📌 Hexham, Northumberland
★★★★
Hexham Abbey was described soon after its founding in the 7th century as the finest church “on this side of the Alps”. 1,400 years later it’s still a breathtaking sight, perhaps more impressive in grandeur than any place of worship further north in Britain. The “Frith Stool” (cathedra, or Bishop’s seat) and crypt survive from the original Anglo-Saxon monastery of 674 AD, with fragmented carvings still visible on walls and ceilings in the latter, pillaged from nearby Roman ruins. Most of the rest of the church dates from rebuilding projects from the 1090s onwards, or much later following several fires and partial abandonment after the Reformation. There are countless wood and stone carvings to seek out, resplendent stained glass windows, a gleaming organ above the rood screen, and fabulous higher-level views from the Night Stair above the south transept. Don’t miss the excellent “Big Story” exhibition area, charting over 1,300 years of history.
🌍 Location
📌 Beaumont Street, Hexham town centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NY 935641
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 54.971529,-2.102466
🚆🚌 Train / bus to Hexham
🚗 Street parking / car parks nearby (disc often required)
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily
🎫 Free (small charge for entry to crypt)
