The Best Things to Do in Hexham, Northumberland

The market town of Hexham, on the south bank of the River Tyne, is pretty much smack bang in the heart of Northumberland. Hexham is packed with history, culture, and natural beauty.  It’s close to Hadrian’s Wall; it has a huge amount of history and some stunning walks and things to see in the vicinity.  Hexham dates back more than 1,300 years and is nicely sandwiched between Newcastle and Kielder Forest; it’s the perfect place for a break in Northumberland.  Here are the best things to do in Hexham.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

The architecture is stunning, the history particularly bloody (we are pretty close to the border with Scotland here), but even before that, there’s Viking history to explore, criminal families, and a glorious Anglo-Saxon Abbey, too.  The Abbey for which the town is famous was founded by St Wilfrid, who had been educated at Lindisfarne Abbey on Holy Island.

BesT THING TO DO

Visit Hadrian’s Wall from Hexham

This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a few miles from the town of Hexham and easily reached.  Take a locally guided tour and learn about the history and walk on the wall itself.

Book Your Tour Here

The Best Things to do in and around Hexham

Hexham is the perfect location for exploring the Northumberland countryside and historic sites as well as the lovely historic town of Hexham itself. Here are the best things to do in and around Hexham, Northumberland.

Visit Hadrian’s Wall from Hexham

Hexham is a perfect location from which to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall.  It’s one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and is just a short drive or bus ride from town.  I recommend taking a walk with a local – walking along at least part of the wall is a MUST-DO in Northumberland.   Built by Roman masons after Emperor Hadrian visited England in 122AD, it allowed the Romans to control who crossed in and out of their land (i.e. to keep the Picts out!).  Hadrian’s Wall is 73 miles long.

Also, visit Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, two key attractions along the wall. Vindolanda is an active archaeological dig site where ancient Roman artefacts are still being uncovered. Meanwhile, the Roman Army Museum offers an immersive glimpse into the life of soldiers who once guarded the wall. It’s a must-see for history lovers of all ages.  Want more about Hadrian’s Wall?  I’ve covered the best places to see it and what not to miss here.

You’ll also want to visit Chester’s Roman Fort while you’re in Hexham. It’s not far from here, but it contains Britain’s most complete cavalry fort – along with baths, a steam room, and officers’ quarters.

Explore Hexham Abbey

Built originally in AD 674, it was developed in the 12^th century into its current form and is now a  Grade I listed building.  It is an architectural masterpiece with intricate stone carvings and stunning stained glass windows.  The original glass was destroyed by Puritans in 1537, with the glass being replaced by the sons of Bentham and Eleanor Hall in memory of their parents in 1837.

I’d recommend following this guided tour provided by the Abbey so that you don’t miss anything.  It’s free, and you can read all the information and download it to read offline, too.

Don’t miss the Anglo-Saxon crypt, which gives a glimpse into the town’s early Christian heritage from the carvings and inscriptions.  Hexham Abbey isn’t just a historical religious building it’s also a community hub, and you’ll find regular events, music performances, and tours.

There’s also Acca’s Cross, which dates from the 8^th century, wooden panels depicting the Medieval Dance of Death; grave covers that date from Saxon times; and a nearly 2,000-year-old memorial to a Roman standard bearer.

If you choose to take a paid-for guided tour with a docent, then these take place at 15:00 on Tuesday, 14:00 on Thursday and 11:00 on Saturdays.  They cost £7.50 per person (it’s free for U18).  No need to book, just turn up.

• Hexham Abbey Address:  Beaumont St, Hexham NE46 3NB
• Hexham Abbey Opening Times:   10:00 – 16:00 daily
• Hexham Abbey Ticket Prices:  Free to enter

Take a Walk around Sele Park

Sele Park is right in the centre of Hexham.  It’s actually three different parks but known as Sele in Hexham.  The Abbey sits within the Abbey Grounds, which is part of the park, and here you’ll find the bandstand, which dates back to 1912.  It’s still used today for events.

The Sele has a combination of formal gardens, grass lawns, and woodland areas too.   The Sele part of the Sele parks is where you’ll find a playground and skatepark, and as it’s also home to a long steep hill, it’s where you can go sleding in the winter! 

The final part of the Sele is the Hexham House grounds; they’re walled off and usually quieter but still a great place to visit.

Explore Hexham’s Old Gaol Museum

There are two medieval towers in the centre of Hexham; one is the Moot Hall, which you can’t miss in Market Place.  This was built in 1379 and was used as a courtroom for many hundreds of years.

The second is home to England’s oldest purpose-built prison, the Old Gaol. It was built in 1333 and gives you a sense of what it was like to be a prisoner at that time.  The stones that built the Gaol were taken from Corbridge’s Roman Fort, which is just 3 miles away. It’s here that you’ll learn about the criminal families of the area, the Charltons, Dodds, Milburns, and Robsons – as well as the entirety of the Border Reivers – who caused havoc and mayhem along the border with Scotland.  If learning more about the border area is of interest, then this is the place for you. 

There are detailed stories about the bloody and dark side of Hexham’s history and a lot of hands-on things to do for younger visitors. 

• Hexham Old Gaol Address:  Hallgate, Hexham NE46 1XD
• Hexham Old Gaol Opening Times:   Closed from early November until the end of March.  Summer opening times are Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 until 16:00
• Hexham Old Gaol Ticket Prices:  £7 Adults, U18 free.  Over 60’s £6 (Tickets are annual passes)

Explore Hexham Market Place

You can’t miss the Market Place in Hexham – it’s surrounded by historic buildings, including the Moot Hall and the Old Gaol.  There are cobbled streets here, independent shops, cafés, and boutiques.  If you visit on the second or fourth Saturday of a month, then you shouldn’t miss the Farmers Markets.  Farmers come from a 50-mile radius of the town – so the meat you buy is reared locally, and the chutney you buy will have been made from locally grown fruit and vegetables.    The Farmers Markets are usually open from 09:00 until about 13:30.

There’s also a regular weekly market in the Market Place, every Tuesday from 09:00 until 16:00, as well as a small number of stalls undercover in the Shambles.  I’ve marked them all on the map.

Take a Free Audio Tour of Hexham – there are five available

Head off to either the App Store or the Play Store and get yourself the Visit Hexham app.  There are four historical tours available.  Choose from the Apple Amble, the Trouble with Hexham: A People’s History, The Society Circuit or A Medieval Meander.   Or you could pick all of them.  It’s a great way to learn more about Hexham while exploring the town.

There’s also a fifth tour – Edible Hexham – it will take you around the planters, community orchard, and community garden in town.  Learn, pick, and eat as you walk.  Then, use the recipes to make something local.  Or visit one of the great restaurants in town too.

Take a (Paid for) Walking Tour with one of Hexham’s Town Criers

“Only the most cruel, the most unjust, the most revolting historical, factual tales will do.” So says Helen Wearmouth, one of Hexham’s Town Criers.  She runs circular walking tours on Fridays and Saturdays.  They take an hour and cover just half a mile.  It costs £8 per adult, U16 are £2.  Booking details are here.

Take a Riverside Walk in Tyne Green Park

If you’re after more green space, then head to Tyne Green Park. This is the perfect place to walk along the River Tyne.  Or canoe or boat along the Tyne.  The path is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters and is multi-use, so cyclists can be found here too.

Get entertained at the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre

The elegant Victorian-era Queen’s Hall has been here since 1866.  Originally used as a town hall and corn exchange, it now has a 350-seat theatre, two art galleries, Hexham’s library, a café and a studio too.  It’s closed on Sundays, but check out the timetable of events to see what might be on while you’re visiting.  The venue hosts a mix of theatre, live music, comedy, and art exhibitions.  It’s here that you’ll find Hexham’s Book Festivals.  In 2025, this runs from 2^nd May to 11^th May. There’s more information here.

Spend a Day at Hexham Races

I have to say that this is the most scenic racecourse in Britain.  It sits above the town and has glorious views of the Tyne Valley.   There are 15 scheduled meetings at Hexham Racecourse throughout the year, which include a pre-Christmas event and an annual Ladies’ Day too.

• Hexham Racecourse Address:  High Yarridge, Hexham NE46 2JP
• Hexham Racecourse Ticket Prices:  From £12  (Adults)

Map of Things to Do in Hexham

You can see the full map of things to do in Hexham here.

How to Get to Hexham

Hexham is relatively easy to get to with both bus and train services from Newcastle and Carlisle (it’s the Tyne Valley line).  If you’re driving and staying somewhere with no parking, then aim for the Wentworth Car Park (I’ve marked it on the map) and then walk up the steep hill to the town centre.   There are different coloured bays for short, medium, and long stay.

Book trains to Hexham here

Where to Stay in Hexham

Hexham is a market town, so it’s packed with facilities to ease your stay.  There are B&Bs, several hotels, and some gorgeous holiday cottages too.  Here are my recommendations.

The County Hotel, Hexham

Hexham’s County Hotel Inn is perfectly located right in the center of town. Rooms come with a full English breakfast (or lighter options if you prefer).  It’s the perfect place to have an evening meal, too.  Rooms are en-suite and have lovely toiletries, too.  You can check availability here.

Sammy’s Place, Hexham

Sammy’s Place is a great and well-equipped holiday apartment in the centre of Hexham.   It’s actually a self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a stone-built 19th-century house.  There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms and an INCREDIBLY comfortable lounge that complements the well-equipped kitchen.   There’s also a washer-dryer if you fall victim to a little rain shower or two.  You can see more reviews and make a booking here.

The Candlemaker’s Apartment, Hexham

You’ll have plenty of space here, at the Candlemaker’s Apartment, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living rooms, right in the centre of town.  There are gorgeously comfortable leather sofas and chairs, a great kitchen, and all the facilities you need to self-cater (don’t miss shopping at the Farmer’s Market!).  The apartment also offers free parking.  You can see more details here.

Final Words on the Best Things to Do in Hexham

Hexham is a delight.  It’s a real town where people live and work.  It’s not just for holidaymakers.  So you’ll find some great places to eat and drink and explore.  There are several fabulous markets here, a great museum, and a stunning Abbey.  Add to that the proximity to Hadrian’s Wall and some fabulous transport connections, it’s hard to see how to beat it!

Northumberland’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.