Hexham doesn’t close down when the summer is over, because it’s a working market town. We’ll keep you entertained whatever the season. Below you’ll find a short selection of places to visit in Hexham covering history, culture, nature and sports.
Historical Hexham
Hexham Abbey
Hexham Abbey sits at the very core of our town. It’s a beautiful sight inside and out. Entry is free but donations are welcome. Open 10am-4pm all week, with the exception of service times.
There has been a church on the site for over 1350 years. It is full of treasures such as the almost 2,000 year old memorial to a Roman standard bearer; Acca’s Cross from the 8th century; the medieval Dance of Death panels and Saxon grave covers.
The Abbey’s monastic buildings were seized by Henry VIII in 1537 and finally returned in 2012. One section now houses the Big Story exhibition (free entry), which tells the story of how the Abbey came to be. It’s well designed with plenty of interactive elements.
Hexham Abbey offers step-free access to everything but the Night Stairs.
Hexham Old Gaol & the Moot Hall
Two medieval towers are found in central Hexham. The first, the Moot Hall, looms over the Market Place. It was built in 1379 and used as a courtroom for hundreds of years. Public access is only possible for occasional events.
Hexham Old Gaol, the second tower, was the earliest purpose-built gaol in Britain. This fascinating building is open for most of the year (it closes for a few months in the depths of the winter). Find out more about the Border Reivers – feuding families who terrorised the region for centuries.
Learn about how our local landscapes changed over time, and about the challenges of life in the Borders for our ancestors.
The Old Gaol offers step-free access.
Dogs are allowed.
The Romans in and around Hexham
We have put together a page on this topic as there are so many Roman sites to explore close to Hexham, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, of course.
Free audio tours
iPhone or Android user? Search for the free Visit Hexham app in your online store. You’ll get access to four historical tours – The Apple Amble, The Trouble with Hexham: A People’s History, The Society Circuit and A Medieval Meander. They’re a great way to explore Hexham’s past.
Cultural Hexham
Queen’s Hall Arts
Hexham has a thriving arts centre at the Queen’s Hall on Beaumont Street. You’ll find a 380-seat theatre, two galleries, Hexham Library and a pleasant café in this elegant building. Live performances and exhibitions are programmed here throughout the year.
Step-free access to all levels.
The Forum Cinema
Hexham has that rarest of things – an independent, reasonably priced cinema. Not only that, but it’s also an architectural gem that hails back to the Art Deco period. The Forum shows films seven days a week ranging from foreign art-house to Hollywood blockbusters and kids’ films.
The entrance to the cinema is upstairs. However, stairlifts are available to the ticket office and then to the auditorium.
Nature and sports
The Sele Park
Right in the centre of Hexham, you’ll find a large park. It’s actually three parks in one. but commonly known as the Sele.
The section closest to Beaumont Street is the Abbey Grounds – this is where you’ll find our much-loved bandstand, which was built in 1912. It’s used throughout the year for live music and events.
The Sele section of the park is the largest of the three. It features a long, steep hill, which is perfect for sledging when we have snow. You’ll also find a skatepark and a playground here.
Last but not least, Hexham House grounds, which are walled off from the other parks. This is is a lovely, hidden area to discover with a classic view of Hexham Abbey.
TIP: Well-behaved dogs can be let off the lead in the Abbey Grounds and on the Sele, but not in Hexham Abbey Grounds.
Tyne Green Country Park
Hexham is blessed with a lovely stretch of the River Tyne. On land, this park is a popular spot for dog walks, cyclists, runners and golfers. It’s also busy on the water with rowers, canoeists and paddle boarders making the most of the water.
The path along the river at Tyne Green was recently improved to make it suitable for wheelchair users and mobility scooters.
Wentworth Leisure Centre
Hexham has a large leisure centre with two swimming pools, a gym and daily classes. You’ll also find a ten-pin bowling alley, and soft play for kids.
Step-free access throughout.
Hexham Racecourse
Renowned as the most scenic racecourse in Britain, Hexham races sits 600 feet above the town with wonderful views across the Tyne Valley.
The racecourse has 14 scheduled meetings through the year including a Ladies’ Day and a pre-Christmas event.
Want more?
Visit Hexham publishes a Monthly What’s On to inspire you. There are hundreds of events to choose from on in Hexham every year.