Hexham Old Gaol
Explore England's oldest prison, the Hexham Old Gaol, with interactive exhibits on medieval life, music, and armor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Hexham Old Gaol
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore England's oldest prison, the Hexham Old Gaol, with interactive exhibits on medieval life, music, and armor.
"A lovely little museum, well worth a little look if you are in the area."
🚗 Parking Advice
Park at the leisure centre; use white line bays if not local for free parking . :car:
🎧 Audio Guide Essential
Don't miss the audio description for the dungeon; it's key to the experience . :headphones:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dungeon Experience
Basement level
Descend (virtually) into the chilling dungeon and hear its stories via audio description.
Interactive Exhibits
Various floors
Engage with history through hands-on activities and dress-up costumes for all ages.
Medieval History Displays
Main exhibition floors
Explore exhibits on music, weapons, armor, and local history within the ancient prison walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Gaol Experience
Parking and Accessibility Notes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Advice
Park at the leisure centre; use white line bays if not local for free parking. :car:
🎧 Audio Guide Essential
Don't miss the audio description for the dungeon; it's key to the experience. :headphones:
👨👩👧👦 Fun for All Ages
Dress-up costumes and hands-on activities make it engaging for kids and adults alike. :child:
🎟️ Annual Ticket Value
If local, an annual ticket offers great value for repeat visits. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Advice
Park at the leisure centre; use white line bays if not local for free parking. :car:
🎧 Audio Guide Essential
Don't miss the audio description for the dungeon; it's key to the experience. :headphones:
👨👩👧👦 Fun for All Ages
Dress-up costumes and hands-on activities make it engaging for kids and adults alike. :child:
🎟️ Annual Ticket Value
If local, an annual ticket offers great value for repeat visits. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
Consider Newcastle Castle for a more extensive historical experience. :castle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hexham Old Gaol to be a charming, albeit compact, historical site with engaging interactive elements and dress-up opportunities for children. While some feel the exhibits are limited for the price, others appreciate the value of an annual ticket and the unique audio experience of the dungeon. It's often recommended as a worthwhile stop if you're in the area, though perhaps not a destination for a dedicated long trip.
"We love visiting old prisons/museum throughout the country and this one looked interesting from the outside.We took the lift down to the dungeon area but we're not allowed out, we had to listen to an audio description about it. There are two more floors you can get to by lift or stairs, only two rooms on each floor with mainly things to read and dressing up costumes for kids. There are no cells to look in so it didn't give the feel of a prison, it's more of a modern display rooms with a few chains and handcuffs and a stock.Good news is dogs are allowed in."
Carolyn Brocklesby
"Lovely little museum, well worth a little look if you are in the area.
The parking is a short walk away at the leisure centre, park in the White line bays if you are not a local with a disc. The parking is free.
Try and go down in the lift to the dungeon and listen to the information. Unless someone sets the lift off and spoils it for you, like we did to some poor visitors.
Little bit of a gift shop.
Good information in the museum and some dress up for the kids or the kids in the adults."
Adam Barnard
"Interactive and interesting experience, great for all ages, and very accessible for disabilities. The price of a day ticket is the same as annual so as I love locally I just chose an annual ticket so I can come back!"
Aimee W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hexham Old Gaol is located in the center of Hexham. If arriving by car, the nearest parking is at the leisure center, with free parking available in designated white line bays for non-locals. Public transport options to Hexham are also available, with the gaol being a short walk from the town's bus and train stations.
Yes, parking is available a short walk away at the leisure center. Visitors are advised to park in the white line bays if they are not local, as this parking is free. There are also limited spaces in the Market Place and other car parks within 200 yards.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Entry fees are approximately £7 for adults, with those aged 17 and under entering for free. A carer accompanying a disabled person may get in for £6.
Tickets are valid for a year, offering good value for locals.
While advance booking might be available, tickets can typically be purchased on the day of your visit at the entrance. Checking the official website for online booking options is recommended.
The museum is generally disabled-friendly, with lifts providing access to most floors. However, one visitor noted that an automatic door was not working on their visit.
It's advisable to confirm accessibility details with the venue beforehand.
Good news for pet owners: dogs are allowed inside Hexham Old Gaol.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hexham Old Gaol offers exhibits on local history, music, weapons, and armor. Visitors can explore different floors via lift or stairs, with interactive displays and dress-up costumes for children and adults.
The basement features a dungeon area with an audio description.
Yes, Hexham Old Gaol is considered great for all ages. It features interactive elements, hands-on activities, and dress-up costumes that children (and the young at heart) can enjoy.
The Hexham Old Gaol also encompasses the House of Correction, offering a broader look at the history of incarceration and justice in the region. Exhibits may cover different aspects of penal history.
Given the limited number of rooms and exhibits, a visit can be relatively short, perhaps an hour or two, depending on how much time you spend engaging with the displays and activities.
Unfortunately, there are no toilets available inside Hexham Old Gaol.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside Hexham Old Gaol, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits. Capturing the historical atmosphere can add to your memories.
The exterior of the 14th-century building itself offers a striking visual.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is convenient and free for non-locals at the nearby leisure center,
🏛️ History Buffs on a Budget
Consider combining a visit with nearby historical attractions or researching the gaol's history online beforehand to enhance your understanding. The accessibility features also make it a viable option for those who might find other historical sites more challenging to navigate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Justice
The museum's exhibits extend beyond just the prison aspect, encompassing broader themes of local history, music, weaponry, and armor.
Despite its historical significance, some visitors note that the number of rooms and the depth of historical detail might feel limited for the entry fee.
+1Accessibility and Visitor Experience
However, as with any historical building, occasional maintenance issues can arise. One visitor reported that an automatic door was not functioning during their visit, which could present a temporary hurdle for some.
Practical amenities are also a consideration. While there is a small gift shop, it's important to note that there are no on-site toilets available.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit