The best 10 free things to do in Hexham on TripAdvisor

1 Hexham Abbey 

The historic Abbey was rated the number one free thing to do in Hexham. 

TripAdvisor said: "It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Northumberland, welcoming over 120,000 visitors per year. With interactive mobile phone guides and welcoming stewards, plus a visitor centre, cafe and gift shop, it is a fully immersive experience for young and old."

Inside Hexham Abbey (Image: TripAdvisor) One review said: "How come the British have so much stuff to see? This precious place we took in en route from Durham to Edinburgh. The shame was we dipped in and out in 20 minutes. We could have stayed for an hour or more. Read up on the history of Northumberland and you will learn so much about the Abbey."

2 Walltown Crags - Hadrian's Wall

"This is one of the finest places to see Hadrian's Wall, where it snakes and dives through dramatic countryside along the crags of the Whin Sill," TripAdvisor said.

READ MORE: Sycamore Gap Tree's legacy lives on through new initiative

Walltown Crags (Image: Claire Dobson)

"Not only is the Wall itself especially well preserved here, but it also shows how the soldiers who built it coped with the presence of large outcrops of natural rock - sometimes incorporating it into the Wall, and sometimes almost butting up against it."

3 Allen Banks and Staward Gorge

Explore ornamental and ancient woodland at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Northumberland.

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge (Image: TripAdvisor) TripAdvisor said: "This extensive area of gorge and river scenery, including the 41-hectare (101-acre) Stawardpeel Site of Special Scientific Interest, has miles of waymarked walks through ornamental and ancient woods."

4 Northumberland National Park

Home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air and darkest skies, discover the past by visiting Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site or learn more about wildlife and habitats.

Northumberland National Park is the country’s best national park, according to visitor satisfaction scores (Image: LDR) "Visit spectacular waterfalls and woodland or walk through ancient palaces and beautiful hay meadows. Leave the tarmac behind and go trail running, cycle out on quiet country roads or challenge yourself on two National Trails," TripAdvisor said.

5 The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

This is the National Park's visitor centre and offers the chance to explore the landscape, history, culture and heritage of Northumberland. 

The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre (Image: TripAdvisor) One TripAdvisor review said: "Always enjoy our visits to The Sill. On our last one there was the Shaun The Sheep trail which our daughter loved! Loads of informative and interactive activities within that are great for kids and adults alike."

6 Steel Rigg

This section of Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland National Park is part of a circular walk which includes Sycamore Gap. 

Steel Rigg (Image: TripAdvisor)

"Perfect place to see Hadrian´s Wall. Take a walk on the path along the wall, and up a small hill to get a panoramic view of this beautiful part of England," one review said.

7 Allendale Forge Studios

The Forge offers studio spaces, a shop that enables artists, craft designers and makers to sell their designs and a dedicated area for community gatherings and workshops.

Forge Studios (Image: Lindy Turnbull) "Had a great coffee and cheese scone in the cafe today. Great service and very reasonable prices. Staff were very friendly. Highly recommended."

8 Mr George's Museum of Time

"Family-run specialist watch and clock repairers, museum and gift shop. The museum showcases watches, clocks, tools and parts through time," TripAdvisor said.

"Lovely place to visit, very interesting. A lot of things for children to do, our little girl enjoyed herself," a review said.

9 Tyne Green Park

"Spent a lovely hour walking the dog along the banks of the Tyne River. Very peaceful," one TripAdvisor review said.

Tyne Green, Hexham (Image: Malcolm Reah) Another added: "Lovely green peaceful area on the outskirts of Hexham with glorious walking along the river Tyne, all with free parking."

10 Carrawburgh Roman Fort And Temple of Mithras - Hadrian's Wall

"Very interesting remains of a Roman Mithras temple. It's on the Hadrian's Wall path or 10 minutes from the car park on the B6318 and just by the remains of Brocolita Roman Fort. I recommend you read up about the cult of Mithraism before visiting as it will greatly enhance the experience," one review said.