Hexham has plenty of things to do with kids - from little ones to teenagers. Here are Visit Hexham’s recommendations for things to do for kids of all ages, including some handy indoor options.
We're proud to say that Hexham has a great indie cinema and you’ll find it in the heart of Hexham. Comfy seats + one big screen + quality sound system + very reasonable ticket prices + nice café = great family trip.
Family concessions are available and include discounts for kids, students, carers and a scheme for 16-25 year olds.
Hexham’s skatepark has recently been completely rebuilt and is already proving to be a big hit. If you have kids with a broad range of ages then you’ll be pleased to know that it’s right next to number 3 (below). How to find it? Head through the park away from Beaumont Street, past the bandstand and the skatepark is at the other side of the long stone wall.
Let the kids burn off some energy at the town’s main playground in the town Sele park. It is well looked after and in a lovely spot. The playpark is just a couple of minutes' walk away from Hexham Abbey.
There are three adjoined parks in the centre of Hexham to explore with your family. The playground sits in the Sele, which has a fantastic hill for sledging when we have snow; the Abbey Grounds are where you’ll find our much-loved bandstand; and Hexham House is the most hidden away with a lovely brook, a sensory garden and plenty of places to sit and relax in the shade.
The theatre at the Queen’s Hall - Hexham’s art centre along Beaumont Street - regularly has kids’ shows on plus some that are suitable for tweens/teens. It’s a good place to give the kids a special trip to the theatre without breaking the bank,
The Queen’s Hall also houses Hexham’s library, which has a good kids’ section plus YA novels and manga.
Hexham Abbey has a free, interactive exhibition that tells the story of the abbey over the centuries in a really entertaining and hands-on way. Kids can dress up as monks, build their own Gothic arch, or get started in the scriptorium. Top tip: Hexham Abbey also has a very nice cafe with outdoor seating available.
Hexham has an excellent leisure centre with activities for all ages. The Wentworth has two swimming pools (one more suitable for younger swimmers); a ten-pin bowling alley and Jungle Jack’s soft play. You’ll find it right next door to Waitrose.
Mr Wolf on Market Street is really fun to explore and delivers everything you could want from a toy shop. There’s an emphasis on toys and puzzles that last plus a sweet selection of baby and toddler clothes.
The Old Goal is a great place to learn about the horrible history of Hexham. Discover how people were punished back when the gaol was built in 1333 (with stone pinched from Roman ruins); see the skull of Sir John Fenwick, who was killed at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644; find out fascinating facts about the - VERY badly behaved - Reivers; and why we needed to build bastles (and castles) around here.
Under 16s visit for free! Daily tours, Mini Museum activity trollies and free brass rubbing activities (please check website for times).
Hexham’s independent bookshop - Cogito - has a really good children’s section to explore. If an older child has a birthday to celebrate while you are in Hexham, you could book them a Cogito Reading Treat. It’s a great way for them to discover new authors.
Stranger’s Things is a shop on Hexham’s Market Street that was created specially for teens and young adults. It specialises in vintage street wear, new vinyl, quirky gifts and film posters. Open Wed-Sat.
Have fun painting pre-made ceramics at Inspired Pots. This friendly family-run business is based on Hexham’s Eastgate and opens on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Firing takes 4-5 days but Inspired Pots can post the finished pots to you if you’ve gone home by then.
Molly Moo’s offers a great choice of ice creams and milkshakes and has a bookable gaming room with the latest consoles. It's a cute spot at the end of St Mary’s Chare (the street that Cogito Books is on).
Hexham now has its own Escape Rooms experience. Project Escape is hidden away on Hallstile Bank in the centre of town. Will your family choose to take on The Lost Tomb, Jailbreak, Sherlocked or The Cursed Attic?
We hope that you’ve found 13 Cool Things To Do In Hexham With Kids (And Teens!) useful. Please contact Visit Hexham if you have any questions on family trips to the area. We’d love to hear from you.
