great.

The facilities block is very good and kept really clean. The showers are roomy, and the push button gives you a decent amount of time. I spent a couple of nights here in the van midweek, and it was a peaceful site. There's an easy cycle route into Durham, and you could walk it too, though it takes you through the middle of the prison at one point. Most pitches aren't very level, and the hard standing ones are only just big enough for a small van, so be ready to do some serious levelling. Chocks are provided. Everything is handled remotely, with entry details emailed over, so there's no personal welcome. Reception isn't obvious either, as it looks like part of the Abbey set up. Once you find it, there are some interesting leaflets, and you can get wifi there, though not on the site.

Lovely quiet place. You can get a cup of coffee and homemade soup, and we bought some plums from the lady selling them. Dogs can go in, yes. The abbey isn't good for disabled people, though.