If you’re in the process of organising your holiday plans and are keen to avoid the hefty costs associated with overseas travel, why not consider a more local retreat? Hexham, a quaint market town nestled within Northumberland, boasts a population of 13,000 and serves as an idyllic setting for a delightful staycation.
Join the modest 120,000 visitors who flock to this tranquil rural haven annually. A must-see attraction is Hexham Abbey. Originally erected in 674AD using materials salvaged from Roman ruins, it underwent a significant rebuild in the 13th century.
Presently, Hexham Abbey retains much of its appearance from 800 years ago, offering a rich historical experience, reports the Express.
Additionally, the town is home to a beautiful park, ideal for leisurely strolls during the spring season. The Abbey Gardens and neighbouring Sele Park offer a variety of landscapes, from formal gardens complete with a charming traditional bandstand to woodland walks and the expansive grassy plains of the Sele – a delight for all ages.
(Image: Getty)
For those seeking further immersion in nature, the nearby Hadrian’s Wall awaits exploration. This remarkable structure, whose construction commenced in 122AD, served as a boundary between Roman occupied England and Caledonia, extending to the region of Scotland beyond the River Forth. Spanning approximately 73 miles, forts were strategically positioned along its length.
While the more adventurous visitors might opt for a trek spanning the entire length of the wall, Walltown Crags, a brief car journey from Hexham, is hailed by travel blog The Crazy Tourist as one of the most spectacular sections, with its undulating terrain offering breathtaking vistas.
The blog further suggests a visit to the Old Gaol for those intrigued by the eerier aspects of history.
Constructed in 1333, Hexham Old Gaol served as a detention facility for close to half a millennium, where inmates were required to fund their own sustenance and attire. Present-day visitors can gain insights into the realities of life within a Medieval prison, and also explore the Border Library Collection housed within the premises, which exhibits some of the cultural influences that arrived in England via the town.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/charming-uk-town-surrounded-countryside-31117968
