Visit Hexham
Everything you need for a day in Hexham — how to get here by train or car and where to park, the Abbey and the Old Gaol, the market and Hadrian's Wall, where to eat and stay, and what's on. Plus the town's Tourist Information Centre.
Getting Here & Parking
Hexham is one of the easiest Northumberland market towns to reach without a car — it has its own railway station — and its car parks use a free coloured-disc system.
Getting here
Trains run to Hexham stationon the Tyne Valley Line (Newcastle–Carlisle) — about 35 minutes from Newcastle, through the day. By car it’s roughly 40 minutes west of Newcastle on the A69.
Parking (it’s free)
The main car park is Wentworth, by the leisure centre and Waitrose. Hexham’s council car parks use a free coloured-disc system (short, medium and long stay); pick up a free disc from the Tourist Information Centre, leisure centre, Waitrose or local shops and set it to your arrival time.
Upcoming Events
View all →Bellingham Show & Country Festival 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Bellingham Showfield
See official siteHexham Antiques and Vintage Fair
9:00am - 3:00pm · Wentworth Leisure Centre
See listingHexham Farmers' Market (September)
9:00am - 1:30pm · Market Place
Free entryHexham Abbey Festival of Music & Arts 2026
Various · Hexham Abbey
VariousFeatured Guides
More Guides
All guides →
A Family Weekend in Hexham
Sele Park, the Abbey, Wentworth soft play, Allen Banks, and ice cream — a 48-hour family itinerary.
School Holidays: Northumberland Term Dates 2025-2027
Official Northumberland term dates for 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with INSET day guidance for Hexham schools.
Beer Festivals Near Hexham: Corbridge & Wark
The Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival in Corbridge — known locally as the Corbridge Beer Festival — and the Battlesteads Beer Festival in Wark: the best beer festivals near Hexham.
Best Italian Restaurants in Hexham
Vercelli's modern Italian dining, cocktail bar, and bottomless lunch.
Things to Do in Hexham: The Complete Guide
Hexham Abbey, the Old Gaol, Queen's Hall, Hadrian's Wall day trips, country walks, and a thriving market — everything worth doing in this historic Northumberland market town.
Where to Eat & Drink
A few local favourites — from the renowned Bouchon Bistrot and The Rat Inn to a coffee by the market. See the full list on the eat & drink guide.
Bouchon Bistrot
Food & DrinkA Tyne Valley institution serving classic French cuisine in a relaxed bistro setting. Known for dishes like escargots with garlic butter and crispy duck confit. Winner of Best European Restaurant at the North East Restaurant Awards.
The Rat Inn
Food & DrinkAn 18th-century country inn in the village of Anick overlooking the Tyne Valley, consistently ranked in the national Top 50 Gastropubs. Daily-changing blackboard menu showcasing the best of Northumberland produce.
Dipton Mill Inn
Food & DrinkThe tap pub for Hexhamshire Brewery, brewing its own ales on-site. Home-cooked food and a beautiful garden with a stream running through it. CAMRA Northumberland Pub of the Year.
Danielle's Bistro
Food & DrinkA family-run bistro on Eastgate that has been a Hexham favourite since 1996. Seasonal menu of British and Mediterranean cooking with locally sourced ingredients.
Vercelli Restaurant
Food & DrinkFamily-run Italian restaurant in the centre of Hexham with a cocktail bar hosting live music. Known for hand-stretched pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, and an expanding vegan menu. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.
Wentworth Cafe
Food & DrinkIndependent cafe next to Wentworth Leisure Centre serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Popular with families visiting the leisure centre and locals looking for quality coffee and homemade food.
Where to Stay
Grand country-house hotels in and around Hexham for an overnight or a longer Hadrian's Wall and Northumberland break.
Langley Castle Hotel
AccommodationA genuine 14th-century castle hotel in ten acres of woodland near Haydon Bridge, west of Hexham, and one of Northumberland's best-known wedding venues. The whole castle can be hired exclusively, with a licensed ceremony setting and 25 bedrooms.
Slaley Hall
AccommodationA four-star Edwardian mansion hotel in around 1,000 acres of forested countryside south-east of Hexham, licensed for civil ceremonies with several suites and only one wedding per day for exclusive use. On-site spa, pool and golf.
Matfen Hall
AccommodationA country-house hotel, golf and spa resort in the village of Matfen, east of Hexham towards Ponteland, and a long-established luxury Northumberland wedding venue licensed for civil ceremonies.