We may be biased when we say this, but Hexham and the Tyne Valley is one of the best places to live in the UK.

Our area of Tynedale is full of natural beauty and jam-packed with culture, history, arts, green spaces and community spirit.

You only have to look at the vast array of awards Hexham has picked up over the years, with Hexham Parks picking up a Green Flag Award, to a number of award-winning businesses, and the town being named among the happiest places in the UK.

READ MORE: Mischievous Hexham golden retriever crowned Britain's muckiest pup

Hexham also boasts a number of top attractions, with visitors flocking from across the country and around the world to explore, such as Hexham Abbey - a Grade I listed church dedicated to St Andrew, the Queen's Hall Art Centre and a popular farmers market.

We've rounded up several reasons why we think Hexham is one of the best places to live in the country.

1) Hexham Abbey

Hexham Courant: Hexham Abbey. Picture: Google Street ViewHexham Abbey. Picture: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

Steeped in history, the Grade I listed Hexham Abbey's history reaches back to 674 AD and is one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England. 

2) Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Hexham

 

Hexham Courant: Queen's Hall in Hexham. Picture: NewsquestQueen's Hall in Hexham. Picture: Newsquest

The arts centre hosts a wide range of comedic acts, theatrical performances and community-oriented workshops. 

3) Tyne Green Park

Hexham Courant: Tyne Green. Picture: Hexham CourantTyne Green. Picture: Hexham Courant

This country park features an avenue of beautiful mature trees and lovely views of the 18th Century bridge and River Tyne. Visit in autumn to see salmon leaping up the Tyne.

4) Hexham's excellent pubs and bars

 

Find your vibe with an eclectic range of pubs and bars in Hexham. From The Tannery and cocktail bar Mr Ant's to traditional spots like The Grapes and live music haven The Fox, there's something for everyone.

5) Hexham Market Place

Hexham Courant: Hexham Market Place. Picture: NewsquestHexham Market Place. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Hexham is a traditional market town with a weekly general market and a fortnightly award-winning Farmers' Market.

They have been held in Hexham for centuries and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 

6) A vast array of independent shops

Hexham Courant: Pretty Flamingo on Market Street in Hexham.Pretty Flamingo on Market Street in Hexham. (Image: Newsquest)

Hexham is home to a number of indepenent shops, from Cotigo Books on St Mary's Chare, to Ten Green Bottles Vintage Emporium, which spans three floors and is based on Market Place.

7) A stone's throw away from Hadrian's Wall, or Newcastle City Centre

Hexham Courant: Hadrian's Wall. Picture: NewsquestHadrian's Wall. Picture: Newsquest

Hexham is perfectly located with stunning countryside views and nearby attractions such as Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland National Park, and is also less than 20mins away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle City Centre.

8) A great selection of schools

The town boasts a number of fantastic schools with good ratings from Ofsted.

9) Fantastic restaurants to suit every apetite

Whether you're in the mood for a pizza, tapas or a greek meze, Hexham offers a number of wonderful restaurants for every budget.

10) Yang the hospital cat

Hexham Courant: Yang the cat. Picture: Hexham Town CouncilYang the cat. Picture: Hexham Town Council (Image: Hexham Town Council)

Finally, we couldn't complete our list without a mention of Yang Bell, Hexham's most-famous cat. 

Yang Bell made the short journey from his home to Hexham General Hospital nearly every day for years, in turn becoming a star in the community.

So much so that Hexham Town Council awarded Yang with the honour of Freedom to Roam in May 2023, which included a certificate and a key.

Are there any places and reasons we may have missed?

Do share your own thoughts or simply tell us where to go in the comments.

Let's celebrate what makes Hexham such a special place to live.