Attractions and Places To See around Hexhamshire - Top 20

Hexhamshire is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Hexham Abbey, which dates back to 674 AD and features a rare Saxon crypt. Another significant site is Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum, offering insights into Roman life with preserved ruins and thousands of artifacts. Don't miss St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield, marking the site of a pivotal 7th-century battle. Other notable historical landmarks include Hexham Old Gaol, Moot Hall, and Chesters Roman Fort, all providing a glimpse into the region's past.

Yes, Hexhamshire offers beautiful natural landscapes. You can explore the vast Northumberland National Park, known for its diverse activities and dark skies, or the North Pennines AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with its dramatic moors and waterfalls. Within Hexham, Sele Park provides tranquil formal gardens and woodland walks. The area also features the scenic River Tyne and the captivating Hareshaw Linn Waterfall in Bellingham.

The Hexhamshire area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like the 'Hexham Abbey – Hexham Abbey and the Abbey Grounds loop' or the 'Hexham Bridge loop'. For mountain biking, consider routes such as 'Bellingham & Hexham loop on the Sandstone Way'. If you prefer hiking, there are easy options like the 'River Tyne loop from Hexham' or the 'Hexham Abbey – Hexham Market Cross loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Running Trails around Hexhamshire, MTB Trails around Hexhamshire, and Easy hikes around Hexhamshire guides.

Absolutely. Many attractions cater to families. Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum is particularly engaging for all ages, with its excavated ruins, replicas of Roman buildings, and a museum housing thousands of artifacts. Hexham Abbey welcomes families to explore its history, and Sele Park offers open spaces for children to enjoy. Hexham Racecourse also provides family-friendly events.

Hexhamshire is a gateway to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit Roman Vindolanda Fort and Museum, which features extensive ruins of forts, bathhouses, and a Roman village, along with a museum. Another excellent site is Chesters Roman Fort, considered Britain's most complete cavalry fort, offering well-preserved officer's quarters and baths.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural parks. During these seasons, the days are longer, and temperatures are milder, making it ideal for enjoying the Northumberland National Park, the North Pennines AONB, and riverside walks. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, though some trails might become slippery.

Yes, there are several easy walking routes. You can enjoy a pleasant 'River Tyne loop from Hexham' which is 4.2 km long, or the 'Hexham Abbey – Hexham Market Cross loop' covering 7.6 km. Sele Park, adjacent to Hexham Abbey, also offers accessible paths for a leisurely stroll. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around Hexhamshire guide.

A notable viewpoint is the Chollerford Bridge Over the River North Tyne, which is the main landmark of the scenic village of Chollerford and offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding countryside. The North Pennines AONB also provides intense views across vast heather moors and tumbling waterfalls.

Yes, the market town of Hexham itself offers a good number of hotels, B&Bs, and many places to eat and drink. Near Chollerford Bridge Over the River North Tyne, you'll find amenities like the Riverside Kitchen and the George Hotel. Many villages throughout the region also have local pubs and cafes, especially those popular with walkers.

St Oswald's Church, Heavenfield is a historically significant religious building located directly on the Hadrian's Wall Path. It marks the site of the Battle of Heavenfield in 635 AD, where King Oswald of Northumbria achieved a decisive victory. A stone cross and an oak cross commemorate this important event in early northern Christian history.

The River Allen, just off the John Martin Heritage Trail, has a beach area and pool that has historically been a popular dipping spot. However, the water can be very cold, often not rising above 6 degrees Celsius, so a wetsuit is recommended. Always exercise caution and check local conditions before attempting wild swimming.

Hexham Abbey is one of England's oldest and most impressive churches, founded in 674 AD. It features a rare Saxon crypt, which is the oldest surviving structure, and parts of the abbey were constructed from stones taken from Hadrian's Wall. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass, the Roman tombstone of Flavinus, and an impressive Phelps organ, making it a profound historical and architectural experience.

To learn about the Border Reivers period, you should visit the Hexham Old Gaol. Built between 1330 and 1333, it is one of England's first purpose-built jails and now functions as a museum. It educates visitors about the lives of prisoners during this turbulent period and the local families of that time, offering a unique historical perspective.