Hike: Finchale Priory, Durham
- Let Them Be Wild
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
📍 Overview
"One Hour, One River, One Big Adventure – A Family Walk Along the Wear"
A gentle, highly flexible, family-friendly loop along the River Wear in Durham, perfect for young legs. This walk combines nature, woodland, river views, and interactive fun—ideal for under 5s and parents looking for a low-stress, high-reward outings.
🗺️ Route Summary:
Location: Durham City riverside
Distance: Approx 1.5–2 miles
Time: 1 hour (plus snack/photo stops)
Start/End Point: The Finchale Abbey Touring Car Park (easy access, cafe & toilets)
Route Type: linear and loop options available.
Buggy-Friendly: Mostly yes except for steep steps once you cross the bridge - take the lower path instead. baby changing facilities available at the cafe.
Walk Name: River/woodland walks at Finchale priory
GPX Giles downloadable here
Nearest Town/Village:
Brasside/Framwellgate Moor, Durham
Postcode for Parking:
The postcode is inaccurate for SatNavs and ends at a roundabout over a mile away however the Priory is well signposted nearby. Google maps is the best option. Although the Priory is maintained by English Heritage, the car park is managed by an independant family business since the 1950s, who run the touring park, café and parking at the Priory.
Note: Car park Gates close at 5pm.
Best Age Range:
lower route for pushchairs and small children, steeper circular route for slightly older kids (or adventurous 4 year olds)
Pushchair Friendly?:
✅ route 1 to the bbq/picnic area is pushchair friendly. The second circular route in the woods isn't advisable due to the steps but manageable route deviations possible. The riverside path is fine for pushchairs once your on it.
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🚶♀️ Route Description
Quick Summary:
Route 1: BBQ/picnic area. Short and sweet - it starts with a sharp uphill on a nice wide path from the car park for a few minutes then a gentle downhill and flat to the large picnic area which is great for games and exploring the river. We used this area for a spot of nature ID collecting beech/hazelnuts and identifying different leaves we came across.
Route 2: The woods: More adventurous and involves crossing the FootBridge to the other side of the river from the car park then going up the steep steps and along the top path descending slowly back down to the river in a loop. Nice wide paths and varying woodland scenery with beach areas to stop and play by the river. Paths are well maintained and don't succomb to becoming squelchy bogs like most woodlands. Herons and ducks are commonly spottable along the river. .. Oh and keep eyes peeled for the infamous 'sword in the tree'
Any hazards?
The road crossing at the top of the steps next to Cocken road car park comes out on to a fast road- make sure the kids don't run too far ahead at the top of the climb!
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👶 Family Essentials
Feature Yes/No
Pushchair Friendly ✅
Baby Changing Nearby ✅
Toilets ✅
Picnic Spots ✅
Shelter on Rainy Days ✅
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🍔 Nearby Refreshments
There's a lovely little Cafe on site ran by friendly staff, the food is great and provides and indoor option for wet weather. The hot dogs and ice creams where a big win for us!
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🅿️ Parking & Access
Parking Cost: it cost us £4 for 3 hours (pay by card at the barrier on departure). Very reasonable!
Surface Type: mostly tarmac or hard grass, decent pushchairs access most areas.
Busy on Weekends? We visited midweek during the summer holidays and it was surprisingly quiet but I expect weekends to be busier so aim to arrive early.
Alternative Car Parks?
You can park at the Cocken road car park and head down the steps to the Priory from there for free or take the gentle longer route down through the woodland for pushchairs.
💬 Parent Notes
A very flexible route with lots of walking/picnic options. Large grassed areas for playing, a river to splash around and Priory ruins to explore... Topped off with a café for ice creams!
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⭐ Overall Family Rating
Out of 5
For under 5s: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For babies in carriers: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For ease of planning: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📌 Insider Tips
Bring wellies in winter
Go early to beat crowds and maximize your visit
Nearby indoor backup plan if the weather turns: - Adventure Valley is less than 5 minutes down the road for an all weather back up plan!
Happy exploring!
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