Finchale Priory, Durham

Set beside a quiet bend of the River Wear, Finchale Priory is one of Durham’s most atmospheric ruins. Pronounced “Finkle,” the site began as the woodland hermitage of the merchant-turned-hermit Saint Godric in the 12th century. After his death, monks from Durham founded a small Benedictine priory here, using the peaceful riverside setting for study, retreat, and the practical business of farming the surrounding land.

Today, you can wander through roofless arches, the shell of the church, and the domestic ranges where the monks once slept and ate. Information panels help you picture how the complex worked: the cloister for quiet contemplation, the warming house for winter comfort, and the riverside meadows that fed the community. Bring a camera-the carved stonework and shifting light make for striking photos, and in spring and summer, the site is sprinkled with wildflowers.

Finchale sits just four miles north of Durham city, making it an easy half-day escape after exploring the cathedral and castle. It’s managed by English Heritage, with parking close by and level paths around most of the ruins. Pack a picnic or take a gentle stroll along the riverbank; you may spot herons, wagtails, and the occasional otter if you’re lucky.

For a richer visit, look for traces of Saint Godric: the well associated with his hermitage, and interpretive displays that tell his story of seafaring, pilgrimage, and solitude. As you leave, pause on the modern bridge and imagine the monks crossing here centuries ago, the priory bells echoing through the trees.