A weekend in Hexham

An abbey town in the Tyne Valley, the best base for Hadrian's Wall

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Hexham is a handsome market town on the River Tyne, dominated by a magnificent abbey with a Saxon crypt. It lies only a few miles south of Hadrian's Wall, and is the best-placed town for exploring Roman forts, museums and dramatic ridge walks.

It is on the Tyne Valley railway line from Newcastle, and surrounded by quiet countryside, which makes it ideal for a relaxed, history-filled weekend.

Best forHistory lovers, Walkers, Food lovers, Families

Best time to goSpring to autumn for Hadrian's Wall and the Tyne Valley. The abbey and market make it good in wet weather too.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereNewcastle: About 35 to 40 minutes by train, or about 40 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Hexham

Plan your weekend in Hexham

Top attractions in Hexham

Hexham Abbey

A large medieval abbey, built over a 7th-century crypt, with a well-known night stair.

Hexham Old Gaol

A very early purpose-built prison, now a small museum of local history.

Housesteads Roman Fort

A well-preserved fort on Hadrian's Wall, with views along the ridge.

Chesters Roman Fort

A cavalry fort on the Tyne with a bathhouse and museum.

Vindolanda

A Roman fort and museum, famous for the writing tablets found there.

Best things to do in Hexham

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Hadrian's Wall walk

Hadrian's Wall Path is an 84-mile National Trail across northern England, but you can enjoy short sections in a weekend. Allow a half day to several days.

Durham Cathedral visit

Durham Cathedral is a masterpiece of Norman architecture beside the castle on a loop of the River Wear, together a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Farne Islands puffin trip

The Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, are home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including puffins that nest between roughly April and July. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

More things to do near Hexham

Kielder dark sky stargazing Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland
Cycling at Kielder Water Kielder Water and Forest Park, Northumberland

Best areas to stay in Hexham

Hexham town

Walkable, with pubs, shops and the abbey.

Near Hadrian's Wall

Rural stays close to the forts and the wall walks.

Corbridge

A pretty village nearby with Roman remains and a few places to eat.

Best hotels in Hexham

Prices for a double room in Hexham typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Hexham

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Hexham

Spring to autumn for Hadrian's Wall and the Tyne Valley. The abbey and market make it good in wet weather too.

Seasons that suit Hexham well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Hexham

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Hexham

From Newcastle: About 35 to 40 minutes by train, or about 40 minutes by car.
From Carlisle: About 40 minutes by train.
From Manchester: About 3 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Hexham

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Hexham town.
Saturday: Start with Hexham Abbey, then Hexham Old Gaol. In the afternoon, head to Housesteads Roman Fort.
Sunday: Visit Chesters Roman Fort or Vindolanda, then head home.

Packing list for Hexham

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

Wall walking is exposed, so wear proper boots and layers.
Seasonal buses run along Hadrian's Wall, so check the timetable.
Market days are Tuesday and Saturday, which can be busy.

Hexham weekend FAQs

Is Hexham a good base for Hadrian's Wall?

Yes. It is the nearest main town to the central section of the wall and has a railway station.

Is Hexham worth visiting by itself?

Yes. The abbey, old gaol and market are worth a visit, though most people combine it with the wall.

More weekend ideas

NorthumberlandNorthumberland

Castles, empty beaches, dark skies and Hadrian's Wall

NewcastleTyne and Wear

A friendly quayside city of bridges and big nights out

AlnwickNorthumberland

A castle town with a famous garden, a giant bookshop and the sea nearby

DurhamCounty Durham

A cathedral and castle on a wooded river bend

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.