Finchale Priory
[Pronounced ‘Finkle’ like ‘winkle’– no, but seriously!]
The site of this abbey is very impressive, and the location on the bank of the river is beautiful. This is definitely one of my favourites. When you come here it is really is easy to understand why they chose to build hereand why monks used it as a meditation retreat.
There is good fishing in the area, canoeing is also possible and there are worthwhile walks and a path to walk to Durham to remember the pilgrimage the monks did with Saint Godric´s body. There is a small shop selling soft drinks and ice creams and a café too.
They charge for the carpark, as this is on private land, and the nearest free parking is on the road some 10 or 15 minutes’ walk away.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/finchale-priory/
