Hexham

About:

Nestled on the south bank of the Tyne in Northumberland, Hexham is a small yet charming market town steeped in history and framed by sweeping countryside. Its heart is dominated by the magnificent Hexham Abbey, a religious site founded in AD 674 by St Wilfrid and rebuilt in the 12th century. Visitors step into a living past as they descend into the Anglo‑Saxon crypt, its stones salvaged from nearby Roman ruins, before exploring graceful Gothic arches, medieval rood screens, serene stained glass, and the storied Frith Stool.

Beyond its religious centre, the town’s 14th-century Moot Hall and the Old Gaol—England’s earliest purpose-built prison—stand as silent witnesses to bygone eras of justice and civic life. The Moot Hall, a medieval courthouse once integral to town defence, is now home to an art gallery and local history exhibits. Nearby, the Old Gaol preserves the austere reality of medieval punishment, with its four floors of displays, dungeon chambers, and even stocks for an immersive experience.

Hexham’s streets radiate an unhurried, timeless atmosphere. Cobbled lanes open onto the Market Place, where the covered Shambles—built in the 18th century—shelters local traders. Around you, boutiques, coffee shops, and independent eateries line Georgian and Elizabethan facades, blending daily life with heritage.

For those drawn to ancient frontiers, Hexham is a perfect base for Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching just a few miles to the north, the wall and its forts—including Vindolanda and Housesteads—invite explorations into Roman Britain’s furthest edge. The Northumberland National Park lies nearby too, offering moorland trails, Dark Sky skies, and dramatic views of the Cheviots.

Hexham’s modern charm blends seamlessly with its past. Cultural life is vibrant with an Art Deco cinema, 400-seat theatre, and the Queen’s Hall arts venue. The boathouse-lined banks of the Tyne and Sele Park offer peaceful riverside walks. Whether attending community events, browsing local museums, or simply soaking in centuries-old architecture, Hexham feels effortlessly alive and intimate. A town that wears its history with grace, it offers both quiet reflection and easy access to the wild beauty and storied landscapes of northern England.