Location: Hexham
Top Things to do in Hexham
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Hexham, United Kingdom (UK)
Hexham (/ˈhɛksəm/ HEKS-əm) is a market town and civil parish in Northumberland, England, south of the River Tyne, and was the administrative centre for the Tynedale district from 1974 to 2009. In 2011, it had a population of 11,829.
Restaurants in Hexham
1. Falconry Days
Overall Ratings
5 based on 540 reviews
Bird Of Prey Centre with over 75 birds of prey from around the world located in the middle of Northumberlands National Park.Visitor centre open every day from 11am, picnic area, hot/cold drinks and light snacks.
Reviewed By meljc100 - London, United Kingdom
I recently attended a half day falconry experience as part of my 50th Birthday celebrations with my husband being a spectator. It was a great day which we both enjoyed immensely. The staff were not only knowledgeable but also clearly passionate about the birds in their care. Derek (Del Boy) was our falconer and he was full of information and stories. We had an introduction to many of the birds before we had a chance to go out on to the flying field. As well flying the birds we also got to stroke some of the owls to feel how incredibly soft their feathers are. For me however the highlight was the walk with Alice - Derek's Harris Hawk - which was very special. I would recommend this day to anyone with an interest in birds but also to a wider audience - I think anyone would find this a special experience. if you are not too squeamish I would imagine going on a hunting day - where you really would get to see the birds in action would be amazing.
2. Northumberland Sausage Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Michelle C - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
My husband and I visited Brockbrushes farm today to do a sausage making course which was bought for us as a gift.
The whole process was fun and the staff were very helpful and knowledgeable and we would recommend this course to everyone. Good quality produce, and highly recommended. While you are there visit the farm shop and cafe it is lovely.
3. Hareshaw Linn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By Paul W
Nice walk with decent paths through the woodland to a cool waterfall decent for photos. A little congested on the narrow paths. Negative is you must walk back the way you go so repetitive in that respect.
4. Housesteads Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By IainTwaddle - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit if you’re in the area. A short walk up the hill from the visitor’s centre is the museum with various artefacts and a short film explaining the history of the place. The Fort remains are pretty interesting and Hadrian’s Wall is an incredible feat of engineering. We didn’t have time to walk to the famous Sycamore Gap but would come again to do that. Great wee gift shop too.
5. Go Ape at Matfen Hall
Overall Ratings
5 based on 111 reviews
Our first adventure set in the grounds of a magnificent country house hotel, Matfen Hall. If you're looking for adventure days out in the North East, we're nestled within one of the UK's most un-spoilt areas of natural beauty. Whilst enjoying our Tree Top Adventure you will get to appreciate the views all from the trees, taking on high ropes and zip wires. We'll brief you for safety before you fly down our zip-wires, leap off our Tarzan Swing and tackle our crossings whilst enjoying some of Britain's most breathtaking scenery. Lap up some of the finest scenery in Matfen's 300 acres of historic parkland and enjoy a great day out near Newcastle.
Reviewed By JetWirral - Wirral
Absolutely brilliant experience. The staff were all really friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The safety briefing was clear, fun and easy to remember. I won't say that completing the course (including the giant tarzan swing near the end) has conquered my fear of heights!! However it was an amazing and unforgettable adventure and my kids have a new found respect for me and I learnt that my daughter is fearless and my son is thoughtful and strong! Loved the water stations at various points around the course - absolutely vital and very welcome for those of us who ended up with very dry mouths from the fear and adrenaline! I did the tree top adventure with my 2 children aged 12 and 14 and it took us just over 2.5hrs to finish. There was a group in front of us however we probably wouldn't have gone much quicker anyway and it was nice to just take our time. Make sure you wear a tucked in top because if you land backwards from the zip wires you will end up with woodchip down your trousers and up your back! I wore pumps which were ok but trainers or boots with a more solid sole would probably have been better. Highly recommended. If you are doubtful or scared - just go for it anyway!! You won't regret it.
6. Peter Carney: Hadrian's Wall Guide
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Tour the best parts of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. See some other reviews on Hadrian's Wall with Peter Carney
Reviewed By Debbi76 - Seattle, Washington
Our day out with Peter Carney proved to be a highlight of our trip. I am so happy that I followed the stellar reviews both here and on another travel forum to book Peter. He was very amenable to making the day whatever we wanted it to be. Since we were staying in Newcastle, we elected to take the train to Corbridge to meet Peter closer to the sights that would be the focus our day. Peter would have picked us up in Newcastle, but that seemed a waste of his (and our) time, and I'm so happy that we got the chance to see lovely little Corbridge, a medieval town that Peter showed us a bit of before we hopped into his car. (Next time, I think that I'd opt to stay in Corbridge over Newcastle.) Peter took us to several Roman sites in the area and we saw some gorgeous scenery. The star of the day was Vindolanda though. Besides walking about the ruins and visiting the museum, we got to see, and even talk briefly with, some archeologists at work excavating a trench. Peter says that it's not unusual for them to find objects of interest while he's standing there with clients. We were not that lucky, but are amazed at the quality of the objects that they continue to uncover from the site on a frequent basis. We had lunch at the cafe at Vindolanda - a good choice, nice food at a reasonable price. When hiring a private guide, I always hope to make a bit of a personal connection, and that definitely happened this time. Peter is knowledgeable but he's also a good conversationalist, so eventually we felt as though a friend was taking us on this jaunt of discovery rather than a hired tour guide. Communication before the tour was great and due to the quality of the tour, we felt that the fee he charges is a bargain. Highly, highly recommended.
7. Langley Castle Battlement Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Join us on the Langley GUIDED TourDaily at 10.15am£ 4.95 per Adult, Children FreeBooking EssentialSEE* Authentic 14th Century Castle* Magnificent Drawing Room* Extensive Medieval Garderobes* Restored Rooftop Chapel* Rooftop Battlements* Outstanding Views of Countryside and Hadrian's Wall
Reviewed By Anne J - Wandel
If you're staying at the hotel it's free and a 'must do' since it gets you into the battlements (with fantastic surrounding views) and gives you the history of the place. The video shown in the chapel was excellent, and you could see that guide Aiden was really passionate about his subject. Great Delivery, kept it informal and added humour where he could! Not sure if it's open to non-residents but if you're in the area it's worth a detour (maybe combine it with a meal).
8. Allen Banks and Staward Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Gorge of the River Allen with ornamental and ancient woodland Take a walk on the wild side at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Northumberland. This extensive area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Stawardpeel Site of Special Scientific Interest, has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods. Largely created by Susan Davidson, Allen Banks has become a fantastic home for flora, fauna and fungi. It is also well known for its carpet of bluebells and ramsons, commonly known as wild garlic, which covers the woodland floor in spring and early summer. Look out for the remains of a medieval pele tower and a reconstructed Victorian summer-house - and with over 70 species of birds spotted at Allen Banks as well as a wide range of wildlife you are never alone. All of the woodland area sits within the North Pennines AONB.
Reviewed By Whamchick
We have been many times to Allan banks and it was our favourite walk. We would travel 90 minutes to get here, and always had a lovely walk.
Unfortunately this last visit was after the floods and the walk we did was no where near as good. The floods of Jan 16 have washed away a lot of the loveliness we remembered. No more paddling in pools on the river. I realise it is no ones fault but until the paths are repaired we will probably not be back. Many more steep walks on the new paths.
9. Temple of Mithras
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By PJandSJ - Matlock, United Kingdom
The AD122 bus was empty when we picked it up at Housesteads early that afternoon. “Where are you going?” asked the driver. “To Brocolitia” we replied. As we got off a few minutes later, the driver smiled and commented “If you see me again, let me know what it’s like – I’ve never been there”. We agreed we would.
The small car park at the site was empty – most people visit in the morning, it seems. So we meandered down an unmarked path alongside a wire fence, and wondered briefly which way to go at the end – there was no obvious sign; but the hint of a trodden path continued gently downwards, and so down we went. It took about five or ten minutes in total, I guess.
And there, suddenly, it was. Half-sunken into a hollow in the grass, enclosed by a short, rather flimsy, wire fence to keep animals out, and with a small gated entrance – the Temple of Mithras, a Persian sun god.
Mithraic temples were typically small and subterranean – just like this – evoking the cave in which the god Mithras had killed a bull. The length of the rectangular temple was just several yards – so the number of devotees it could contain at any one time was limited. Three small altars, replicas of the originals, were located at one end of the temple. In a small depression atop one of them, someone had placed a penny coin, almost as if it were an offering to the god who had once been worshipped here. It seem a poignant gesture.
A fascinating, if fleeting,glimpse into an ancient and secretive culture.
Sadly, we didn’t meet the bus driver again during our stay …
10. Allendale Forge Studios
Overall Ratings
4 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Maxine G - Lincoln, United Kingdom
Local artists and crafts people display their work here. The exhibition is changed monthly. There area wide range of local arts and crafts for sale in the shop. There are a number of studios on the first floor. The cafe serves tasty home made food. This is an excellent place for a day it at anytime of the year.
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