The Sele

About The Sele

The Sele is Hexham's historic public park, a broad expanse of open greenery overlooked by Hexham Abbey in the centre of the town. It was first opened to the public in 1753, when Sir Walter Blackett, owner of the Hexham estate, gave townspeople access to the ground, and it passed into public ownership in 1908. The Sele adjoins the Abbey Grounds, laid out as a public park in the early twentieth century, and together they form a much-loved open space framed by mature lime trees that colour the town through the seasons.

Beyond its grassy expanse the wider parkland combines formal gardens with a traditional bandstand, woodland walks and recreational facilities. Visitors will find a children's play area, a skate park and public toilets, with the neighbouring Hexham House bowling green nearby. It remains a popular spot for a picnic, a gentle stroll or seasonal events, and its central setting makes it an everyday green retreat for residents and visitors alike.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature The Sele.

Bonfire Night in Hexham

Hexham's free fireworks display is on The Sele on Saturday 7 November, with a samba band beforehand. One thing to know first: there is no longer a bonfire.

Family Activities in Hexham: Days Out with the Kids

The best family days out in Hexham, from The Sele park and the Abbey Grounds to swimming and soft play at Wentworth, the Old Gaol museum and a family day at the races, grouped so you can plan around the weather.

Interesting Facts About Hexham

From England's oldest purpose-built prison and a 1,300-year-old Saxon crypt to a bloody militia riot, a glove-making boom and one of the country's most scenic racecourses, here are the stories that make Hexham so distinctive.

Best Parks and Green Spaces in Hexham

The Sele, the Abbey Grounds, Hexham House Grounds, and riverside Tyne Green, a guide to the best parks and green spaces in and around Hexham.

Best Playgrounds in Hexham

A newly refurbished play park, a riverside playground with a zip wire, and a neighbourhood green space, the best playgrounds in Hexham.