Located in Northumberland, the gorgeous market town of Hexham was built around an Anglo-Saxon abbey and is just a short walk away from Hadrian’s Wall. There is still some of the early architecture, built over a thousand years ago with recycled stone used from a Roman fort, preserved in the crypt.
There’s an adorable, interesting marketplace to explore and a shopping area filled with family-run businesses. Close by, you can find what is believed to be the oldest prison in the country, with an interesting museum where you can learn more about the violent history of the town that endured battles and border raids for hundreds of years. If you’re planning to visit Hexham, here are some of the best things to do.
Hexham Abbey
You can’t pay a visit to Hexham without going to see the Abbey, right at the heart of the town. It has been remodelled since it was first built in the 12th century, but you can visit the Saxon crypt, which has mostly stayed the same since its construction 1,300 years ago. The crypt is filled with intricate Roman carvings with vegetal patterns and pagan artwork. In the chancel, you can see a gorgeous set of painted panels from the 1400s and upstairs, the Frith Stool is believed to be another preserved Saxon element.
Visit the Night Stair, where you can see a huge memorial slab dedicated to a Roman standard-bearer killed thousands of years ago. All in all, you should set aside a couple of hours to explore the Abbey because there is so much to see.
Northumberland National Park
Located just six miles from Hexham, you can easily get a taxi from Hexham to take you to the gorgeous Northumberland National Park. This national park is the furthest park North in England, and Hadrian’s Wall runs through it. In the south, you’ll find rambling moorlands and hillier terrains as you travel north towards the Cheviot Hills, which were the original border between England and Scotland.
Head to the west and you’ll be able to explore the remotest area in England, the Kielder Forest. Northumberland National Park is also home to the official Dark Sky Discovery site, Cawfields, which is a former quarry and has clear views of the night sky free from any light pollution.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is the most visited attraction in Northumberland, passing close to Hexham. This UNESCO World Heritage Site began in 122AD and included a full-sized fort every five miles. It’s remarkable today that huge remnants of the wall and its forts are still in place. The Hadrian’s Wall Path stretches for 84 miles and links the east and west coasts of Northern England. Along the wall, it’s definitely worth visiting the Roman Army Museum, Housesteads Roman Fort at Bardon Mill, Walltown Crags, and the former, excavated Roman Town at Corbidge, all of which can be easily accessed from Hexham.
Hexham is an adorable market town steeped in history. There are so many more things to see and do, but there are three main must-sees.
