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
4 traveller ratings
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A great tour . Excellent value
andrewtD4387OF, Jul 2025
A very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide with a great sense of humour. She was very willing to lead at our speed. No rushing at all. A great afternoon and excellent value. Highly recommend.
Brilliant and informative tour
timg940, Jul 2025
I’ve lived in Hexham all my life and have seen this tour around town. My daughter bought it for a Christmas present. Lots of interesting information about Hexham I didn’t even know. Helen was a great guide and very knowledgeable about all things on the tour. I would totally recommend this if you’ve got an hour to spare. Excellent tour
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words Tim and your time to leave your feedback. I'm delighted you and your wife Debbie enjoyed the tour, especially as as Hexham locals! It's always wonderful to hear that even those who've lived here a long time discover something new. It was a pleasure having you on the walk and sharing your own knowledge. Thanks again for the recommendation, and I hope to see you both again on another tour sometime. Best Wishes Helen
Hexham walking tour
Kirsteen_C, Jun 2025
Helen is an excellent tour guide and brought the gruesome history of Hexham alive. We explored parts of the town we wouldn't have found otherwise and through her storeytelling heard the voices from Hexham's past
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kirsteen. I'm delighted to hear you both enjoyed the tour and that Hexham's fascinating often gruesome history came alive for you. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the storytelling; I take great pride in using it to bring the past to life. It’s always a pleasure to share the hidden corners of the town, and I hope you were able to return on Sunday to explore even more. Best wishes Helen
Great, gruesome fun!
619janief, Jun 2025
I had great fun on this tour around Hexham. I have lived here for year and I found it fascinating to learn just how stinky/violent this picturesque market town was in the past. Helen, our tour guide, really kept everyone's interest up and was made for this job. Happy to recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your review and for joining us on the Gruesome Tour of Hexham! It’s always a joy to hear from locals who discover even more about their hometown—especially when the stories surprise them. I take great pride in immersing guests in the past, rather than just retelling it, so it’s wonderful to hear that you found it fascinating and learned so much. Thank you for choosing Adventours!
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.