Historic charm

Shopping in Hexham is a rare pleasure. We serve a population six times the size of Hexham itself as the main market town for west Northumberland. As a result, we have a fine selection of shops.

Shops in Hexham range from funky independent gift shops with heritage frontages to hidden-away specialists (where you can replace that broken headlight bulb, for instance). We even have a violin shop…

Enjoy the convenience of banks, newsagents, opticians, hairdressers, beauty salons and pharmacies plus four major supermarkets (Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl and Tesco Extra). We’re also home to much-loved national brands such as Seasalt, White Stuff, Crew Clothing, Mountain Warehouse, Greggs, Costa, Caffè Nero, Next and Pets at Home.  

Why not make a day of it and grab something delicious to eat?

Hexham’s Markets

People have been shopping in Hexham market place for hundreds of years. In fact, its charter was signed in 1222 AD, when Henry III was in power. You can still buy fresh fruit, veg, plants and free-range eggs from stallholders at the 18th-century Shambles (Tues-Sat).

Hexham’s popular Farmers’ Market (usually every second and fourth Saturday of the month) attracts 20+ stallholders offering local produce.

Hexham also has a small, weekly Tuesday market with foodie delights such as Northumbrian seafood, pastries and cheese.

Specialist food shops

There are two traditional butchers in the centre of town – Robson and Sons (established 1894) and Cranstons.

The Grateful Bread sells artisanal sourdough (Tues-Sat) from its bakery on Market Street in the French style – until the bread runs out!

Hexham’s indie shopping scene

Fore Street is where you will find most of Hexham’s high-street brands, but we’d like to get you off the beaten path. Here’s a selection of what’s on offer:

Market Place & Beaumont Street

Love vintage? Don’t miss the Vintage Emporium and Hexham Antique Centre – the entrance is tucked away between TRAM and Snap Records. Lots to explore over three storeys.

You’ll also find Galleria Jewellery, Ashley Matthews Jewellery, Geoff Steven & Son Opticians, Hexham Abbey’s shop and Grape Tree health food here.

St Mary’s Chare

Easy to miss, but just a few seconds off Hexham Market Place, St Mary’s Chare is a charming row full of creative businesses plus good places to eat. Walk through the courtyard behind Salute Café for The Wynd photographic gallery – special stuff.

Market Street

Another hidden gem for shopping in Hexham. Market Street is big on historic shopfronts.

Hallstile Bank

Hallgate plus Battle Hill/Cattle Market/Priestpopple/Hencotes

You’ll find Hallgate through the archway under the Moot Hall on the Market Place.

Battle Hill, Cattle Market and Priestpopple are different parts of the same road that runs along the north of Hexham town centre.

More specialist shops in Hexham