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Things to do in Hexham are all about cobbled streets, historic stone buildings and easy access to some of Northumberland’s most beautiful countryside. This small market town is the perfect base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall, but it’s also worth a visit in its own right, with an ancient abbey, England’s oldest purpose-built prison, leafy parks and a traditional market square all within a few minutes’ walk of each other.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Hexham, whether you’re planning a relaxed day trip from Newcastle, stopping off on a Hadrian’s Wall road trip or looking for a charming Northumberland town to stay in. From Hexham Abbey and the Old Gaol to indie shops, riverside walks and a little teaser of nearby Sycamore Gap, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time here and discover the prettiest corners of Hexham.
Parking in Hexham
If you’re driving, Wentworth Car Park is one of the easiest places for parking in Hexham and a great place to start your day. It’s a large, central car park with plenty of spaces, so you’re not circling tiny side streets looking for a spot. There’s also a Waitrose and a small café right next to it, which is ideal if you want to grab a coffee, use the loos or pick up snacks before you wander into town.
There are other car parks dotted around Hexham, but I like Wentworth because it’s spacious, straightforward to find and only a short walk from the market square, Hexham Abbey and the park. If you’re visiting for the first time or just in town for the day, it’s a stress-free base to leave the car and explore everything on foot.
Walking from Wentworth Car Park into Hexham town centre
One of the nicest ways to start enjoying the things to do in Hexham is the short walk up from Wentworth Car Park into the town centre. From the parking area you head past Wentworth Café, loop around the back of it and follow a fairly steep road uphill. It only takes a few minutes, but it instantly gives you that cosy market-town feel.
On the way you pass some really pretty houses – whitewashed stone cottages and red-brick terraces with sash windows and old chimneys. It’s a surprisingly photogenic little climb, and before you know it you’re at the top of the hill, ready to explore the market square, Hexham Abbey and the rest of the town on foot.
Hexham Old Gaol – England’s oldest purpose-built prison
At the top of the hill you’re suddenly face to face with Hexham Old Gaol, a solid medieval tower built in the 1330s and thought to be England’s earliest purpose-built prison. Today it’s a small but fascinating museum, and it absolutely deserves a spot high on any list of things to do in Hexham.
Inside, you can learn about the Border Reivers, medieval crime and punishment, and what life was like for prisoners waiting for trial in the nearby Moot Hall. There are interactive displays, original stone cells and plenty of stories for history lovers. It’s an ideal stop if the weather turns – allow around an hour to look around – and because it’s right by the Market Place it fits neatly into a walking route around town.
Moot Hall – Hexham’s medieval gateway into the town centre
Right next to Hexham Old Gaol you’ll find the Moot Hall, another impressive medieval building that now acts as a gateway into the town centre. This fortified tower was originally part of Hexham’s defences and later used as a courthouse, and you can still see the heavy stone walls, narrow windows and arched entrance that hint at its past.
Walking under the archway of the Moot Hall feels like stepping through a portal into historic Hexham. It’s a really photogenic spot – especially if you capture the tower from below or frame the view through the arch – and it naturally leads you towards the market square, shops and some of the best things to do in Hexham.
The Forum Cinema – Hexham’s vintage big screen
Just a few steps from the Moot Hall is The Forum Cinema, one of my favourite quirky stops when you’re exploring the best things to do in Hexham. The white Art Deco frontage dates back to the 1930s, when the old Gem Picture Palace on this spot was replaced with a brand-new “Forum” cinema – named after Hexham’s Roman links.
Today it’s Northumberland’s only full-time independent cinema, showing a mix of new releases, live-streamed opera and ballet, and special events. By day the building looks wonderfully retro overlooking the Market Place; by night the lights give it that cosy, old-school cinema feel. It’s a perfect rainy-day option, or a lovely way to end your Hexham itinerary with a film after dinner.
Hexham Market Place – local life with abbey views
Another of the essential things to do in Hexham is to wander through the Market Place. The covered market is full of stalls selling plants, flowers, food and bits for the home, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Hexham Abbey. It’s one of those spots where the town really feels alive – locals chatting, visitors browsing, and the abbey towers watching over everything.
From here you’re only a few steps from cafés, pubs and independent shops, so it’s the perfect place to linger for a while before heading into the abbey itself or down to the park.
Hexham Abbey – the heart of the town
No list of things to do in Hexham is complete without Hexham Abbey. A church has stood here for more than 1,300 years, and you really feel that history as soon as you step into the churchyard. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s a beautiful place just to wander around, with stone arches, old gravestones and glimpses of the abbey appearing between the trees.
As you walk in through the archway, you get that classic view of the abbey walls and the slightly overgrown graves tucked along the path. It feels peaceful rather than spooky – a quiet corner right in the middle of town where you can slow down for a moment.
Carry on around the outside and you’ll find more of the historic graveyard, with weathered stones leaning at odd angles and soft grass underfoot. There are little details everywhere: carved stone doorways, worn steps and views into the adjacent park. It’s a lovely loop to walk, and you can easily dip in and out of the churchyard as you explore the rest of Hexham.
Further round, the abbey’s scale really hits you. Tall Gothic windows, a sturdy tower with clock faces and long rows of arches show how important this place once was, and still is, to the town. You can sit on a bench and look up at all the stonework or walk the full circuit and admire it from every angle. You honestly don’t have to step inside to enjoy Hexham Abbey; just exploring the grounds from the outside is one of the most atmospheric, history-filled things to do in Hexham.
Relax in Hexham’s parks and bandstand
One of the loveliest things to do in Hexham is simply to wander through the town’s green spaces. Collectively known as the Hexham Parks, they’re actually three adjoining areas – the Sele, the Abbey Grounds and Hexham House Grounds – all overlooking Hexham Abbey. Parts of the Sele were opened to the public back in 1753, and the other gardens were laid out as public parks in the early 1900s, so you’re walking through over 250 years of local leisure history.
You usually enter through the Benson Memorial Gates, a pair of ornate wrought-iron gates and stone pillars that form the Colonel G.E. Benson Memorial Park. The park and gates commemorate Lieutenant-Colonel George Elliott Benson, a local man and Royal Artillery officer who was killed in the Second Boer War in 1901. His larger-than-life bronze statue, unveiled in the early 1900s and sculpted by John Tweed with input from Auguste Rodin, stands just outside the park looking out over the road.
Once inside, the paths wind between mature trees, little clearings and patches of lawn. There are memorial plaques dotted around – like the one marking a cedar tree planted for three Robb brothers, “sons of this town” – which quietly link the park to Hexham’s history. It’s a great place to slow down, spot squirrels and birds flitting between the branches, and just enjoy some greenery right in the centre of town.
At the heart of the park you’ll find the victorian bandstand, an octagonal cast-iron structure dating from 1912 and now Grade II listed. It was a gift from local benefactor Henry Bell, and it’s still very much in use today for free summer concerts, festivals and community events – perfect if you fancy bringing a picnic and listening to live music. The wider Hexham Parks also pack in a children’s play area, a skate park, formal gardens, a bowling green and a war memorial, and they’ve held Green Flag Award status since 2002, so you know they’re well looked after.
Browsing Hexham’s charity, vintage and antique shops
If you love a good rummage, one of the most fun things to do in Hexham is to dive into its charity, vintage and antique shops. They’re dotted all around the centre, and you never quite know what you’re going to find – every doorway seems to lead to another little treasure trove.x
Inside, the rails are packed with retro dresses and knitwear, there are trays of vintage jewellery, shelves of glassware and more quirky homeware than you could ever fit in the car. We spotted everything from golf clubs and teddy bears to vinyl records and old books. The shop owners are genuinely friendly and happy to chat, and many of the shops have hidden rooms, little staircases and snug corners that make browsing feel like a mini adventure in itself.
Whether you’re hunting for a unique souvenir, topping up your wardrobe or just enjoying a nosy around, Hexham’s second-hand and antique shops are really worth setting aside some time for.
Enjoy the Northumberland countryside around Hexham
One of the nicest things to do in Hexham is to escape the streets for a little while and enjoy the countryside that wraps right around the town. Drive just a few minutes out and you’re suddenly surrounded by open fields, big skies and curious cows peering over the hedges. It’s the kind of landscape that feels properly “Northumberland” – wide, quiet and a little bit wild around the edges.
There are plenty of small lanes and footpaths to explore if you fancy a short walk, and the views at golden hour are beautiful. As the sun drops, the fields turn a deep green, the sky glows soft orange and you really get that sense of space that makes this part of England so special. It’s well worth building a little countryside time into your Hexham day trip, even if it’s just a short detour before heading back to town for dinner.
Make time for Sycamore Gap
From Hexham, you’re also perfectly placed to visit Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall. The original sycamore tree – made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – was sadly felled in 2023, but the dramatic dip in the landscape and the stretch of Roman wall are still incredibly atmospheric. New growth is already sprouting from the stump and saplings are being raised from its seeds, so the story of Sycamore Gap is very much continuing.
If you have a few extra hours, it’s absolutely worth adding a short Sycamore Gap walk onto your Hexham itinerary. You get classic Northumberland views, a real sense of Hadrian’s Wall snaking across the hills and a chance to see one of the most talked-about spots in the National Park.
A Short Walk to the Sycamore Gap
Discover a short walk to the Sycamore Gap. Follow this scenic trail to see England’s iconic tree and enjoy breathtaking views along Hadrian’s Wall.
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Final thoughts on things to do in Hexham
Wrapping up, there are so many things to do in Hexham that you can easily fill a relaxed day – or a whole weekend – just pottering between its sights. From the Old Gaol and Moot Hall to Hexham Abbey, the Forum Cinema, leafy parks and indie shops, everything is walkable and pleasantly low-key. Add in a drive or short walk into the surrounding countryside and you’ve got history, green space and proper fresh air all in one place.
Whether you’re using Hexham as a base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall and Sycamore Gap or visiting purely for the town itself, it’s one of those places that quietly gets under your skin. Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of ideas for what to see, do and photograph – and a reason to plan your own Hexham day trip soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Hexham
Is Hexham worth visiting?
Yes, Hexham is definitely worth visiting. It’s a historic Northumberland market town with a beautiful abbey, England’s oldest purpose-built prison, leafy parks, indie shops and easy access to the surrounding countryside and Hadrian’s Wall.
What are the best things to do in Hexham for first-time visitors?
For a first visit, don’t miss Hexham Abbey, Hexham Old Gaol, the Moot Hall, the Market Place, the Forum Cinema, the parks and bandstand, and a wander around the charity, vintage and antique shops.
How long do you need in Hexham?
You can see the main sights in a relaxed day, but a full weekend gives you time to explore Hexham itself, enjoy the parks and countryside, and add a short trip to Hadrian’s Wall or Sycamore Gap.
Where can I park in Hexham?
Wentworth Car Park is a great option – it’s large, central and close to a Waitrose and café. There are other smaller car parks around town, but Wentworth is an easy, stress-free starting point.
Do you need a car to visit Hexham?
You don’t need a car to enjoy Hexham itself, as the train station is close to the centre and everything is walkable. A car is useful if you want to explore the wider Northumberland countryside or Hadrian’s Wall.
What is Hexham Abbey famous for?
Hexham Abbey is known for its long history as a place of worship (over 1,300 years), its mix of Saxon, Norman and Gothic architecture, and its peaceful churchyard and grounds right in the heart of town.
Do I have to go inside Hexham Abbey to enjoy it?
No – you don’t have to step inside at all. The outside is beautiful to explore, with arches, gravestones, stone doorways and views into the park. Walking around the abbey grounds is very enjoyable in its own right.
What is Hexham Old Gaol?
Hexham Old Gaol is a 14th-century stone prison and is thought to be England’s oldest purpose-built gaol. Today it’s a small museum where you can learn about medieval crime, punishment and the Border Reivers.
Is Hexham a good base for visiting Hadrian’s Wall?
Yes, Hexham is an excellent base for Hadrian’s Wall. It’s close to popular wall sections and viewpoints, including Sycamore Gap, and has plenty of places to eat, drink and stay.
Can you walk to Sycamore Gap from Hexham?
You can’t walk to Sycamore Gap directly from Hexham town centre, but it’s a short drive away. From there, you can follow a circular walk to Sycamore Gap and back.
Is Sycamore Gap still worth visiting after the tree was felled?
Yes, Sycamore Gap is still worth visiting. The dramatic landscape and the Roman wall remain, and new growth is already appearing from the old tree’s stump. It’s still a very atmospheric spot on Hadrian’s Wall.
Are there good parks and green spaces in Hexham?
Hexham has lovely parks, including the Sele, the Abbey Grounds and Hexham House Grounds. Together they offer lawns, trees, paths, a bandstand, children’s play areas and a bowling green – perfect for a picnic or walk.
What is the statue by the park entrance in Hexham?
The statue by the park entrance is a memorial to Lieutenant Colonel George Elliott Benson, a local officer who served in the Boer War. It stands near the Benson Memorial Gates leading into the park.
What is the bandstand in Hexham used for?
The Victorian bandstand in Hexham’s park is still used for community events and free concerts, especially in summer. At other times it’s a pretty focal point for photos and a nice place to sit nearby.
Are there good shops in Hexham?
Yes, Hexham has a mix of high street names and independent shops, plus excellent charity, vintage and antique shops selling clothes, homeware, books, vinyl records, toys, jewellery and more.
Are Hexham’s charity and vintage shops worth visiting?
Absolutely. They’re full of character, with hidden rooms, staircases and quirky displays. You can find everything from golf clubs and teddy bears to vintage glassware and classic records.
Is Hexham good for a rainy day?
Hexham works well in bad weather too. You can visit Hexham Abbey, explore Hexham Old Gaol, catch a film at the Forum Cinema and browse the charity and vintage shops, all without needing to be outside for long.
Is Hexham family-friendly?
Yes, Hexham is very family-friendly. Kids usually enjoy the parks, play areas, bandstand, riverside walks, and exploring the abbey and Old Gaol. The town is compact and easy to walk around with children.
When is the best time of year to visit Hexham?
Hexham is a year-round destination. Spring and summer are ideal for parks, picnics and bandstand events, while autumn brings beautiful colours in the trees. Winter is cosy for abbey visits, cinema trips and pub lunches.
Can you do Hexham as a day trip from Newcastle?
Yes, Hexham makes a very easy day trip from Newcastle by train or car. In one day you can explore the main things to do in Hexham, enjoy the parks and even add a quick countryside detour if you have time.
Other places to visit in England
If you’ve loved exploring all the things to do in Hexham and you’re planning more adventures, there are plenty of other corners of England you can dip into using my existing guides. For more coast time, head to Seaham on the Durham Heritage Coast – you’ve got a full guide to the best things to do in Seaham, plus a deep-dive into Seaham Hall Beach sea glass if you fancy hunting for colourful “treasure” along the shore. Another brilliant seaside option is Tynemouth, with its castle and priory ruins, golden beaches and buzzy food scene – perfect for a classic UK day-by-the-sea.
If countryside walks are more your thing, there are several tried-and-tested routes already on the blog. You can follow the Baitings Reservoir circular walk near Rishworth, the Butterley Reservoir circular walk in Marsden with its 210 stone steps and mill views, or head to Lancashire and enjoy an autumn walk from St Anne’s to Fairhaven Lake along the Fylde Coast. For green spaces with history built in, there’s also an autumn walk in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield, and a full guide to Cliffe Castle in Keighley, which combines a Victorian museum, park and café in one easy day out.
For something a bit more luxurious, you’ve got the Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa guide in the Lake District – ideal if you want a spa break with lakeside views. And if this Hexham post has sparked your love of history, don’t forget the guide to visiting the grave of Richard III in Leicester, plus the dedicated post on a short walk to the Sycamore Gap if you’re planning more time along Hadrian’s Wall. All of these are already live on the site, so you can easily mix and match them to build a longer England itinerary around your Hexham trip.
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