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Hexham's Dark Past: A Gruesome History Tour
5.0
30 Ratings
Northumberland
Uncover Hexham’s dark past on a dog-friendly tour, exploring hidden gems and chilling tales of crime, punishment, and survival.
Uncover Hexham’s dark past on a dog-friendly tour, exploring hidden gems and chilling tales of crime, punishment, and survival.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Hexham - The journey begins with a stroll through the historic Market Town of Hexham.
-
Hexham Abbey - Pause outside the magnificent Abbey to learn about Hexham’s most violent days, then wander through the garden to hear tales of repeated invasions.
(opportunity for Photographs) - Hexham - Continue the walk through Sele Park, uncovering…
- Hexham - The journey begins with a stroll through the historic Market Town of Hexham.
-
Hexham Abbey - Pause outside the magnificent Abbey to learn about Hexham’s most violent days, then wander through the garden to hear tales of repeated invasions.
(opportunity for Photographs) - Hexham - Continue the walk through Sele Park, uncovering charming picnic spots.
- Cockshaw Burn - Uncover hidden treasures and insights into one of history’s most challenging and gruesome professions.
- Hexham House Accommodation 1&2 - Explore the scenic grounds of Hexham House, offering a perfect chance for photography.
- Market Place - Conclude the tour back at the Market Place, where stories of Hexham’s less glamorous side are shared.
What's Included
- Experienced Storytelling Guide
- Experienced Storytelling Guide
What's Not Included
- All Refreshments
- All Refreshments
Additional Information
Beautiful Hexham’s Ugly Past - Guided Walking Tour
“It’s fascinating to discover how smelly and violent this charming market town once was.” “Highly recommend this if you have an hour to spare.” “An informative, fun, and evocative tour.” “A fabulous, quirky experience.”
Delve into over 1,000 years of Hexham’s intriguing history as your guide, a…
Beautiful Hexham’s Ugly Past - Guided Walking Tour
“It’s fascinating to discover how smelly and violent this charming market town once was.” “Highly recommend this if you have an hour to spare.” “An informative, fun, and evocative tour.” “A fabulous, quirky experience.”
Delve into over 1,000 years of Hexham’s intriguing history as your guide, a skilled public speaker and the official Hexham Town Crier, brings history to life.
Just arrived in Hexham? Familiarize yourself with the area while enjoying an entertaining experience.
Tour Highlights:
- The market square massacre where 51 people lost their lives.
- The harsh, life-altering punishments for minor offenses.
- The eerie elements that gave the drinking water its unique taste.
How well does your guide know Hexham?
- Born and raised in Hexham.
- Spent eight months researching Hexham’s history.
- Official Town Crier for Hexham.
This tour is:
- Accessible
- Dog-Friendly
- Circular Route
- A healthy outdoor activity
- Dog Friendly
- Disability Aware
Location
NE46 1XF
Market Place
We are Newcastle Based. But for our Gruesome Tour of Hexham we meet in HEXHAM Market Place, outside the Moot Hall over looking the Market Place (FACING the Abbey) You will find your guide by the black benches by the arch of the Moot Hall.
We Do Not Meet Guests at Newcastle Central.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(30 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Yasmin
Mar 24, 2026
Brilliant and fascinating tour for all ages! - I booked the Gruesome Tour of Hexham as a Mother’s Day gift for my Mam, there was 3 of us (youngest being 11) and all of us thoroughly enjoyed it.
Helen was absolutely brilliant. You can tell she genuinely loves what she does, and her delivery will engage anyone. We explored little hidden corners of Hexham that I’d never have noticed myself, with loads of small details that made the whole experience feel really special. I get bored and distracted super easily but I did not feel my mind wander or check my watch once, which is a big deal for someone like me.
It’s rare to find something that keeps both adults and kids love, but Helen’s tour did. Can’t wait to book onto the next one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shiela
Mar 22, 2026
Gruesome Hexham Tour – Absolutely Brilliant! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - My daughter gifted me this tour for Mother’s Day, and it was a fab experience. As a trio of Nan, daughter and 11‑year‑old grandson, we were hooked from the very first stop and completely captivated all the way through.
Helen was so enthusiastic as she talked us through the gruesome historical events and her knowledge was vast - she took us to hidden corners of Hexham and pointed out little details that people may never even notice. We learned how Wallace’s army burned Hexham, and how Hexham Abbey was destroyed by fire, setting the scene for centuries of dramatic history. She brought to life the terrible events of the anti‑conscription demonstration and even connected the past to the present with fascinating recent history details like the rebuilding of the flood‑damaged bridge and the clever way the word “water” has been incorporated into the stones.
Helen brought to life the harsh, gritty reality of the tannery workers’ daily existence, and it was such an engaging way to truly understand just how tough their lives must have been.
Every stop was packed with stories we’d never heard before, and we were enthralled from beginning to end. I’m excited for the Suffragette Tour in Newcastle next!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suesk1311sn
Mar 21, 2026
An eye-opening and engaging tour - I arranged a private tour with Helen for Zigzag Days, a social support group for adults from the Haltwhistle area. Helen took great care to ensure that the pace suited the group, the many and varied questions were all answered and showed that everyone remained engaged throughout. I would thoroughly recommend Adventours to visitors and locals - you're guaranteed to see the town in a different way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trebor3017
Feb 6, 2026
Great walking tour - Helen was excellent story teller and brought the history to life. We really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gemma_s
Jan 24, 2026
Fab tour with an even fabber hostess! - Did the tour with Helen and wow it was absolutely fab! Learnt so much about the history of Hexham, all the grizzly details. We saw things and learnt things we would never have seen or know otherwise. It made our visit to Hexham much more animated and enjoyable. Helen is a brilliant tour guide and very knowledgeable! We hope to see you on another tour soon! Gemma and Aidan x
Review provided by Viator
Gemmasp3993qa
Jan 24, 2026
Fab tour and even better hostess!! - Did the tour with Helen and wow it was absolutely fab! Learnt so much about the history of Hexham, all the grizzly details. We saw things and learnt things we would never have seen or know otherwise. It made our visit to Hexham much more animated and enjoyable. Helen is a brilliant tour guide and very knowledgeable! We hope to see you on another tour soon! Gemma and Aidan x
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E9177ntgl
Dec 5, 2025
Gruesome Tour Hexham - Interesting and entertaining tour. Helen the tour guide was very enthusiastic and involved everyone on the walk. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A4141vmkatem
Nov 17, 2025
You’re never too old to learn! - First rate tour! Our guide Helen was so enthusiastic and full of interesting facts. I’ve lived in Hexham for 40 years but learned a lot about the town on this tour. We were a party of 3 aged from eighty to thirteen - we were all engaged and really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Helen for a very well spent hour. Can thoroughly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_w
Nov 15, 2025
Fantastic tour well worth even if local - This trip really exceeded expectations due to how Helen delivered the tour, full of interesting facts places we didn’t know existed and humour!!
Review provided by Viator
837jacquir
Nov 1, 2025
Great gruesome history tour - Fun evening for all the family. Interesting facts about Hexham's history. Knowledgeable host made tour personable and engaging.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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