Heritage Walking Trail: A Self-Guided Tour of Hexham

Distance: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) | Time: 90 minutes to 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy — largely flat, paved surfaces | Start and finish: Hexham Abbey

Stop 1: Hexham Abbey

Begin at the Abbey. There has been a church on this site since AD 674, when Etheldreda, Queen of Northumbria, granted lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York. Wilfrid used Roman stone from Corbridge to build what contemporaries described as one of the finest churches in Britain. The Saxon Crypt is the only surviving part of that 7th-century church — descend the worn stone steps and you are standing in one of the oldest intact Christian structures in England. Entry is free.

Stop 2: Church Flags and the Shambles

Step out of the Abbey's north door into Church Flags, the ancient burial ground. Cross eastwards to reach the Market Place. In the centre stands the Shambles — a stone-pillared open shelter dating from 1766, built by Sir Walter Calverley-Blackett. Hexham received its market charter in 1239 and the market continues on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Stop 3: Moot Hall

On the eastern side of the Market Place stands the Moot Hall, a commanding four-storey tower built around 1379. This was the principal courthouse of the Liberty of Hexhamshire — a quasi-independent jurisdiction under the Archbishops of York that persisted until 1572. It is one of the best-preserved medieval courthouses in northern England and a Grade I listed building.

Stop 4: Hexham Old Gaol

Pass through the Moot Hall arch into Hallgate to reach Hexham Old Gaol, the earliest recorded purpose-built prison in England. Ordered in 1330 by Archbishop William Melton and completed in 1333, built using stone from Corbridge Roman fort. Its most notorious occupants were Border Reivers. Today it operates as an immersive museum.

Stop 5: Sele Park

Walk south along Fore Street, then turn into Sele Park. First opened to the public in 1753, it is one of the earliest public parks in Northumberland. From the higher ground you get excellent views back towards Hexham Abbey.

Stop 6: Riverside

From Sele Park, follow the path towards the River Tyne. The riverside path offers a peaceful contrast to the ancient stonework, with willows trailing into the water and, if you are lucky, a glimpse of a dipper or grey wagtail.

Return to the Abbey

Turn back uphill through the park and town centre. Allow extra time if you want to visit the Old Gaol museum in depth (approximately 45 minutes).