Brits soaked in the rich heritage but looking for a destination for staying surrounded by tranquil scenery, can find it on a rather unexpected corner to the north.
From medieval landmarks to lush green spaces, this place is the perfect hideaway for couples and families seeking equal peace and adventure.
The charming market town of Hexham offers an unforgettable experience for people who love history and nature.
The city is known for its optimistic past, and there are still stories of Viking invasions and medieval criminal families echoing the streets.
As travel website visitnorthumberland.com points out, Hexham is a place with a “bloody history,” a legacy of the time as a hot spot for Viking raids and an important location in the Anglo-Saxon period.
The town became a strategically important settlement in the 7th century, hosting the Hexham Abbey, the centre of Christianity and learning.
During this period it was an important place for early Northumbrian rulers, and its monastery became one of the most influential monastery facilities of its time.
However, the town's charm is not solely due to its cultural heritage. Hexham also boasts some of the region's most picturesque parks and gardens.
Visitors in the heart of town can find Sele Park, a beautifully maintained green space for views of the surrounding hills, making it a great place to relax or take a walk.
Hexham Old Gaol is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in the past. Built of stone supplied from the nearby Corbridge Roman site, this ancient building dates back to the 1300s and is one of England's first private prisons.
Hexham's position in the border area between England and Scotland focused on a turbulent year of the Middle Ages.
Old prisons served as symbols of prisons and law and order in the area known for their lawlessness and violent conflict.
Visitors can step inside, immerse themselves in the history of “border livers” and learn about criminal families who once ruled the area.
Exploring the old prisons, you will find Border History Library, which has an intriguing collection of books, poetry and music, all documenting the turbulent past of this border territory.
A visit to Hexam allows visitors to explore a variety of crafts, descend into eerie dungeons, or even try their hand on the stock.
