1 hour
E-voucher
English
Overview
Beautiful Hexham’s Ugly Past - Guided Walking Tour
“Fascinating to learn just how stinky/violent this picturesque market town was.” “Would totally recommend this if you’ve got an hour.”
“Informative, fun, evocative tour” “A fabulous, quirky tour”
Explore over 1,000 years of Hexham’s dark history as your guide, an accomplished public speaker and official Hexham Town Crier, brings the past to life.
Just arrived in Hexham? Get to know your way around while being entertained.
Tour includes:
The market square massacre in which 51 were killed.
The brutal, life-changing punishments given for trivial offences.
The macabre contents that gave the drinking water its ‘distinct’ flavour.
How well does your guide know Hexham?
They were born and raised in Hexham.
They spent eight months researching Hexham’s history.
They’re an official Town Crier for Hexham.
This tour is: Accessible Dog-Friendly Circular Route
A healthy outdoor activity
Operated by
Adventoursuk
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
5
/ 5
11 traveller ratings
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Enjoyable tour
N2988WVcharlottep, Aug 2025
Brilliant tour, Helen was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Perfect way to discover Hexham if you're visiting the area.
Family friendly tour of Hexham and it's fascinating history over 100's of years.
Lisa L, Aug 2025
Helen was a brilliant guide for our tour of Hexham. She was animated, knowledgeable and showed a lot of care to involve all members of the group. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your review of the Gruesome Tour of Hexham. I’m delighted you and your family enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure to have you along, and I’m especially pleased to hear you felt everyone was included, it’s something I always try to make sure of so that’s wonderful to hear. Thanks again for the recommendation, it truly means a lot. All the best, Helen
Great evening tour of Hexham
christinebH5940RJ, Aug 2025
Brilliant tour! Helen brought Hexham’s gruesome past to life with fascinating stories and hidden spots I’d never noticed before. Informative, engaging, and great fun from start to finish. Can’t wait to try her other tours!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your review, I’m thrilled you enjoyed the Gruesome Tour of Hexham. It’s a joy to share some of Hexham’s hidden corners and lesser-known stories. I'm chuffed to hear you found it both fun and informative, that’s exactly what I aim for, so that's wonderful to hear. I’d love to welcome you along on the 'Votes for Women Tour' sometime. Best wishes Helen
Excellent Gruesome Tour of Hexham by a very entertaining Helen.
FBH55, Aug 2025
Helen gave a private Gruesome Tour of Hexham for Whitfield WI last night. It was informative and very entertaining despite being quite gruesome at times. We visited bits of Hexham some of us did not know existed. We learned the difference between stocks and pillories. The way Helen delivers the historical information is entertaining and makes the fact really interesting. I would highly recommend an Adventours Gruesome Tour of Hexham to anyone visiting Hexham.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you Whitfield WI for choosing Adventours for your group outing. I’m so glad you all enjoyed the mix of stories and discoveries (including the difference between stocks and pillories, although I'd hate to find myself in either!). Hexham has plenty of hidden corners, and it’s always a treat to share them with curious groups. Thank you again for your booking and your recommendation it truly does make a huge difference. All the best Helen
Itinerary
Hexham
We begin and walk through the ancient Market Town of Hexham.
4 minutesHexham Abbey
We stop outside the stunning Abbey to hear of Hexham's most 'bloodiest' days and then walk through the garden to hear of repeated attacks from invaders.
(opportunity for Photographs)
8 minutesHexham
We then walk together through the Sele park, discovering beautiful picnic spots.
Discover hidden gems and gear of one of history's most gruesome, toughest jobs.
10 minutesWalk through the picturesque Hexham House grounds, a wonderful opportunity to take photos.
Our last stop ends back at the Market Place, to hear of Hexham's less 'prettier' side.
5 minutes
Experience
Inclusions
- Experienced Storytelling Guide
Exclusions
- All Refreshments
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dog Friendly
- Disability Aware
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.