Hexham brings together a range of interests for trip planning: the history of the Old Gaol dates back to Roman building materials; at Tyne Green Country Park, paths and views of the River Tyne take centre stage, while the Farmers' Market showcases homemade products. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hexham, you can first consider whether culture, time outdoors, or local produce will shape your stay most.

Hexham Old Gaol: Prison and Town History

Hexham Old Gaol is England’s earliest documented purpose-built prison. It was completed in January 1333; the building materials came from Corbridge Roman Fort, just three miles away. Its construction history thus links Roman materials with a medieval prison. As a purpose-built prison, the Old Gaol was constructed specifically for this function rather than being converted into a prison later. The Hexham Old Gaol museum tells the story of the prison and shows what life was like for the people of Hexham. This interpretation complements the history of the building with a perspective on the everyday lives of the town’s residents.

Walks in Tyne Green Country Park and across Sele Park

Tyne Green Country Park has paths with gravel and grass surfaces, as well as views of the River Tyne, meadows, and woodland. The different path surfaces and landscape features offer practical points to consider when planning a walk: alongside the terrain underfoot, the river, meadows, and woodland are part of the view. A walk in Hexham also takes you through Sele Park. If you’re including walks in your plans, you can consider this local feature alongside the paths and views in the country park.

Hexham Abbey

Hexham Abbey has a visitor centre. If you’re planning to visit the abbey during your stay, check current visitor arrangements in advance, as specific visitor facilities may change.

Products and provenance at Hexham Farmers' Market

Hexham Farmers' Market adds local production to these themes. The vendors come from within a 50-mile radius of the town, make their own products, and use a high proportion of locally produced ingredients. The radius describes where the vendors come from; the proportion of local ingredients, by contrast, relates to the composition of their products. For travellers who care about the origin and production of food, this distinction makes the market particularly interesting. The market is listed as taking place on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month; check the specific dates before travelling if a visit is important to your plans.

The different highlights also vary in what they focus on: at the Old Gaol, building history and town life come together; in the country park, paths and landscape features take centre stage; at the market, provenance and production are the focus. This lets you shape your stay around whichever of these perspectives interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Longhorsley, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Sharperton, Chollerford, Chathill, Seahouses, Ellington

For the broader travel overview: Northumberland.