Hexham, England: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Hexham Abbey
Hexham Abbey
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Paul Buckingham

Hexham is a market town and civil parish in the south west of Northumberland, England, on the south bank of the River Tyne which forms by the confluence of two rivers: the North Tyne and the South Tyne. A visit to Hexham is like stepping back in time, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and the magnificent Hexham Abbey, which dates back to the 7th century. This historic abbey is a must-see, with its stunning stained glass windows, ancient crypt, and tranquil gardens. As you wander through the town, you’ll discover a delightful mix of independent shops, traditional pubs, and quaint cafes, offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Beyond its historical allure, Hexham is also a gateway to some of the most picturesque landscapes in Northumberland. The nearby Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into Roman Britain and provides excellent hiking opportunities with breathtaking views. Tyne Green Country Park is another outdoor gem, perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and enjoying the serene riverside setting. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hexham offers a rich and varied experience that will leave you enchanted.

History of Hexham

Hexham: Early Beginnings

Hexham’s history dates back to the 7th century when it was founded by Wilfrid, a Northumbrian bishop. The town quickly became an important religious center.

Hexham: Medieval Times

In the medieval period, Hexham was granted market town status, which led to its growth and prosperity. Hexham Abbey, a centerpiece of the town, was rebuilt in the 12th century.

Hexham: Industrial Era

The Industrial Revolution brought changes to Hexham, with developments in wool and leather industries. The town’s market remained a central hub for trade and commerce.

Hexham: Modern Day

Today, Hexham is a thriving town with a rich heritage, blending its historical roots with modern amenities and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

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Visiting Hexham for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Hexham on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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Best things to do and See in Hexham

1. Hexham Abbey

Visit Hexham Abbey, a stunning medieval church with beautiful architecture, historic artifacts, and peaceful gardens.

2. Hexham Old Gaol

Explore Hexham Old Gaol, England’s oldest purpose-built prison, now a museum showcasing the history of crime and punishment in Northumberland.

3. Hadrian’s Wall

Take a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the ancient Roman fortifications and scenic trails.

4. Hexham Market

Experience the vibrant Hexham Market, held in the town square, offering a variety of local produce, crafts, and antiques.

5. Tyne Green Country Park

Relax at Tyne Green Country Park, a beautiful riverside park perfect for picnics, walking, and enjoying outdoor activities.

6. Queen’s Hall Arts Centre

Visit the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, hosting a range of cultural events, including theatre performances, art exhibitions, and live music.

7. Sele Park

Stroll through Sele Park, a tranquil green space with lovely gardens, play areas, and views of Hexham Abbey.

8. Hexham Racecourse

Enjoy a day at Hexham Racecourse, offering exciting horse racing events with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

9. Chesters Roman Fort

Discover Chesters Roman Fort, part of Hadrian’s Wall, and explore the well-preserved ruins and museum showcasing Roman artifacts.

10. Forum Cinema

Catch a film at the Forum Cinema, a charming local cinema offering a mix of mainstream and independent films in a historic setting.

Best Day Trips from Hexham

A day trip from Hexham offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Hexham provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Chester Roman Fort and Museum

Chesters Roman fort barracks
Chesters Roman fort barracks
Public Domain / Steven Fruitsmaak
Cilurnum, better known today as Chesters Roman Fort, is one of the best places to visit in Walwick for travellers exploring Hadrian’s Wall. Built in 123 AD, just after the wall’s completion, this remarkably preserved Roman cavalry fort once guarded the important crossing of the River North Tyne. Its impressive remains, riverside setting, and fascinating museum showcasing artefacts from across…
Location: Chesters Roman Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall B6318 Chollerford Hexham NE46 4EU United Kingdom | Hours: Summer: 10.00 - 17.00 Winter: 10.00 - 16.00 | Price: Adult: £10.00 | Website | Distance: 6.4km
Visiting Chester Roman Fort and Museum

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Hexham. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Great Chesters (Aesica)

Great Chesters Aesica
Great Chesters Aesica
CC BY-SA 2.0 / marsupium photography
Great Chesters Roman Fort, known to the Romans as Aesica, is one of the quieter but most atmospheric forts along Hadrian’s Wall. Set high on the windswept Northumberland moors between Housesteads and Carvoran, this evocative site offers visitors a chance to explore the remains of a frontier fort far from crowds. Once home to auxiliary soldiers guarding one of the…
Location: Aesica, Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall Path, Haltwhistle, UK | Distance: 23.9km
Visiting Great Chesters (Aesica)

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Thirlwall Castle

Thirlwall Castle
Thirlwall Castle
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hadrianus1959
Thirlwall Castle is one of those Northumberland stops that feels discovered rather than “visited” in the modern sense: a compact set of medieval ruins on a grassy mound, tucked beside the River Tipalt (often referred to locally as the Tipalt Burn) just outside the village of Greenhead. It is not a big, furnished castle experience; it is a quick, atmospheric…
Location: Thirlwall Castle, Pennine Way, Brampton CA8 7HL, UK | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 27.0km
Visiting Thirlwall Castle

Newcastle upon Tyne

Tyne Bridge
Tyne Bridge
CC BY-SA 2.0 / herdiephoto
Newcastle upon Tyne, often shortened to simply Newcastle, is the most populous city and metropolitan borough in North East England. It forms the core of the Tyneside conurbation, the eighth most populous urban area in the United Kingdom. It is situated on the northern bank of the River Tyne. The city developed around the Roman settlement Pons Aelius around a…
Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne
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Gateshead

Newcastle and gateshead Quayside with bridges
Newcastle and gateshead Quayside with bridges
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wilka Hudson
Gateshead is a vibrant town located on the southern bank of the River Tyne, directly opposite Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. Its riverside setting offers stunning views and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Millennium Bridge and the Sage Gateshead, a renowned centre for music and performing arts. Visitors…
Visiting Gateshead
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Pike Hill Signal Tower

Pike Hill Tower on Hadrians Wall
Pike Hill Tower on Hadrians Wall
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mike Quinn
Pike Hill Signal Tower is one of the must-see places in Brampton for anyone fascinated by Roman Britain. Perched on high ground with sweeping views across the landscape, this small yet meaningful archaeological site once formed part of an early second-century signalling network along the Stanegate road, the strategic route that predated Hadrian’s Wall. Today, the remaining stone fragment hints…
Location: Pike Hill, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2BX | Hours: Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. | Price: £2 parking charge applies to non-members | Website | Distance: 35.2km
Visiting Pike Hill Signal Tower

Brampton, Carlisle

Brampton Market Place
Brampton Market Place
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rose and Trev Clough / Brampton, Market Place
Brampton is a small market town, civil parish and electoral ward within the City of Carlisle district of Cumbria, England, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Carlisle and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Hadrian's Wall. Historically part of Cumberland, it is situated off the A69 road which bypasses it. Brampton railway station, on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway,…
Visiting Brampton, Carlisle

Durham

Durham
Durham
Visiting Durham in the North East of England offers a striking blend of charm, tradition, and scenic beauty. The compact city centre is wrapped in a loop of the River Wear, which lends itself to peaceful riverside walks and spectacular views of the cathedral and castle perched high above. With its cobbled lanes and independent shops, Durham is a great…
Visiting Durham
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South Shields

South Shields
South Shields
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stuart Locke
South Shields is a coastal town and a seaside resort at the mouth of the River Tyne, downstream from Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England. Visiting South Shields offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Nestled on the northeastern coast of England, this charming seaside town is renowned for its stunning beaches, including…
Visiting South Shields
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Sunderland

Panoramic View of Hendon Beach
Panoramic View of Hendon Beach
CC BY-SA 3.0 / somaliayaswan
Sunderland is a port city in Tyne and Wear, England. It is situated 12 miles north-east of Durham and 10 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne, at the mouth of the River Wear. Visiting Sunderland provides a captivating mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a diverse experience. Located on the northeast…
Visiting Sunderland
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Carlisle

carlisle castle
carlisle castle
Visiting Carlisle, nestled in the far north of Cumbria near the Scottish border, offers a unique experience that blends urban charm with striking natural surroundings. The city acts as a gateway to both the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall Country, making it an excellent base for exploring northern England’s landscapes and heritage sites. Whether you're here for a weekend or…
Visiting Carlisle

Bowness-on-Solway

Pavilion at the start and end of the Hadrians Wall Path at Bowness Cumberland
Pavilion at the start and end of the Hadrians Wall Path at Bowness Cumberland
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian S / The start of the Hadrian's Wall Walk
Bowness-on-Solway is a small village of fewer than 100 houses in Cumbria in northwest England. It is situated to the west of Carlisle on the southern side of the Solway Firth estuary separating England and Scotland and has spectacular views across the Solway estuary to Dumfries & Galloway. The village is part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural…
Visiting Bowness-on-Solway

Lancaster

Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian Taylor
Lancaster, situated in the North West England region, offers a charming mix of urban energy and rural serenity. Its position on the River Lune gives it a scenic appeal, with riverside walks and open spaces like Williamson Park providing peaceful escapes. The city centre blends independent shops, cafes, and heritage architecture, making it a compact and walkable place to explore…
Visiting Lancaster

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, in the heart of Scotland’s Central Belt, is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with dramatic natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its unique geography, with the Old Town perched on a ridge and the New Town laid out in elegant Georgian symmetry below. Walking through its atmospheric streets reveals centuries of layered architecture, from medieval closes to…
Visiting Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Hexham

If you want the most convenient base for exploring Hexham on foot, stay in the town centre around the Abbey, Market Place, and Sele Park. This area is ideal for first-time visitors because you can walk to cafés, pubs, the abbey precinct, and the main shopping streets in minutes, and you don’t need to think about parking once you’ve checked in. Two strong picks here are The Beaumont Hotel and The County Hotel, both of which put you right in the middle of town for an easy, classic market-town stay.

If you’re planning day trips and want the simplest logistics, the area around Hexham railway station is the most practical choice. You can arrive by train, drop your bags, and still be within a short walk or quick hop to the centre, which makes it a great option for shorter stays or anyone who prefers to avoid driving. A reliable option here is The Station Inn, which is especially handy if you’re timing early departures or late arrivals.

For a more rural-feeling stay while still being close enough to dip into Hexham for dinner, look at the Tyne Valley villages and countryside just outside town. This is the sweet spot if you want peace, views, and a slower pace, while keeping Hadrian’s Wall country and Northumberland scenery within easy reach. A standout in this category is Walwick Hall, which is well suited to a “treat stay” where the accommodation feels like part of the trip rather than just a place to sleep.

If you’re after a destination-style hotel with facilities, head southwest into the wider Hexham area where the landscape opens out and the stay becomes more resort-like. This works well for couples, golfers, and anyone who wants spa time built into the itinerary without needing to plan every evening in town. The obvious choice is Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, which is best approached as a “book the hotel, then plan the days around it” kind of base.

For a once-in-a-lifetime-style stay, the best “special occasion” option near Hexham is to choose a heritage property where the building itself is the experience. If you like the idea of turning your accommodation into a story you’ll talk about later, Langley Castle Hotel is the classic choice for a memorable night in the countryside with a strong sense of place.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Hexham. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Hexham Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Hexham

Visiting Hexham in Spring

Spring is a delightful time to visit Hexham, with blooming flowers and mild weather perfect for exploring the town’s parks and historic sites.

Visiting Hexham in Summer

Summer in Hexham is warm and vibrant, ideal for outdoor activities, visiting local festivals, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Visiting Hexham in Autumn

Autumn brings a tapestry of colors to Hexham, offering a picturesque backdrop for hiking, visiting the abbey, and exploring the town’s historic architecture.

Visiting Hexham in Winter

Winter in Hexham is cozy and festive, with holiday markets, seasonal events, and the charm of the town’s historic buildings adorned with lights.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 5°C
  • February 8°C
  • March 9°C
  • April 12°C
  • May 14°C
  • June 18°C
  • July 19°C
  • August 18°C
  • September 16°C
  • October 12°C
  • November 9°C
  • December 8°C

How to get to Hexham

Traveling to Hexham by Train

Hexham is accessible by train, with regular services from Newcastle and Carlisle. The train station is conveniently located near the town center.

Traveling to Hexham by Car

Driving to Hexham is easy, with the town situated near major roads like the A69. There are several parking options available in and around the town center.

Traveling to Hexham by Bus

Hexham is well-served by regional bus services, connecting it to nearby towns and cities. The central bus station is a convenient hub for travelers.

Traveling to Hexham by Plane

The nearest major airport to Hexham is Newcastle International Airport, located about 20 miles away. From the airport, visitors can take a train, bus, or car to reach Hexham.

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