Hexham - Square, Park & Abbey

Navigating The Route

This is a town-centre Treasure Hunt through Hexham Square, Sele Park and around Hexham Abbey, with Adventurers sent by the Exploration Society to track down Halfdene the Dane's hidden Viking treasure map and follow the clues to his long-lost hoard.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll set off from Wentworth car park, explore Hexham's streets and alleyways, investigate Sele Park and the Abbey area, then finish in the Market Place area near the Abbey.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route is mainly along pavements, but there are two steep inclines where wheelchair users will need some assistance. You'll also encounter a ramp, Hallgate, alleyways, a minor road crossing and a steep bank near the end.

Take care at the one busy road crossing and in other areas where traffic could come along at any time. Be aware when crossing the minor road by the pant, and at the end, stay on the Abbey side of the Market Place rather than crossing the road.

Getting There

By car: Start your adventure at Wentworth car park, opposite Waitrose, near the Wentworth Cafe and the public WC (NE46 1QE). Park your expedition vehicle at Wentworth car park (NE46 1QE), then head to the opposite end of the car park from Waitrose to begin.

By public transport: Make your way to Wentworth car park, opposite Waitrose, near the Wentworth Cafe and the public WC (NE46 1QE), ready to start the hunt.

Need the Loo?

There is a public WC at the start of the quest route, near Wentworth Cafe. You'll find another set of toilets near Sele Park play area as the adventure continues.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt. 🐾

The route includes pavements, alleyways, steep inclines, a steep bank near the end, a busy road crossing and a minor road crossing, so keep dogs close around traffic and take care on the steeper sections. Sele Park gives canine companions a greener stretch along the way.

Food & Drink Stops

Viking treasure-hunting is hungry work, so stock up wisely before the map-chasing begins. You can pick up picnic supplies and snacks from the supermarket at the start, and there are several cafes along the way.

The route also passes The Globe Inn and The Tannery pub, giving Adventurers a couple more chances to refuel once Halfdene the Dane's trail has everyone peckish.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Hexham Abbey

Hexham Abbey is one of the most impressive buildings in Northumberland, and the Trail brings you right into its orbit. Built mainly with material from Roman ruins, it has survived attacks and plundering by Vikings, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and King David of Scotland - not bad for a building that is still going strong.

The Old Gaol

The Old Gaol adds a properly dramatic slice of history to your Hexham adventure. It was the first purpose-built prison in the country, where punishments once included branding, banishment, fines, time in the stocks and even the death penalty, which was pretty common back then.

Sele Park

The route heads into Sele Park and past Sele Play Area, making it a handy place for Mini Explorers to burn off some treasure-hunting energy. There are toilets near the play area, and the bandstand forms part of an optional detour for Adventurers who fancy an extra challenge.