Things to do in Hexham at Easter - Family Guide 2026
Looking for family Easter activities in Hexham? If you’re staying in one of our holiday cottages in or around Hexham, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained this Easter. From Roman forts and interactive trails to Easter egg hunts, children’s shows and scenic spring walks, Hexham is packed with activities perfect for younger children — and plenty for grown-ups too.
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve come up with a guide to some great family-friendly Easter events and days out happening in and around Hexham and Hadrian’s Wall this year.
Easter Adventure Quest — Chesters Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall
Saturday 28th March – Sunday 19th April | 10am – 5pm | Just £2 per child
Just a short drive from Hexham at Chollerford is Chesters Roman Fort and Museum on Hadrian’s Wall – one of the best preserved Roman cavalry forts in Britain. Now under the guardianship of English Heritage, it offers a great family day out, with trails around the Roman ruins, a fascinating museum and on-site tearoom for a well earned break.
This Easter, children can take part in the Easter Adventure Quest, cracking clues hidden around the grounds and earning a chocolate treat at the end. The quest costs only £2 per child on top of standard admission, with no need to book (though advance booking saves 15%). Visitors travelling by the AD122 bus from Hexham can also get 20% off their walk-up ticket. For more information and booking visit the website below.
Easter 2026 Raceday — Hexham Racecourse
Monday 13th April | Gates open 12:20pm
For something a little different, Hexham Racecourse is hosting its Easter Holidays Raceday on 13th April 2026. Arguably one of Britain’s most scenic racecourses, it’s located 600 feet above Hexham and offers a great family outing that combines the thrill of live horse racing with a stunning hilltop setting above the Tyne Valley.
The gates open at 12.00pm with the first race being 2:20pm and the last at 5:00pm. Two free buses also run from Hexham Rail Station and Bus Station, making it an easy car -free outing. For the Easter race day, there will be some free children’s entertainment such as garden games, face painting and an Easter Egg hunt. For more information and to book tickets please visit the Racecourse website.
Queen's Hall Arts Centre
Open throughout Easter (closed Good Friday & Easter Monday)
The Queen’s Hall Arts Centre is a beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Hexham and is open over the Easter holidays (although the Box Office and Galleries will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday). There are several performances and shows over the school holidays, including science shows, bubbles and fairytale fun. For booking information, visit the website below.
As well as live events, the Queen’s Hall is also home to the local library and Tourist Information Centre and a lovely café, so it’s well worth a browse even if you’re just passing through town.
Hexham Abbey
Hexham Abbey — Easter 2026 Services & Peaceful Visits
No Easter in Hexham is complete without a visit to the stunning Hexham Abbey. One of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the North of England, it dates back to AD 674 and is free to enter. Easter services are held throughout the long weekend, and even if you’re not attending a service, it’s a beautiful, peaceful place to visit.
If you’d like to learn more about the Easter story with children, there’s a gentle trail through the Abbey from 28th March – 11th April with knitted bunnies hiding and holding clues. The Abbey also hosts a range of music events from ‘Lunchtime Live’ on selected Thursdays (April 2nd and 16th ) at 1pm for a 40 minute performance with a focus on the Abbey’s Phelps’ organ.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the history of the Abbey, there’s also an interactive exhibition called The Big Story which brings 1350 years of history alive for both children and adults – entry is free of charge.
Getting Out & About Around Hexham
In addition to the Easter events above, there are plenty of other spring and school holiday activities to enjoy around Hexham:
Family-friendly walks & outdoor spaces
Tyne Green – Flat riverside paths perfect for prams, scooters, and little legs.
The Sele & Hexham Parks – Large, safe green spaces with play areas and plenty of room to explore.
Hadrian’s Wall – A world-famous Roman landmark with short, manageable sections ideal for families. Vindolanda is an incredible archaeological site and great for families, with indoor galleries and hands-on exhibits.
Wet-weather ideas
Hexham Leisure Centre (Wentworth) – Swimming pool, ten-pin bowling and soft play for children.
Forum Cinema – Family films in a friendly, comfortable setting.
Pottery painting – Ipots studios – Creative (and calm!) holiday fun indoors.
Practical Info for Easter 2026
Where to Eat in Hexham at Easter
Hexham’s independent food scene is fantastic for its size. You’ll find a great mix of cafés, pubs, and restaurants — ideal for warming up after a riverside walk or treating the kids after a busy day out.
Easter school holidays: Late March – 19th April
Good Friday: 3rd April
Easter Sunday: 5th April
Easter Monday: 6th April (Bank Holiday)
Getting here: Hexham sits on the Tyne Valley Line with direct trains from Newcastle and Carlisle — perfect for a car-free Easter break.
Parking: Wentworth Car Park is the closest large car park to the town centre.
Whether you’re staying for a full week, or looking for a day trip activity, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hexham at Easter. With a mix of history, outdoor adventure, live events, and family-friendly attractions, Hexham is a great place to visit this Easter.
Seal Cottage Hexham, sleeps 5
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.