- Hexham was designated the 'Happiest Place to Live' in the UK by a national property report in 2019.
- The town sits on the site of a 7th-century monastery founded by Saint Wilfrid, which was largely destroyed by Danish raiders.
- Hexham’s Old Gaol, built in 1332, is one of the earliest examples of a purpose-built prison structure in England.
- The town’s famous 'Hexham Races' take place at a course that has been described as one of the most picturesque in the country, located on the Yarridge Heights.
- The town historically served as a significant centre for the wool trade, which brought substantial prosperity during the medieval period.
About Hexham
Hexham is a historic market town in Northumberland, positioned just south of the World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall. The town is dominated by the medieval architecture of Hexham Abbey, which serves as a spiritual anchor, and the Hexham Old Gaol, one of the oldest purpose-built prisons in England. Visitors can explore local history at the nearby Corbridge Roman Town or find tranquility in the verdant spaces of The Sele. It remains a key gateway for archaeological exploration, bridging the gap between medieval ecclesiastical history and the region's Roman frontier legacy.
Highlights of Hexham
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the medieval crypt and the ancient Frith Stool housed within this historic abbey.
Museums
Walk through one of the best-preserved cavalry forts along the entire length of Hadrian's Wall.
Historical places
Discover the foundations of a thriving Roman town and visit the on-site museum containing excavated artifacts.
Museums
Tour one of England's earliest purpose-built prisons to learn about the harsh realities of medieval justice.
Historical places
Visit this fortified 14th-century manor house to experience defensive architecture from the border reiver era.
Parks
Stroll through this former medieval grazing ground that now serves as the primary public park for the town.
Parks
Explore historical botanical practices in this garden focused on plants once used for medicinal remedies.
Places of interest
View this historic 17th-century bridge that survived the great flood of 1771.
Top things to do in Hexham
The 60 highest-rated places in Hexham, ranked by travellers.
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Museums
Vindolanda is a world-renowned Roman auxiliary fort located just south of Hadrian's Wall, famous for its ongoing archaeo...
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Places of interest
Housesteads Roman Fort, known as Vercovicium, is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain, situated atop a d...
3
Historical places
Hexham Abbey is a former Augustinian monastery founded by St. Wilfrid in 674 AD. The structure features a surviving Angl...
4
Museums
The Roman Army Museum is situated at Carvoran Roman Fort on the line of Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. It focuses spe...
5
Museums
Chesters Roman Fort, known as Cilurnum, stands as the best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain and is a key site alo...
6
Historical places
Corbridge Roman Town is a rare example of a civilian Roman settlement rather than a purely military garrison, located ju...
7
Parks
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge is an extensive woodland estate in Northumberland managed by the National Trust, character...
8
Places of interest
The Sycamore Gap Tree Memorial serves as a site of reflection following the illegal felling of the world-famous sycamore...
9
Museums
Killhope Lead Mining Museum is a multi-award-winning 19th-century lead mining site located in the North Pennines Area of...
10
Parks
Walltown Quarry Country Park is a reclaimed industrial site located directly on the route of Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO Wo...
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Historical places
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Venues
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Historical places
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Parks
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Museums
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Historical places
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Parks
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Parks
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Historical places
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Hexham on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Hexham
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers the most favorable weather for exploring the expansive Hadrian's Wall sites and outdoor gardens.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the historic town center and devote full days to the surrounding Roman archaeological sites.
The town centre is highly walkable, though regional bus services and cars are necessary for reaching nearby Roman forts and rural sites.
Stay in the town centre to be within walking distance of the Abbey and local transit links, or choose a countryside inn on the outskirts for a quieter experience.
Mid-range; while accommodation and dining prices are moderate, travel to scattered historical sites can add to the total cost.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 60 curated attractions in and around Hexham, ranked by traveller ratings.
Vindolanda is the highest-rated place to visit in Hexham right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 18 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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