CORBRIDGE
Corbridge grew from the Roman garrison town of Corstopitum, a supply town for the Roman soldiers stationed on Hadrian’s Wall .The Golden Lion and many of the local houses are built with the stone hewn from the ancient Roman site now on the outskirts of the village
The bridge crossing the Tyne dates back to the 17th century having been replaced in 1674 when the original 13th century bridge became derelict, this was the only one of the Tyne bridges to withstand the floods of 1771
HADRIANS WALL
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5 miles north of Corbridge is the site of this well-known Roman camp - the main supply depot for the armies building and guarding Hadrian's wall nearly 2000 years ago. The substantial remains of this excavated Roman settlement include the best example of military granaries in the country. The museum houses finds from the site, including the famous stone fountain-head - the Lion of Corbridge, giving a fascinating insight into Roman life.
HEXHAM GAOL.
This was England's first purpose-built prison which houses the Border History Museum. The Museum brings to life the turbulent nature of the Anglo-Scottish border life during Tudor times. Listen to the "Tudor gentleman" and learn how dangerous this border area was, and to discover the risky and dangerous lives of the Reivers. View the oldest underground cell that housed about 50 people at any one time, with no toilet facilities and the only way in/out was by a rope! On the upper floors the history emerges together with an audio scene of the times.
SAXON CHURCH OF ST ANDREWS, CORBRIDGE
The walls are filled with stones from the nearby Roman camp Corstopitum, and in the churchyard stands the Vicar's
Pele, built of Roman stones. It was constructed in the 14th century as protection against the Scottish raiders. The church has a Saxon tower, dating from the 8th century and the main body is a mixture of Gothic and Saxon. The entrance is Norman, while the large tower arch was apparently taken in its entirement from the Roman camp. Guided tours are often available in the summer months.
HEXHAM ABBEY
Founded by St Wilfrid in the 7th century Hexham Abbey has survived being burnt by the Vikings although it was re-founded in 1113 as an Augustinian priory
AYDON CASTLE
Aydon Castle never fully recovered from numerous battles over its ownership. Tremendous damage was caused to the castle when it fell into the hands of the Scots and it was left in ruins by the beginning of the Tudor age. However, the Carnaby family arrived on the scene and restored it and the castle is now in the safe keeping of English Heritage.
HEXHAM RACECOURSE
A Day at Hexham Races
A warm and friendly welcome always awaits at the only racecourse in Northumberland and one of the most scenic in the country.
Situated 600 feet above Hexham the steeplechase course hosts 14 race meetings a year.
The season runs from spring to autumn with several weekend, bank holiday fixtures and popular evening meetings.