The UK staycation spot with ‘bloody history’ and rural beauty | Travel News | Travel

Britons looking for a staycation destination steeped in rich heritage yet surrounded by tranquil landscapes can find it in a rather unexpected corner of the North.

From medieval landmarks to lush green spaces, this location is the perfect retreat for couples and families seeking peace and adventure in equal measure.

The charming market town of Hexham offers an unforgettable experience for those who love history and nature.

Known for its sanguinary past, the city still has tales of Viking invasions and medieval criminal families echoing through the streets.

As the travel website visitnorthumberland.com notes, Hexham is a place with “bloody history,” a legacy of its time as a hotspot for Vikings raids and a key location in the Anglo-Saxon era.

The town became a strategically important settlement in the 7th century, hosting Hexham Abbey, a centre of Christianity and learning.

During this period, it was a vital site for early Northumbrian rulers, and its abbey became one of the most influential monastic establishments of the time.

But the town’s charm doesn’t lie solely in its cultural heritage; Hexham also boasts some of the region’s most picturesque parks and gardens.

At the heart of the town, visitors will find Sele Park, a beautifully maintained green space offering views of the surrounding hills, making it the perfect spot to relax or take a walk.

Hexham Old Gaol is an absolute must-see for those interested in the past. Built from stone sourced from the nearby Corbridge Roman site, this ancient building dates back to the 1300s and is one of England’s first purpose-built prisons.

Hexham’s position on the borderlands between England and Scotland made it a focal point during the turbulent years of the Middle Ages.

The Old Gaol served as a prison and a symbol of law and order in an area known for lawlessness and violent conflicts.

Stepping inside, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the “Border Reivers” and learn about the criminal families that once dominated the area.

As you explore the Old Gaol, you’ll encounter the Border History Library, home to a fascinating collection of books, poetry, and music, all chronicling the tumultuous past of this border territory.

No visit to Hexham is complete without a stop at the Old Gaol’s museum, where visitors can explore a variety of artefacts, descend into the eerie dungeons, and even try their hand at the stocks.