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Northumberland is filled with ancient castles, rugged moorland, friendly market towns and landscapes rich in history and adventure. Hexham is one such typical town, small and bustling with regular markets, its own book festival and historic buildings. It’s also a perfect base for exploring Hadrian’s Wall, and other incredible countryside, forests and trails. Bring your walking shoes, your bike and a camera to record these amazing natural resources.
Visit Northumberland, visitor information.
Experience one the Roman Empire’s most northern outposts – this is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. You can explore the well-preserved baths and steam room, and the officers’ quarters.
Chesters Roman Fort and Museum – Hadrian’s Wall | English Heritage
With a lively arts and cultural scene, several galleries, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre and Hexham Abbey, as well as interesting, independent retailers and great cafés, you can spend many a relaxing hour at the nearby market town.
England’s oldest gaol – built in 1333 – is a scheduled ancient monument, but also offers a fun and educational experience. Try out the stocks! Or for a more relaxing moment explore the Border Library Collection.
Northumberland’s only horse racing course is a fun day out whether you’re a serious punter, or just an occasional watcher. The National Hunt course has regular race meetings throughout the year, a restaurant and bar.
Stretches of this world-famous 73-mile long World Heritage Site are within a short drive of the George hotel. So whether you are walking the length of the wall and want a stopping place during your trip, or you are here in Hexham and want to spend a couple of hours out witnessing this ancient feat of engineering, you’re in the right place.
The visitor centre to the Roman Fort, set high on a dramatic escarpment is a great place to start a walk along the World Heritage Roman wall footpath ending up at the Sycamore Gap – an iconic spot in British history – the place where you could once see the Robin Hood Tree standing next to Hadrian’s Wall in a dramatic dip in the landscape.
Some of the finest ancient oak woodlands in north east England, Muckle Moss is designated as Site of Scientific Special Interest for its ancient oak and ash woodlands.
Not just a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), but a UNESCO Global Geopark too. This is a breath-taking landscape of heather moors and peatlands, dales and hay meadows, rivers, woods, as well as remains of the area’s mining and industrial past.
Home to England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, Kielder Water & Forest Park is a playground for cyclists, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kielder Water and Forest Park – The official visitor website | Kielder Water and Forest Park