NorthumberlandHEXHAMHexhamAbbey(ozimanndias8CC-BY-2.0)1 Ozimanndias8

Hexham Abbey

Hexham Abbey is one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England, welcoming visitors to our site for more than 1300 years, with a host of historical artefacts and treasures visitors feel inspired by the sense of heritage, worship and community unique to this beautiful place.

Hexham, Northumberland

Opening times

The church is open 9.30am to 5pm everyday.

Address

Beaumont Street
Hexham
Northumberland
NE463NB

There has been a church on this site since Queen Etheldreda made a grant of lands to Wilfrid, Bishop of York in around 674.

For visitors who come in search of the past, the greatest thrill of all is the Anglo Saxon crypt. A steep stone stair descending from the nave takes you back 1,300 years, into rooms and passageways left intact from St Wilfrid’s original church.

There are many treasures to enjoy, including, a Saxon bishop’s throne dating from the 7th century, a 2000 year old intact Roman tombstone, a fine Dark Age cross, the famous ‘Dance of Death’ 15th century panel paintings, carved misericords, beautiful Victorian stained glass, and the Medieval Night Stair that was used by the Augustinian monks and is the only remaining night stair still in daily use.

The Hexham Chalice, a tiny copper and gold gilt goblet used by Anglo Saxon missionaries to celebrate Holy Communion, is the centrepiece of our exhibition and visitor centre, The Big Story.

Round off your visit in our Gift Shop and take a souvenir home, and don’t forget to sample our local homemade delights in the Refectory Cafe.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Café in church

  • Café within 500m

  • Church shop or souvenirs

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

  • Cornerstone Grant, £15,000, 2022

  • Our grant helped fund urgent repairs to the deteriorating sandstone on the east of the chancel.

  • Gateway Grant, £3,000, 2020

  • Our Gateway Grants fund churches developing building projects and also urgent maintenance and repair projects to help keep churches open.

  • Community Grant, £10,000, 2013

  • Our Community Grants helped churches to install essential facilities such as toilets and kitchens.

Contact information

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