Hexham Attractions

Blanchland (10mi/17km south of Hexham) is a charming village set against a background of woods. The drive over high moorland and heath passes Dukesfield Fell (357m/1,170ft). Blanchard is a sleepy little place of stone-built houses dating from the second half of the 18th century, with remains of a Premonstratensian abbey of the 12th century, the choir and north transept of the former church and a gatehouse from around 1500.

Hexham Herbs is a beautiful walled garden with an exceptional herb collection. The garden has appeared on "Gardener's World", highlighting the unusual herbaceous plants, national thyme collection and old roses.

The market hall (Shambles) built in 1766 by Sir Walter Blackett is constructed on stone pillars at its northern end and wooden pillars at the southern end. The Moot Hall (library), a large defense tower from 1400, was the seat of the sheriffs of the Archbishop of York. The adjoining Manor Office (133-1332) served as a prison from the 14th century., today it houses the tourist office. A few yards north is the Old Grammar School finished in 1684 and founded by Queen Elisabeth I in 1599. A number of Tudor and Georgian houses in Market and Beaumont Street are interesting.

The Border History Museum is situated in the oldest purpose-built gaol in England. It features displays about its inmates, including Earle Dewentwater who was beheaded for his part in the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion.