The best road cycling routes around Hexhamshire

Most people who pass by such a war memorial commemorating the victims will not have experienced the horrors of war firsthand. A dialogue invented by the writer Paul Harding might help. It is from a medieval detective novel, and the following exchange takes place: "Tell me, brother, when you went to war in France with your little brother, were you happy?" Athelstan felt his heart leap. "Of course." He smiled thinly. "I was young then. My blood was boiling, and I longed for great adventures." "And when you found your brother dead and cold as ice on the battlefield and returned to England... what was there?" Athelstan looked out into the courtyard; it was slowly getting dark. "In the Gospel, Sir John, Christ says that at the end of the world, the heavens will shake, and the planets will fall to earth in blazing fire." Athelstan closed his eyes. He felt Francis's spirit quite clearly. “When I found my brother dead in the field,” he continued, “it was as if heaven had fallen to earth for me.” (Source: “The House of the Red Butcher” by Paul Harding)

St. Andrew’s Church in Corbridge is one of the oldest and most historic churches in Northumberland, with roots dating back to 674 AD, when St. Wilfrid founded a monastery here. Although the original timber-framed building has disappeared, the current church still incorporates Roman stonework from the nearby Corstopitum Fort, including an impressive tower arch dating from around 150 AD. Saxon and Norman elements include a Saxon window, a Norman zigzag doorway, and a 13th-century chancel. Vicar’s Pele Tower: a 14th-century fortified tower house built with Roman stone, once a refuge from Scottish raids. King’s Oven: a communal bread oven dating from 1310, still visible on the site. Memorial Gate: commemorates 108 local men who died in WWI.

The Beaufront Castle Gatehouse is the gateway to the impressive Beaufront Castle, a Grade I listed manor house in Northumberland, near Hexham. Although the castle itself was built between 1836 and 1841 in the Castellated Gothic Revival style by architect John Dobson, the complex contains older elements such as a clock tower with a bell dating from 1694 and parts of a 17th-century house belonging to the Errington family. The gatehouse is believed to be part of this historic structure and served as both ceremonial and functional access to the estate. It stands on a site where a pele tower—a fortified tower house that was later incorporated into the manor house—was mentioned as early as 1415.

Hexham Abbey is one of England's oldest and most impressive churches. The abbey was originally founded in 674 AD by St. Wilfrid, using stones from nearby Roman ruins. The oldest part—the Saxon crypt—is still intact and represents a rare remnant of early Christian architecture. Inside, you'll find stained glass, the Roman tombstone of Flavinus, a 1st-century standard-bearer, an impressive Phelps organ from 1974, and a frith stool (Saxon bishop's chair). Admission to the abbey is free, with a small charge for the crypt.

About the patron saint of this church: Saint Andrew is one of the twelve apostles whom Jesus Christ called to follow him. However, in the biblical accounts, he is often somewhat overshadowed by his far more famous brother, Saint Peter. In the Gospels, we find the calling of the two siblings portrayed in different ways. According to the Gospel of John (John 1:40-42), Andrew is called first (together with another unnamed disciple). Later, he tells his brother that he has found the Messiah. The feast of Saint Andrew in the calendar of saints is November 30th in all major Christian denominations. The X-shaped white "St. Andrew's Cross," on which he was executed, forms the national flag of Scotland against a blue background and has also found its way onto the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

St Andrew's Church stands on the north side of the Market Place in the centre of Corbridge. The main (but not the only) access to the churchyard is through the lych gate built in 1919 to serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War, and from there a path leads towards the porch, surprisingly one of the most recent additions to the church, being built the year after the lych gate.

Chollerford Bridge spans the River North Tyne and provides wonderful views up and down the waterway. There is a footpath down to the river on the side without the traffic lights where you can go for a refreshing dip.

Hexham is a historic market town known for Hexham Abbey, its medieval architecture, historic buildings and scenic cobbled streets. It's a gateway to the North Pennines and Hadrian’s Wall, making a great starting points for hikes.