Hexham Old Gaol
Overview
The oldest purpose built prison in England, Hexham Old Gaol will give you an insight into crime and punishment in medieval Northumberland.
Visit the Gaol website
What makes it special
- Experience what prison used to be like
Opening Times
Closed over Winter
Open from 3rd April (Wednesday to Sunday) - 11:00 to 16:00
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Ashgill Force
The highest waterfall in the area, the gill falls a spectacular 50ft into a pool in the wooded valley below.
Beamish
Beamish is a world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England in Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian times.
Climbing in Bellingham
Callerhues crag is popular. It’s a very bold sort of crag - but one worth tackling! Routes tend to be hard, but short.
Cycling in Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
Cycling in Bellingham
YHA Bellingham is a natural stop-off point on the challenging Rievers Route. There are plenty of on and off road trails in the beautiful National Park.
Cycling in Edmundbyers
We're just off the Coast to Coast cycle Route. The area offers miles of country lanes and off road routes through the wilds of County Durham.
Cycling in Ninebanks
The Allen Valleys provide distinctive landscapes with great cycling routes.
Walking and Rambling in Alston
The Pennine Way passes through some of the most beautiful and remote countryside England has to offer. This section boasts the highest waterfall in England.
Mountain Biking at YHA Alston
The South Tyne Trail is a great route for all abilities to enjoy traffic-free picturesque rides.
Cycling at YHA Alston
The hostel is a popular stop off for the Sea to Sea bike ride. The secure bike shed and drying room offer all the facilities a cyclist needs. However we do not have bikes to rent out.
South Tynedale Railway
A new narrow gauge railway from Cumbria into Northumberland. There's also a shop, café & Hub transport museum. Visit the website
Derwent Reservoir
The Derwent Valley, one of the Durham Dales, is sometimes overlooked, Visit the man-made lake - lovely for sailing and fishing.
Killhope
Killhope is a fully restored nineteenth century lead mine, where you can experience for yourself the life and work of the lead mining families of the Pennine dales.
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
See the mineral mining past of the North Pennines, with underground tours and interactive waterpower demonstrations.
Kielder Water
Home to the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe and the biggest working forest in England, covering 250 square miles.
Vindolanda
This Roman fort is just south of Hadrian's Wall and is great for learning more about the local history.