Historic market town near Hadrian’s Wall
Hexham is a charming market town nestled in Northumberland, England. It sits about a 30-minute drive west of the city of Newcastle on the east coast.
If you stop here on your travels, you’ll find a town full of greenery and historic landmarks to visit.
For a relaxing stroll, don’t miss The Sele, a large park in the heart of Hexham. The grounds range from formal gardens to woodlands. In autumn, this is the ideal spot to admire the changing colour of the foliage.
At the far end of the park, there is another must-see during your visit, Hexham Abbey. A monastery was established here as early as the 7th century. It wasn’t until the 12th century that the current structure started to be built, becoming the Hexham Parish Church in the 16th century.
With its stone-carved sculptures, stained-glass windows, crypt and art dating back to the 15th century, Hexham Abbey is worth the look.
Beneath today’s charm, Hexham is a town steeped in rocky history. Indeed, its location at the historic border between Scotland and England means it was the witness to plenty of battles.
First there was the Roman invasion that saw the settlement of Hadrian’s Wall just north of the town. Marauding Vikings raided Hexham, destroying part of its monastery. And the battle for Scotland’s freedom spilled over into Hexham, ravaging part of the region.
Another example of this past is the remains of the Hexham Old Gaol, England’s first purpose-built prison. It was built in 1333 and has now been transformed into a captivating museum that delves into the town's criminal past. You’ll find it on the main Market Place in the town centre.
A top reason to stop in Hexham and its surroundings is to discover the Roman heritage of this region. Vindolanda is an impressive archaeological site where Roman artefacts and ruins have been unearthed. Or venture slightly into the national park to take in Hadrian’s Wall and some of its forts, such as Housesteads.
View England
