What to do in Hexham, Northumberland?

This Easter weekend, we went to Hexham for a three nights holiday. It is approximately four hours from London. We took a train journey from London King’s Cross to Newcastle using Virgin train then continue from Newcastle to Hexham using Northern Railway. Hexham is a beautiful little town. The city centre is quite small but full of shops. It is very easy to walk to anywhere within the city centre.

Here are the activities to do in Hexham:

Antiquing in Hexham

There are about four antique shops in Hexham. The first one that we visited was actually closed on Easter. It is called The Medal Centre. My husband was sad that it was closed on Easter, because he is looking forward to buy some medals. The second antique shop that we visited is Ashbourne House Antiques. There are quite many collection of antiques in this shop.

I would say the shop price is very reasonable. Though there are not many of antique silver or jewellery collection. However, I have found a nice little brooch for myself which I am very pleased. Please see here for my little piece of Victorian brooch.

The third antique shop that we visited is Opulence. I didn’t take a picture of this antique shop. There are many collection of jewellery and also silver. Though I have to say that the price is rather expensive. My husband did buy an Art Deco vesta case and a small sterling silver box. The last shop that we visited is called The Vintage Emporium. I must say it is a rather ‘vintage’ than antique, although you can also spot some antiques in this shop.

It is a rather large shop. It consists of four floors including a tea room for a cuppa of tea or refreshment. Different floor on different corner has its own taste; probably different owner too.

How much is the room, please?

We bought a 1960’s silver plated bear money box. This is a present for my Mother in law as she loves bear so much.

Hexham Abbey

When in Hexham, don’t forget to see the historic Hexham Abbey.

There is a Roman stone at the Hexham Abbey. According to the local guide in Housesteads, this stone depicts a Commanding Officer (holding a kind of standard bearer flag) appears to be victorious by ‘kicking’ a Brigante (tribe in North England). Which in fact, according to the guide, the history is rather the other way around, as the Brigantes are rebellious and gave the Romans a difficult time.

The altar of the Abbey is quite stunning.

There is also a seventh century Crypt beneath the Abbey.

Pubs in Hexham

We visited two pubs in Hexham. The first one is The Heart of Northumberland.

It is a lovely pub with delicious food.

The beef on the beef burger is fresh, thick, and delicious. The sausages and mash is also great – perfect for a cold weather.

This is the menu of The Heart of Northumberland:

They also serve real ales. When we were there, there are four types of real ales.

The second pub in Hexham is The Globe Inn. My husband loves the real ales in this pub.

Dining in Hexham

There are plenty of restaurants in Hexham. We choose Chinese and Indian restaurant during our stay.

The Chinese restaurant is called the Golden Dragon. The food is superb and is reasonably priced. And for the Indian food, we choose Zyka restaurant. The king prawn Lubi is delicious. However it does not include rice, so you have to order it separately. Plus if you have the papadam, the extra sauces, and the starter, the bill will be quite high.

 

Where to stay?

We stay in The Beaumont hotel. It is located at the Beaumont street. The hotel is nice and clean and it is quite modern inside. I was told that it had been refurbished recently.

Our room is on the second floor. It is clean and modern. It has two windows overlooking the street.

It is also equipped with a safe.

This is the interior of the hotel: stairs and some of the wall photographs/paintings.

They serve a cooked English breakfast with a selection of pastries, croissant, bread and jams. There is open kitchen at the restaurant.

The bar also serves two real ales.

You can see the Hexham abbey from the lobby.

I recommend this hotel is you are in/around Hexham.

And there is also a Catholic church if you need one!