About Hexham Old Gaol
Step back in time at this historic former prison on Hallgate, where families can discover fascinating tales of crime and punishment. Wheelchair accessible with baby changing facilities and nearby parking available.
What's nearby
- The Garden Coffee House next door
- Caffè Nero next door
- Hexham Farmers' Market next door
- Waitrose & Partners 250m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
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.
· via Google
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.
· via Google
Worth popping in if you're in the area, but not worth going out of your way. Displays are largely aimed at younger audiences (~8-12 year olds) - adults will be occupied for about 30-60 minutes. The glass lift is a cool way to get around, and dropping down into the dungeon is an experience (although it's pretty bare!). Staff were very friendly and the gift shop is quite good.
· via Google
Bit pricey for what it offers. There are 4 heavily renovated exhibition rooms with some information ondisplay. Interesting but not worth £7 (£8 with donation). Doesn't give you any feel of being old gaol/jail. There's no comparison to Jedburgh Gaol which is free and definitely worth a visit.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers interesting historical information and a unique experience with its glass lift to the dungeon. They also highlight the friendly staff and the convenient, free parking nearby.
Some reviews mention there can be limited things to see.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Hallgate, Hexham, NE46 1XD Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.1 / 5 (165 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Hexham