High on the south bank of the River Tyne, surrounded by rich, agricultural land and with views to the line of Hadrian’s Wall, lies Hexham. Although sometimes overlooked in favour of its more chichi neighbour, Corbridge, it is a place with down-to-earth charm.
The town developed around its Augustinian priory and became an important trading hub; today there is still a weekly market, while Hexham Abbey (as the priory church later became known) hosts a stream of events, including a film club, recitals and music festivals.
Hexham is also the location of England’s oldest known purpose-built gaol (built in 1333 and now a small museum informing about its gruesome past), a spread of independent shops and cafes, a plethora of pubs and one of the country’s most scenic racecourses, 600 feet (183 metres) above the town.
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Now is the perfect time to visit, before Hadrian’s Wall reaches peak summer busy-ness, and, you can watch archaeologists undertaking their annual work at Vindolanda, a Roman auxiliary fort (until 25 September). Plus, Hexham is regularly named one of Britain’s happiest places to live (according to Rightmove) so you can expect a friendly welcome. Find out more at visithexham.com.
