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Your Guide to Hexham
Your Guide to Hexham
Hexham is a beautiful and ancient market Town located in the South-West of Northumberland on the River Tyne. In 2005 Hexham became England's favourite Market Town and in 2011 Countryfile Magazine named it as one of their top 5. It's easy to see why, with the 12th Century Abbey dominating the Marketplace and a fantastic range of shops and restaurants, all in a beautiful location. It is perhaps Northumberland's most picturesque Town, but you'll find plenty of substance to go along with the style! Along with the Abbey there is the 12th Century Gaol, the oldest purpose built prison in England, the 14th Century Moot Hall and the medieval and quirky streets to wander. The area is famous for being Hadrian's Wall Country and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the Tynedale region.Click Here for our interactive Town Centre Map of Hexham showing all the attractions and town amenities, as well as parking, travel information and recommended viewing points.
Getting There
Hexham is easily accessible by road, being just a short distance from the A69 that runs from a junction at the A1 at Newcastle right through Hadrian's Wall Country to Carlisle. There are large parking areas as you enter Hexham, which are marked on our Town Centre Map.
By Public Transport, Arriva run a regular bus service from Newcastle to Carlisle that stops in Hexham and many of the surrounding Villages. There is also a service that runs from Morpeth, through Corbridge and terminates in Hexham. There is also an Hadrian's Wall Country bus that covers a lot of the area surrounding Hexham. It runs from Easter until the end of October each year, details of the various routes can be found on the Hadrian's Wall Country website. Go North East also run a bus between Hexham and Newcastle that calls at Corbridge, Stocksfield, the Metrocentre and Prudhoe amongst other places.
There is a Train Station in Hexham with a regular service to Newcastle in the East and Carlisle in the West. This line has stops at Haltwhistle, Hexham and the Metrocentre.
Hexham's Attractions and Things To DoThere are so many things to do from a base in Hexham, from the attractions in the Town Centre to the world famous Hadrian's Wall. Starting in the Town itself there is the absolutely beautiful Hexham Abbey. Set in the stunning surroundings of Sele Park the Abbey dominates the Market Place and has been a site of worship for over 1,300 years. The wonderful and unique history of Hexham is evident in other attractions in the Town including the Hexham Old Gaol & the Border History Museum. Hadrian's Wall is just a stone's throw from Hexham and there are numerous places to explore with the main attractions being Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort and Museum and the Roman Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum. The stunning countryside in Hadrian's Wall Country also lends itself perfectly to walking, cycling and fishing on the River Tyne. For a full break down of all the best things to do in and around Hexham click on the link below. Explore your guide to Hexham's Attractions...
Hexham's Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes - Places to Eat and Drink
There really is an excellent range of restaurants and places to eat in Hexham. It's not just in the Town Centre either, the surrounding countryside is full of excellent, award-winning pubs and coach houses set in some of the County's most beautiful countryside. We've been visiting Hexham for many years and have highlighted our favourite places to eat and drink, along with a full listing of all restaurants, pubs and cafes in the area. Our top restaurants are also marked on our interactive map of Hexham town centre.
Hexham's ShoppingHexham has long been famous for it's excellent shopping, there are a huge number of independent traders and also the wonderful weekly market and the twice monthly Farmers Market. The Town centre is steeped in history and has many quaint side streets with interesting, quirky shops and galleries hidden away behind every corner to explore. It's not your average high street! Thankfully the large chains, although present, haven't completely taken over and dominated the Town. Taking your time and wandering the picturesque streets offers a relaxed shopping experience you don't find in many places these days. Highlights of these independent shops include Sorella, Mucho Gusto, Core Music, Petals of Hexham, Dillies, Fat Giraffe, Malcolm Eglin Antiques and Gaia Fair Trade Emporium.
Unfortunately, a former Hexham institution that many people will remember if they have ever visited Hexham, Robbs is no longer open. After relocating from their famous premises to the Town Centre a few years ago they have now closed their doors for good.
Accommodation in and around Hexham - Hotels, B&B's, Self-Catering and Cottages
Hexham has an excellent selection of Hotels, B&B's, self catering accommodation, bunkhouses and caravan sites. It's the perfect base to explore the Market Town itself and Hadrian's Wall Country, being particularly popular with people who enjoy walking, fishing and cycling. We have put together a listing of places to stay in Hexham and all the beautiful surrounding Villages and stunning countryside. Explore your guide to Places Stay in and around Hexham...
Hexham's AmenitiesThe Town has excellent amenities and one of the first places you could visit is the Tourist Information Centre which is located in Wentworth Car Park. There are also public toilets here (both are marked on our Town Centre Map).
There are many banks in the Town including Natwest (Battle Hill), Lloyds TSB (Cattle Market), Halifax and Barclays (Priestpopple). Other amenities include Hexham Library (Queen's Hall, Beaumont Street), Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham Community Centre (Gilesgate), Tynedale Tennis Club, Hexham Rowing Club, Hexham Football Club, Hexham General Hospital.
Food Shopping and Supermarkets
The weekly market and the twice monthly Farmers Markets are the ideal place to get a whole host of quality local produce. The Farmers Markets are usually held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, for more information about the market visit their website. Cranstons is a recommended butcher on Cattle Market and you couldn't get better quality fruit and veg than on one of the markets. Hexham is also blessed with a good choice of supermarkets, with the main three all being located near the main route in to the town near the Wentworth Leisure Centre. Here there is a large Tesco, Waitrose and an Aldi.
Places and Attractions Nearby
Hadrian's Wall, Corbridge Guide, Aydon Castle, Corbridge Roman Town, Housesteads Roman Fort, A-Z of All Guides
Have we missed something? Can you recommend an attraction, restaurant or accommodation? Or maybe you have a business you would like to be included? Let us know.
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