Hexham in Northumberland has been recommended as a UK staycation destination by travel blog The Crazy Tourist, with the small market town being home to a range of historical sites
As more Brits are opting for staycations, travel blog The Crazy Tourist has spotlighted a hidden gem that’s off the beaten tourist track.
Hexham, a quaint market town in Northumberland, located about 25 miles from Newcastle and home to around 13,000 residents, is being touted as an ideal spot for a serene getaway.
Despite attracting only approximately 120,000 visitors annually, The Crazy Tourist insists there’s plenty to see and do in Hexham. One of their top recommendations is a visit to Hexham Abbey.
This historic structure was initially built in 674AD using materials salvaged from Roman ruins and underwent a significant rebuild in the 13th century. Today, it stands much as it did 800 years ago, with its architecture still bearing traces of the Roman era and pagan dedications.
For those seeking a breath of fresh air, a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, just a short drive from Hexham, is highly recommended. Construction of this iconic landmark began in 122AD, serving as a boundary between Roman-occupied England and Caledonia, the region of Scotland beyond the River Forth.
Spanning roughly 73 miles and punctuated by forts at regular intervals, it’s a sight to behold, reports the Express. While the more adventurous might fancy a trek along the entire length of the wall, The Crazy Tourist suggests Walltown Crags as one of the most scenic spots, where the undulating landscape offers breathtaking views.
The travel blog advises those visiting Hexham and interested in a touch of the macabre to explore the Old Gaol, England’s oldest purpose-built prison. Constructed in 1333, Hexham Old Gaol housed inmates for nearly half a millennium, with prisoners required to fund their own sustenance and attire.
Nowadays, visitors can get a glimpse into the grim realities of Medieval incarceration and peruse the Border Library Collection housed within, which offers insights into the cultural influences that flowed into England via the town.
For those seeking a more contemporary experience, The Crazy Tourist recommends The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. This modern visitor centre boasts a wildflower-covered grassland roof designed to mimic the surrounding countryside, and full-glass walls offering stunning views of the Northumberland National Park.
While many use The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre as a launchpad for invigorating country walks, it also hosts an array of temporary and permanent exhibitions on diverse topics, and features a shop, cafe and youth hostel.
