Living in Hexham

Community and local life in Hexham are deeply woven into its history as a thriving market town. The town hosts a lively weekly market, monthly farmers’ markets, and an array of festivals, including Hexham Book Festival and Hexham Abbey Festival, drawing locals and visitors alike. Regular music events, art exhibitions, and concerts are held throughout the year, primarily centred around the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre.

There is a strong sense of neighbourliness, reinforced by active community groups, clubs, and volunteering opportunities for residents of all ages. Several community centres and sporting clubs—covering football, rugby, cricket, and more—encourage participation and support local engagement. Outdoor living is very much part of the Hexham lifestyle, with local parks, riverside walks along the Tyne, and the proximity to Hadrian’s Wall Path catering to walkers, runners, and cyclists.

The blend of active community life, cultural programming, and beautiful open spaces creates a friendly and inclusive environment for those living in Hexham.

Hexham is widely regarded as one of the safer towns in Northumberland and the wider North East. It boasts lower-than-average crime rates compared to national and regional figures, making it particularly appealing for families, retirees, and those seeking a reassuring sense of community security.

Most incidents tend to be low-level, with the majority revolving around anti-social behaviour or minor thefts. The town centre and more residential suburbs are generally seen as safe, even late into the evenings. Hexham benefits from visible neighbourhood policing, with local officers engaging closely with schools, community groups, and town centre events.

There are ongoing initiatives, such as Neighbourhood Watch and youth engagement programmes, designed to keep crime rates low and promote cooperation between residents, the police, and community organisations. Overall, safety and peace of mind are key strengths of living in Hexham.

Parking in Hexham is generally convenient, with several town centre car parks (short and long-stay), as well as on-street options for both visitors and residents. Resident permit schemes are in place in some areas close to the centre, helping to guarantee parking for those living in busier streets or protected residential zones. There are also dedicated spaces for blue badge holders and cycle parking in prime locations.

Congestion levels are moderate for a market town, although the town centre can get busier on market days and during local events. Road access is excellent, with the A69 enabling swift journeys to major towns and cities across the North East and Cumbria. Hexham’s layout supports straightforward navigation, whether travelling locally or further afield.

Nearby towns and cities by car:

• Newcastle – approx. 35 minutes via A69 (23 miles)
• Carlisle – approx. 60 minutes via A69 (40 miles)
• Corbridge – approx. 10 minutes via A69 (4 miles)
• Prudhoe – approx. 20 minutes via A695 (11 miles)

Hexham’s food and drink scene is both varied and rewarding, reflecting the area’s agricultural heritage and cosmopolitan influences. The town centre is dotted with independent coffee shops, traditional bakeries, and popular cafés perfect for casual lunches or afternoon treats. Local restaurants make good use of Northumberland produce, with options ranging from modern British to international cuisine.

Traditional pubs are a defining feature of Hexham’s social life; establishments such as the Tap and Spile, The Heart of Northumberland, and The Tannery serve local ales and host regular live music nights. For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, the town offers a handful of bars and wine lounges, with occasional events and guest DJ nights.

Nightlife is relaxed rather than rowdy, focusing on good conversation, live folk or jazz, and cultural events at venues like the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre. Seasonal food markets, gastropubs, and brightly-lit bistros ensure there are options for everyone, from families to groups of friends looking to enjoy Hexham’s distinct charm after dark.

School Quality: Hexham is noted for its strong educational provision, boasting several highly-rated primary and secondary schools, as well as locally accessible further education options. The focus on academic and pastoral support makes it attractive to families moving into the area.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from the abundance of local parks, play areas, and easy access to the Northumberland countryside for outdoor adventures and family walks.

Childcare: Hexham supports a network of nurseries and playgroups, alongside afterschool and holiday clubs, catering to working families and young children. There is a choice of registered childminders and private nursery settings in and around the town.

Safety: The town’s low crime rates and visible neighbourhood policing give families confidence in letting their children play, walk to school, or enjoy local amenities independently.

Family Activities: Community centres, sports clubs, art classes, and cultural events provide year-round entertainment and opportunities for young people to socialise and try new activities, while seasonal town festivals particularly appeal to families with children.

Hexham is an ideal location for pet owners, with extensive green spaces, riverside walks, and easy access to the stunning Northumberland countryside. Tyne Green Country Park, local woods, and public footpaths offer plenty of places for dog walking and outdoor play with pets, while the proximity to Hadrian’s Wall trails is a bonus for adventurous owners.

The town is home to several veterinary surgeries, pet shops, and grooming salons, ensuring all your pets’ health and wellbeing needs are covered locally. Many cafés and pubs around the market square and on the outskirts are known for welcoming dogs, underlining the town’s generally pet-friendly attitude.

Rental homes and local housing often accommodate pet owners, though it’s advisable to check individual property policies. The community spirit and open spaces make Hexham a very supportive environment for living with pets.

Hexham enjoys strong transport connections, making it both accessible and convenient for commuting or exploring Northumberland and beyond. The town sits on the Tyne Valley Line, with Hexham Railway Station providing direct train services to Newcastle, Carlisle, and other regional destinations. Regular services mean commuting into the city or accessing wider rail networks is straightforward.

Bus links are reliable, operating routes through rural Northumberland as well as to Newcastle, Prudhoe, Corbridge, and other nearby towns and villages. For those travelling by car, Hexham is conveniently situated near the A69, a major route connecting Newcastle to Carlisle and the west of England, significantly reducing commute times.

Key journey times from Hexham:

• Newcastle – approx. 35 minutes by train or car (23 miles)
• Carlisle – approx. 55 minutes by train (40 miles)
• Durham – approx. 55 minutes by car (39 miles)
• Northumberland National Park – approx. 20 minutes by car

Newcastle International Airport is around 30 minutes' drive, providing domestic and international flights, making air travel accessible for Hexham residents. Cyclists and walkers also benefit from local routes, including those linking to Hadrian’s Wall and the wider Tyne Valley countryside.

Hexham offers a strong educational landscape, with several well-regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as options for further education. The town’s schools are known for their supportive environments, solid academic achievements, and extensive extracurricular provisions.

Primary Schools:
St Mary’s Roman Catholic First School: This inclusive and nurturing primary receives consistently positive feedback from Ofsted (last inspected 2018, rated Good).
Hexham First School: Centrally located with a community feel, this school was last rated Good by Ofsted in 2020.
The Sele First School: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this Ofsted Outstanding (2013) institution is a popular choice for families in the Hexham area.
Beaufront First School: Situated just north of the town centre and consistently rated Good (Ofsted 2017).

Secondary Schools:
Queen Elizabeth High School: The leading secondary in Hexham, Queen Elizabeth High School is noted for strong academic and extracurricular performance, rated Good by Ofsted in 2019. It attracts students from the wider Tyne Valley.
Hexham Middle School: Serving as the main middle school, it bridges the gap between first and high school, last rated Good by Ofsted in 2019.

Independent and Further Education:
Mowden Hall School: Located just outside Hexham, this independent preparatory offers day and boarding for children up to age 13.
Northumberland College (Hexham Campus): Provides a range of further education, vocational training, and adult learning opportunities.

Universities:
Hexham has no universities within its boundaries, but students are well-connected to higher education providers in Newcastle, including Newcastle University and Northumbria University, both accessible by regular train service.