Hexham

Hexham is an historic, bustling town in the heart of the Tyne Valley.

There is a great variety of accommodation in Hexham and is an ideal base to explore some of the area's unmissable attractions including Hadrian's Wall and Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Hexham Abbey is the historic centrepiece of the town - built around 675 AD at the direction of St Wilfred. The crypt is largely original and the remainder was much altered after 1113 by the Augustinian canons and again in the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

The town also boasts two medieval towers, the 14th century Hexham Old Gaol - the oldest purpose-built prison in England - and a Moot Hall which dates from the 14th or 15th century.

But Hexham is not just a place for those who love the past. It is a modern-day bustling market town that offers shops and leisure facilities including a leisure centre with swimming pool and bowling alley, supermarkets and all the services you would expect to find in a town of its size.

Hexham also has a busy arts scene, centred around the award-winning Queen's Hall Arts Centre. The centre presents a varied programme throughout the year, including dance, drama and European cinema.

There is a wealth of antique and gift shops and a farmers market which boasts some of the best food , including organic bread and meat, that local producers have to offer.