Haunted by marauding Vikings...
Hexham is home to the beautiful Sele Park, floral gardens in the town centre, and the stunning grounds of Hexham House. Beneath the charming market town, Hexham holds a bloody history of marauding Vikings, and England’s first purpose-built prison, Hexham Old Gaol, which can be traced back to the 1300s.
Enjoy Hexham Old Gaol museum which was built using stone from the nearby Corbridge Roman site. The Border History Library within the Old Gaol is home to a fascinating collection of photographs, books, poetry and music about our border territory. Feast your eyes on a wealth of artefacts, descend into the dungeons, and try out the stocks - if you dare...
Boasting the impressive Hexham Abbey, this town never fails to impress. The monastery-turned-abbey was built in 674 AD, and the eerie crypt from the original building still remains today, with some of the dusty stones coming from the Roman ruins of Hadrian’s Wall. The abbey is a peaceful place of solace and refuge, where visitors can admire awe-inspiring architecture, 7th century sculptures, and 15th century painted wooden panels. The Abbey also hosts a delightful craft fair.
Opposite the abbey, you will find the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, a magnificent Victorian building which attracts the best international and national artists from music, drama, and dance, as well as nestling away two art galleries. The Queens Hall is also home to the town's library and visitor information centre.
Perhaps you fancy trying something different? Hexham Racecourse holds a popular Ladies’ Day once a year, you could visit the Shambles market on Tuesdays, or how about coming to town for the annual Hexham Book Festival?
End your tour of Hexham at the idyllic Tyne Green on the banks of the River Tyne. Lush green spaces, thick woodland, and views of Hexham Bridge can all be admired here.
Hexham is perfectly located for exploring the surrounding countryside including Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort, Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum.
Hexham is easy to access via public transport with regular bus services as well as trains from Newcastle and Carlisle on the Tyne Valley Line. If you are coming by car Wentworth car park is a short walk into the town centre (The walk is up quite a steep hill). When parking check the colour of the bay to determine if you are in a short, medium or long stay space.