The charming market town of Hexham is situated a brief distance from Hadrian’s Wall and originated around an abbey established by the Anglo-Saxons.
The earliest architectural elements of the abbey have been preserved in the crypt, a structure dating back 1,300 years and constructed using stone repurposed from a Roman fort.
At the center of Hexham is the picturesque market place dominated by Hexham Abbey, surrounded by a variety of family-owned shops.
The nearby 14th-century prison is reputed to be the oldest in England and features a museum that delves into the tumultuous history of a town historically plagued by border raiders and military conflicts.
Hexham serves as an ideal base for exploring the various forts and archaeological sites located along Hadrian’s Wall, as well as the remote moors of the Northumberland National Park.
Let us examine the top attractions in Hexham:
1. Hexham Abbey
Refurbished from the 12th century yet featuring a significantly older Anglo-Saxon crypt, Hexham Abbey warrants a visit of at least a couple of hours due to its rich historical offerings.
The Saxon crypt remains largely unaltered over 1,300 years and serves as a legacy of the original church built primarily from materials salvaged from the ancient Roman settlement a few miles downstream at Corbridge.
Banqueting Roman carvings are visible throughout the crypt, showcasing pagan dedications alongside botanical motifs.
On the upper level, visitors can view the Frith Stool, believed to be of Saxon origin, along with a stunning Perpendicular Gothic rood screen that divides the choir from the nave.
In the chancel near the Leschman Chapel, a beautifully painted set of panels from the 1400s depicts Christ, the Virgin, the Twelve Apostles, and the Dance of Death.
Further Roman stonework can be observed at the base of the Night Stair, where a substantial memorial slab honors a Roman standard bearer who perished in the 1st century AD.
2. Hadrian’s Wall
The northern boundary of the Roman Empire lies in proximity to Hexham and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Initiated in 122 AD, Hadrian’s Wall represented a monumental project, featuring a full-sized fort every five miles, along with garrisoned milecastles interspersed with two manned turrets.
Noteworthy remnants of the wall and its associated forts can still be explored along the 84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path, which connects the western and eastern coastlines of Northern England.
A plethora of Roman historical sites is located within minutes of Hexham.
Below, we will highlight two must-visit locations. However, Walltown Crags and the Roman Army Museum, along with Housesteads Roman Fort at Bardon Mill and the excavated Roman Town at Corbridge, are also worthy of exploration. All these remarkable sites are a short drive from Hexham.
3. Northumberland National Park
Located six miles from Hexham, the northernmost national park in England has its headquarters in the town.
Hadrian’s Wall traverses the park, which features sprawling moorland in its southern regions.
Upon venturing north, the landscape becomes more hilly as one enters the Cheviot Hills, marking the traditional border between England and Scotland.
To the west lies the Kelder Forest, recognized as the most remote area in England.
Due to its isolated nature, Northumberland National Park has been designated as a Dark Sky Park, the largest of its kind in Europe.
Cawfields, a former quarry situated on Hadrian’s Wall, has been officially recognized as a Dark Sky Discovery site, providing unimpeded views of the night sky away from any light pollution.
4. Vindolanda
A requisite day trip, Vindolanda is among the most significant Roman archaeological sites north of the Alps.
From 85 AD to 370 AD, this served as an auxiliary fort located a mile south of Hadrian’s Wall.
The fort underwent nine reconstructions during this period; identifiable remnants include the granary, barracks, officers’ quarters, and headquarters.
Remarkably, the remains of a settlement located outside the fort’s walls feature a tavern, bathhouse, shops, and residences along a central thoroughfare.
This extensive site continues to be excavated, having yielded the Vindolanda Tablets in 1973 (now housed in the British Museum). These postcard-sized wooden tablets, dating from the beginning of the 2nd century, represent the oldest handwritten documents discovered in Britain up to that date.
The museum at the foot of the hill is filled with fascinating artifacts such as tools, votive items, carved wood, weapons, leather footwear, pottery, and jewelry.
5. Chesters Roman Fort
Regarded as Britain’s most complete Roman cavalry fort, Chesters is located a mere ten minutes north of Hexham.
In the early 19th century, Nathaniel Clayton, the owner of Chesters House and Estate (where the fort resides), excavated these ruins and incorporated them into a landscaped romantic park.
Fortunately, the artifacts uncovered during this endeavor were preserved and now form the basis of a recently reopened museum.
Nathaniel’s son, John, removed the landscaping, exposing the fragments of the officers’ quarters, steam room, and baths now visible.
The museum showcases an exceptional collection of architectural remnants and inscriptions, most of which are clearly legible, in addition to coins, pottery, buckles, a cavalry sword, and hipposandals worn by horses to protect their hooves.
6. Hexham Old Gaol
Regarded as the oldest purpose-built prison in England, the Old Gaol dates back to 1333, having housed prisoners from both the historic county of Hexhamshire and the Middle March Borders region.
A neat museum within chronicles the history of the Borders, where raiding families, known as “Reivers,” caused chaos during Medieval times.
Visitors can engage with history by being restrained in the stocks and examining a wealth of artifacts pertaining to border law enforcement.
The Border Library Collection serves as a valuable resource of poetry, music, and literature, shedding light on the culture and history of the English-Scottish border.
The Old Gaol is accessible via the Moothall arch from the historic Market Place.
Constructed around 1400, the Moothall was designed as a residence, judicial space (where prisoners from the Old Gaol were tried), and office for the Archbishop of York’s bailiff, and it occasionally hosts special exhibitions.
7. Queen’s Hall
Hexham’s primary performing arts venue, which also serves as the town’s tourist information centre, library, and cafe, can be found under one roof in the newly renovated Queen’s Hall (1866). This splendid early-Victorian structure is located just steps from the abbey and fronts both the Abbey Grounds and Sele Park.
The auditorium accommodates up to 350 guests and attracts attendees from across Northumberland with its diverse lineup of drama, live music, dance, comedy, and screenings of independent films.
8. Abbey Grounds and Sele Park
Situated at the heart of Hexham, a collection of three contiguous parks spans a total of 20 acres.
This green area incorporates the grounds of Hexham Abbey, Sele Park, and Hexham House Grounds.
Originally opened to the public in the mid-18th century, Sele Park has been under council ownership since 1908, while the Abbey Grounds were established in 1911 and Hexham House Grounds in 1928. This area features a charming early 20th-century bandstand, in addition to a children’s playground and skate park.
The towering mature trees provide a stunning display in autumn, while the Christmas lights add a magical touch in December.
9. Hexham Railway Station
In 2017, the author and historian Simon Jenkins recognized Hexham Railway Station as one of the finest in Britain.
This station provides a delightful entry point to the town, characterized by its Victorian metal and glass canopies, flowering hanging baskets, and blue-and-white painted columns.
The waiting room features a black marble fireplace embedded with orthoceras and cephalopod fossils that date back 400 million years.
Founded in 1835, the station is one of the oldest in the world, originally established to connect the docks on the Tyne at Blaydon with lead mines in the North Pennines.
10. Shambles Market
Set beneath the watchful gaze of the abbey in Market Place, the Shambles is a Grade II* colonnade dating back to 1766, bustling with market stalls every Tuesday where visitors can explore offerings of provisions, snacks, and special items.
Available products include regional meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables, along with plants, sweets, bread, and a selection of hot foods such as artisan burgers.
One regular stall specializes in Spanish delicacies, including sherry, olive oil, romesco sauce, and aioli.
A farmers’ market takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, featuring a tempting variety of charcuterie, poultry, specialty breads, cheeses, seasonal honey, preserves, and handicrafts from across Northumberland.
11. Aydon Castle
Virtually intact, Aydon Castle represents one of the most complete examples of a 13th-century manor house in the UK. The residence was occupied until 1966 and is presently managed by English Heritage.
Initially established as an upscale home, it soon became fortified due to deteriorating relations with Scotland.
The 14th century was particularly turbulent for Aydon Castle, which suffered plundering and fire at the hands of the Scots in 1315, was reclaimed by English rebels in 1317, and ultimately reoccupied by the Scots in 1346. Its scenic location is nestled in a clearing surrounded by Northumberland woodlands.
The interior boasts an exceptional state of preservation, featuring exquisitely carved 13th-century fireplaces, while a tranquil walled orchard outside offers an ideal spot for picnicking.
12. The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre
A recommended initial destination within Northumberland National Park is this newly established visitor centre set against the backdrop of the craggy Whin Sill landscape.
The discovery centre combines permanent and temporary exhibitions with event spaces, a youth hostel, a business hub, a shop, and a cafe that utilizes local produce.
In the high-tech permanent exhibition, visitors can engage with the landscape’s geology, wildlife, and human history through interactive displays, imaginative artwork, and audiovisual presentations.
In the summer of 2018, a temporary exhibition highlighted how technology enhances understanding of the natural environment.
The Sill also boasts a grassland roof, emulating the countryside of the Whin Sill and hosting wildflower species native to the National Park.
13. Hexham Racecourse
Considered perhaps the most picturesque venue for horse racing in England, Hexham Racecourse is perched on a hill nearly 250 meters above sea level.
To the north, expansive views of the Tyne Valley can be appreciated, while the majestic North Pennines rise to the south.
This National Hunt (jump) course hosts approximately 17 fixtures annually, typically during weekday evenings and weekend afternoons.
In late June, the course celebrates Ladies’ Day, complete with a champagne and prosecco bar, strawberries and cream, and a team of fashion experts who present awards for categories such as “best dressed couple,” “best dressed lady,” and “best hat.”
14. Falconry Days
More of an activity center for birds of prey than a traditional zoo, Falconry Days nurtures and trains around 70 birds of various species, advocating against the confinement of these creatures in cages for public display.
The center offers opportunities to observe its inhabitants through organized tours, encounters, and experiential activities. These experiences range from simple “Meet the Birds Tours” to more immersive sessions, where participants can spend hours in the Northumberland wilderness, handling, feeding, and flying species such as the peregrine falcon, barn owl, tawny owl, buzzard, kestrel, and goshawk.
Moreover, species-specific experiences, such as an owl encounter, and falconry sessions lasting anywhere from one hour to an entire day, are also available.
15. Hexham Book Festival
Taking place across multiple venues, including Hexham Abbey and Queen’s Hall, the Hexham Book Festival is a ten-day literary celebration occurring at the beginning of May.
In recent years, the festival has hosted notable guests such as novelists Melissa Harrison and Kate Mosse, along with public figures like former Bank of England governor Mervyn King, politicians Vince Cable and Harriet Harman, and broadcasters Jeremy Vine, Jenni Murray, and Evan Davis.
Each year’s program features talks from approximately 50 authors, both emerging and established, alongside workshops focused on Shakespeare and creative writing, practical insights for aspiring authors, and screenings of films.
