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One of the most popular reasons behind a visit to the Hexham area is to explore Hadrian's Wall. It is a vast area to cover and some of the most spectacular scenery that Northumberland has to offer. We have created a guide specific to Hadrian's Wall and it's many attractions, museums and exhibitions, please visit this page for more information. Below you will find lots of things to do in Hexham itself and the surrounding areas.
Hexham Abbey
Right in the centre of Hexham is the ancient and beautiful Hexham Abbey. The site has been a place of worship for over 1,300 years and the current Abbey was built between 1170 and 1250. The Abbey is located in the Market Square and is open to the public every day (service permitting) between the hours of 9.30am and 5.00pm. The Abbey is home to many events throughout the year with the most popular being the annual Hexham Abbey Festival of Music and Arts held towards the end of September. For ten days there is a packed calendar of events including music, singing, choirs, a street fair, a food festival and much more. There is also a Gift Shop at the side of the Abbey and beautiful surroundings in Sele Park. More information is available at the Hexham Abbey Website. Postcode for your SatNav NE46 3NB.
Public Parks
There are two beautiful public spaces in Hexham that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The first is Sele Park, located next to the historic Abbey in the Town Centre. The Park belonged to the Beaumont family until it was sold to the Town in 1911. Henry Bell, a local wool merchant presented a bandstand to the park the following year and it is still used for musical events to this day. The park is at it's best in the Summer months with the lovely flower beds, woodland areas and a very relaxed atmosphere in the shadow of the Abbey.
The second of my favourite public spaces in Hexham is Tyne Green Country Park, just outside the Town Centre, by the river Tyne. I have many great childhood memories of picnics by the river here, we would always stop by after a visit to the Town and I still do when I'm in the Hexham area. There is a safe children's play area with loads of slides, climbing frames and a zip-wire, a canoe club that takes full advantage of the beautiful river setting, picnic areas and a golf club with a restaurant.
There is plenty of parking right inside the park and I can highly recommend this as a stop off point, especially if you have children with you. Postcode for your SatNav NE46 3SG. Both parks are marked on our interactive map of Hexham.
Queen's Hall Arts CentreQueens Hall is an Arts Centre in the middle of the Town that provides an art service to a large part of rural Northumberland. It's an absolutely beautiful Victorian building (shown in the photo above from Sele Park). It has been used as an arts centre since 1983 and is the home of Hexham Library and the Exchange Cafe.
They offer an extremely varied programme of events in the main auditorium and other exhibitions throughout the building and in the Cafe. The theatre itself seats 354 people and attracts some of the best shows and performers from around the Country. They also offer office space for the annual Hexham Book Festival. Visit their website for a full list of what's on at the moment.
Hexham Old Gaol & The Border History Museum
The Old Gael in the centre of Hexham, just off the Market Place is the oldest purpose built jail in the Country. It was built in 1330 and was used as a jail for over 500 years, now it is a fascinating place where the history of the area comes to life. You can feel the history inside the museum, but it has been brought bang up to date with it's exhibitions, interactive displays of archaeology, armour and costumes. A fantastic glass lift takes you effortlessly between the levels of the building where you can meet the gaoler and learn about the border raids, the Border Reivers and what it was like to be a prisoner in the dungeon! It really is an enjoyable and educational place for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the Tynedale Heritage website for more information.
Forum Cinema
The Forum is now Tynedale's only cinema and is located in the Town Centre. It is owned by the Hexham Community Partnership and dates back to 1937 and has been brought right up to date with the latest 3D technology. They show a wide range of films, hold exhibitions and have regular live music events. There is also a lovely coffee shop 'Scott's Cafe' that overlooks the Market Place. Visit their website to find out what's on at the moment.
Hexham Racecourse
Amazingly it is now Northumberland's only racecourse! Located on Yarridge Heights above Hexham, the racecourse is full of history and has been in operation for well over 100 years. There have been races in the area since 1720's, it was even requisitioned as an ammo site during the second world war and that strong heritage is continued today. Hexham Racecourse is still thriving today with a packed calendar of race meetings throughout the year. Visit their website for a full list of race dates.
Hexham Bootfair
Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between February and December Hexham Bootfair is one of the largest Car Boot Sales in the North East! It runs just outside Hexham at Hexham Auction Mart, adjacent to the Tyne Green Country Park. It opens to the public from 12pm when selling gets under way, the Bootfair has to be experienced to be believed! Visit their website for more information and a guide about what can be sold at the Fair.
Golf
Northumberland is full of beautiful golf courses and Hexham and the surrounding area is no different. On the banks of the Tyne at Tyne Green Country Park is Tynedale Golf Club an 18 hole course that welcomes visitors, has a modern clubhouse and ample parking. Hexham Golf Club is just outside the town at Spittal Park, a beautiful course on the South of the River Tyne. Other nearby courses include the impressive Slaley Hall Golf Course, Allendale Golf Club and Stocksfield Golf Club. For a complete list of all Northumberland's Golf Courses visit our Golf Page.
Walking and Cycling
To explore the Town on foot there is no better way than to follow on of the Tynedale Heritage Town Trails. The website has a handy downloadable map listing all the interesting places and buildings along with a little bit about their history. Moving a little further afield from the Town, one of the most popular walking areas in the whole County is Hadrian's Wall. 'Walking the Wall' as it has become known offers some of the most spectacular countryside scenes and an unrivalled history to explore. The Garden Station, near Hexham has a lovely garden and offers woodland walks all year round, they also have a Cafe and run various courses outside of the winter season. Cycling is also extremely popular in Hadrian's Wall country, with many quiet country lanes to explore and Hadrian's Cycleway has quickly become one of the top routes in the County since it's introduction. Visit our Hadrian's Wall guide for more information about walking and cycling in the area.
Between Hexham and Corbridge is Dilston with it's Castle and Chapel which belongs to the North Pennines Heritage Trust. The are located in the grounds of Dilston College and their is ample parking and a cafe for refreshments. Also in Dilston is the Dilston Physic Garden, an unusual garden open to the public that brings herbs to life like no other! The garden has over 800 medicinal plants and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from mid April to Mid October.
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