Name: Hexham Old Gaol
Rating: 5.0

Hexham Old Gaol

Hexham Old Gaol, Hallgate, Hexham

1-99 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Hexham Old Gaol is a formidable stone building that holds the title of the oldest purpose-built prison in England. It is widely considered one of the best things to do with kids in Hexham because it is a museum category attraction that brings the gritty history of the Border Reivers to life. Located in the heart of this historic market town, the museum allows families to explore dark dungeons and learn about the strict justice system of the 14th century.

A visit here is very affordable, especially for frequent museum-goers, as entry is covered by an annual pass. Prices start from £7.00 for adults, while children under 16 can enter for free. This "pay once, visit for a year" model makes it a fantastic value option for families who want to return for seasonal events or a quick historical refresher.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines mystery, history, and a touch of the macabre, the Old Gaol is a perfect choice. It serves as an excellent educational day out, teaching children about crime and punishment through the ages in a way that is engaging rather than just textbook-based. The atmospheric setting provides a real sense of stepping back into a more dangerous time in Northumberland's past.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: The museum features several interactive exhibits, including the chance to try on replica armour and helmets used by the Reivers.
The Dungeon: Visitors can descend into the original 14th-century dungeon to experience the cold, dark environment where prisoners were held.
Educational Day Out: The "Border Library" and various displays offer a deep dive into the unique and often violent history of the England-Scotland border.
Sensory Play: While primarily historical, the museum offers tactile elements like heavy iron keys and stone walls that provide a sensory play experience for younger historians.

Top 5 Highlights

The Dungeon: This is the highlight for most kids. Descending into the dark, cramped space gives a real "shiver" factor and prompts lots of questions about what life was like for the prisoners kept there.
The Stocks: Located outside the building, the replica stocks are a classic photo opportunity. It’s a fun way for kids to imagine the public embarrassment that was once a standard part of the justice system.
The Armoury: This section is packed with the gear a Border Reiver would have used. Children enjoy seeing the "jack" (armour) and the different types of weaponry required to survive in the lawless Marches.
The Crane: Look up to see the reconstructed medieval crane. It explains the engineering used to lift heavy stone and goods in the 1300s, which is a great talking point for kids interested in how things are built.
Interactive Reiver Map: This digital display helps families track the different clans and families. It’s a great way to see if your own family name has any "notorious" links to the local area.

Facilities

Toilets: Located on-site, including accessible facilities.
Buggy Parking: The building is historic with many stairs, so pram access is limited to the ground floor. It is recommended to use a carrier for infants.
Food & Drink: There is no on-site café, but the museum is 30 seconds away from Hexham's Market Place, which is full of bakeries and coffee shops.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Mind the Stairs: The building is a medieval tower, so the stairs are narrow and steep. Make sure kids wear sturdy shoes and take it slow.
The Annual Pass: Your ticket is valid for 12 months. Keep it safe so you can pop back in for free if you are visiting Hexham again later in the year.
Combine with the Abbey: Most families find that a visit to the Gaol takes about an hour, so it’s best to pair it with a trip to Hexham Abbey for a full morning of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? While the dungeon is atmospheric, very small children might find it a bit dark and scary. However, older toddlers often enjoy the dress-up armour and the outdoor stocks.
How long does a visit take? A thorough visit usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. It’s a perfect "bite-sized" museum that fits easily into a broader day out in Hexham.
Where is the best place to park? The Wentworth Car Park is the best choice. It is large, free (with a parking disc), and only a short walk through the park to the museum.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Hexham? Hexham Old Gaol is one of the best cheap indoor activities in Hexham. Because children go free and adults pay once for a whole year, it is a very economical choice for families.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The dungeon is the clear winner for engagement; kids find the dark atmosphere genuinely exciting.
The "Pay Once, Visit for a Year" scheme is highly valued by local parents who use it as a rainy-day backup.
Its small size makes it manageable; you can see everything without the kids getting "museum fatigue."

What Visitors Don't Like

The lack of a lift makes it difficult for those with buggies or limited mobility to see the upper floors.
Some visitors find it a bit "short" as a standalone attraction, which is why pairing it with other local sites is recommended.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Original 1333 Dungeon: The deepest part of the prison, built using stone from nearby Roman sites.
Replica Stocks and Pillory: Traditional punishment devices located at the entrance.
Border Reiver Armour: Including "steel bonnets" and padded leather jacks.
Medieval Lifting Crane: A wooden reconstruction showing 14th-century building techniques.
The Archive Records: Documents showing the names and crimes of people held in the Gaol hundreds of years ago.
New for 2026: The "Lawless Lands" Cinema: A brand-new immersive film room for 2026 that tells the story of the 15th-century border raids.
The Hanging Beam: A grim reminder of the ultimate penalty for serious crimes in the medieval period.
Stone Carvings: Graffiti and marks left in the stone walls by former inmates.
Reiver Weaponry: Displays of lances, swords, and early firearms used by the "Mosstroopers."
The Butler's Record: Information on the officials who ran the prison and their daily routines.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Hexham Abbey: A stunning, ancient church just a 2-minute walk away, featuring a Saxon crypt that kids love to explore.
Hexham Park (Sele Park): A large green space with a great playground and plenty of room for a picnic, located behind the Abbey.
Wentworth Leisure Centre: A short drive away, offering bowling and a swimming pool for a high-energy finish to the day.
The Moot Hall: Situated directly opposite the Gaol, this was the ancient courthouse where trials were held.

New for 2026

The Lawless Lands Cinema: This brand-new installation for 2026 uses surround sound and projections to bring the drama of a Reiver raid to life.
Interactive Family Trail: A refreshed digital trail launched in early 2026 that rewards kids with a "Gaoler's Certificate" upon completion of various tasks throughout the museum.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults (18 or over):
- £8 with optional donation
- £7 without optional donation
Concessions (over 60s, disabled visitors, and Student Card holders):
- £7 with optional donation
- £6 without optional donation
Under 18s: Free

Pricing URL: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol/visit#admission

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently offer specific birthday party packages. For private hire or school group enquiries: Contact Email: [email protected]

Wednesday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm.

Address: Hexham Old Gaol, Hallgate, Hexham

Post Code: NE46 1XD

Council: Northumberland

County: Northumberland

By Train: Hexham Station is on the Tyne Valley line. It is a 10-minute walk uphill to the Gaol.
By Bus: The Ten (685) bus connects Newcastle and Carlisle, stopping in Hexham town centre.
By Car: Use postcode NE46 1XD.
Parking: There is no parking at the museum. Use the Wentworth Car Park (free for up to 4 hours with a blue disc) or the Market Place (pay and display, limited spaces).