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Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Hexham Old Gaol & Moot Hall

Name: Hexham Old Gaol & Moot Hall
Address: Hallgate, Hexham, NE461XD, GB
Telephone: +441670624523
Price range: £

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Hexham Old Gaol & Moot Hall

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Explore the oldest purpose built prison in England and discover the history of the borders and the Reivers.

Delve into what life was really like for prisoners in the 1300s at our Scheduled Ancient Monument in the heart of Hexham. Discover two fascinating town centre buildings in Hexham. The Old Gaol offers four floors packed with information to bring history to life:
• Delve into the dark history of the Old Gaol, the Shire and the Borders
• Enjoy an unforgettable learning experience
• Find out about the terrifying Border Reiver raids and the tragic consequences
• Watch the special “Reiver Raid” film made exclusively for the Old Gaol
• Discover the area’s history and explore the buildings the Borderers lived in

The building of Hexham Gaol was ordered June 1330 making it the oldest purpose-built prison in England. It held prisoners captured in Hexhamshire - the area ruled over by the Archbishop of York - and his Bailiff and officials ran the Shire on his behalf from the nearby Moot Hall. The Gaol was used until the 1820s, when a new county gaol was built at Morpeth. By 1828 most prisoners were held in Morpeth Gaol, and the Hexham House of Correction was used for petty thieves. More recently the building has been used as a bank, solicitors' office, home for the Rifle Volunteers, a Billiards Club, and a place from which to firewatch in the Second World War. Hexham Moot Hall is just around the corner from the Gaol and right in the Market Place opposite Hexham’s stunning abbey. Originally part of a complex of buildings owned by the Archbishop of York, this is where the Archbishop's Bailiff was based, where he held courts, collected rents, and entertained important people. On the second floor of the Moot Hall is the Lockhart Room. Once the Bailiff's Hall, this amazing space is available for hire for weddings, meetings, events and parties. Look out for special events when you can discover the building for yourself. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge to the Old Gaol and each adult ticket purchased is valid for unlimited returns for 12 months. The charges are as follows:
Adult: £5.00 (£4.50 each for multiple adult tickets purchased at the same time)
Concessions (Students & OAPs): £4.00
Children 16 and under: Free

Hexham Old Gaol and Moot Hall is managed by Museums Northumberland, the public brand of Woodhorn Charitable Trust | Registered as a company in England and Wales under registration number 6893854 | Woodhorn Charitable Trust is registered as a charity number 1129712

27/10/2026

**VISITOR NOTICE**

Hexham Old Gaol will be closed today - Tuesday 27 October.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

25/10/2026

We're sorry for the inconvenience but Hexham Old Gaol is closing early today, at 1pm (Sunday 25 October).

20/10/2026

Looking for things to keep the family entertained this October half term? 🎃

There’s plenty of spooky fun to be had at Hexham Old Gaol!

👻 Make a Groaning Ghost
Get creative and make your own spooky ghost or ghoul that groans. A fun Halloween craft to try your hand at.

💀 Hexham Skull Trail
Follow our spine-chilling trail around the Gaol, uncovering its dark history and grisly collections along the way.

🔒 Escape from the Gaol Trail
Put your detective skills to the test, solve the clues and see if you can crack the code to escape!

Plan your half-term visit to Hexham Old Gaol - see the link in the comments below.

15/10/2026

Join artist Jonny Hannah and special guest quizmaster Suzanne Fairless-Aitken (from Bloodaxe Books) for a special Tales from the Gaol quiz night.

This time it's a Halloween/Samhain/Spook Night special, with prizes for some of you clever clogs out there.

There'll be questions galore, a picture round, and name that tune. Space is limited so get there early...

Date & time: Thursday 29 October, 6-9pm
Location: The Garden Hexham, 20 Hallgate, Hexham, NE46 1XD
FREE entry

08/10/2026

For those who break up earlier for half term, our Spooky Skull Trail will be available from this Saturday 10 October.

Can you count all the skulls lurking in the creepy corners of Hexham Old Gaol?

Pick up your trail sheet at the museum Welcome Desk then explore the museum to try and find all the skulls.

Count how many you can find and make your way back to the Welcome Desk with your completed trail sheet. If you’ve spotted them all then you’ll be rewarded with a small sweet treat!

The Hexham Skull Trail is inspired by the gruesome history of the Old Gaol and the museum collections. Find out about our permanent ‘skull in residence’ in the Charlton Room.

For more information see the link the comments below.

07/10/2026

In 1971 Colin & Leslie Robson found two carved stone models in their garden, which came to be known as the famous Hexham Heads. Strange paranormal stuff started to happen thereafter, including sightings of a half-man-half-sheep and a werewolf too. The heads were examined by various specialists, but then went missing in 1978. So where are they now?

Join artist Jonny Hannah at Hexham's Moot Hall on 31 October (11am -1pm) to create your own wanted poster for the mysterious Hexham Heads. All materials will be provided.

Tickets are free but spaces limited to just 20. You can book your tickets on our website now: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol/whats-on/spook-night-poster-workshop

14/09/2026

Our community team have been in Hexham delivering an activity inspired by the legend of the Hexham Heads!

Participants heard the spooky local story and got creative with air-dry clay making their own new Hexham Heads replicas. Their fantastic reproductions will reappear as a window display for Spook Hexham Spook Night this October.

Keep an eye for our Gateway into the Community window soon...if you dare!🦇

10/09/2026

Put your detective skills to the test at Hexham Old Gaol!

Follow the Escape the Gaol Trail, meet the colourful characters linked to the gaol and collect hidden letters along the way. Crack the code to discover who will help you escape!

Free with annual pass admission. Kids go free!

12/08/2026

If you’re out and about in Hexham this summer, why not pop into Hexham Old Gaol for a bit of hands-on history?!

Step inside England's oldest purpose-built prison, discover what life was really like behind bars, have a go at our interactive game to see how money was earned and spent in gaol, then make your own paper manacles to take home.

A fun, hands-on activity for families and a great way to spend a couple of hours if you're exploring Hexham this summer. We're right in the heart of the town – just follow the signs to the Old Gaol!

10/08/2026

As part of Heritage Open Days, we’re offering a rare chance to explore the House of Correction on a free guided tour.

Usually closed to the public, this remarkable building reveals a fascinating - if rather grim - history. Discover the daily routines of its inmates, from their tough chores to their bleak diet, and get a sense of life inside.

Tours begin at Hexham Old Gaol and last around 45 minutes, including a short walk between the two sites.

Spaces are limited, so advance booking is essential.

Saturday 12 September | Booking essential | Free

For more info and to book your slot visit: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol/whats-on/heritage-open-day-2026-house-of-correction-tours

Address

Hallgate
Hexham
NE461XD

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441670624523

Website

https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol, https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/about/social-media

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