General Background

Hexham Parks occupy a central location in the town and provide a valuable resource for the local community and visitors. The Parks are comprised of four different areas: Hexham House Grounds, the Sele, Cowgarth, and Abbey Grounds. The Parks contain informal green space, formal gardens, a bowling green, play areas, a bandstand, skate park, putting green, and toilets.

 

Opening Hours

Hexham Parks are open all year round.

 

Enquiries and Information

Please contact Northumberland County Council by e-mail ask@northumberland.gov.uk or on 01434 652344

Bandstand Appeal

The bandstand, on the Sele in Hexham, is in need of urgent renovation, causing mounting concern throughout the town.  The Mayor, Councillor J V Rad Hare has launched an appeal in 2012, its 100th anniversary, to bring the bandstand back to its true glory.  More information about Hexham’s bandstand can be found at http://www.hexhambandstand.ukpc.net/

 

A Brief History

In 1215 the Canons of the Priory of Hexham were given 3.5 acres and 16 perches of land for cultivation on the Sele (Seal).  This land remained under the ownership of the Church until the work of dissolution in 1537. However it was not until 1753 that the owner, Sir Walter Blackett, first opened the Sele to the public.

The boundary of the Town Park was substantially extended in 1911 when the Abbey Grounds were purchased for the use of the local community. They were further extended in 1928 when Hexham House was purchased by Hexham Urban District Council and the grounds opened to the public.

These three elements make up the Town Park along with the small Church Flags area on Cowgarth. Hexham is unusual in that these open spaces remain much as they have always been.

Today Hexham Parks continue to provide a much loved heart to the town and has held Green Flag Award status from 2002 to 2010.

 

Location

Hexham is a busy and thriving market town which enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality of its townscape and its beautiful setting in the Tyne Valley. As such it is a major tourist destination in Northumberland and is the closest major town to Hadrian’s Wall. The Park lies between Gilesgate to the North, Beaumont Street to the East and Hencotes to the South.

Postcode NE46 3NB and grid reference NY 9364 will bring you to the Park.

 

Transport and Parking

                      

Buses

The nearest bus stops are located on Hencotes, Hexham.

Trains

The nearest Railway Station is Hexham Station, on the A6079 Station Road about a 10 minute walk from the Park.

Parking

Pay and Display on Beaumont Street adjacent to the 2 park entrances.

 

Features within the Park

 

Hexham House Gardens

The gardens were built in 1723 and are a natural extension to the expansive Abbey Grounds and Sele. They contain a well-used bowling green which supports Hexham Bowling Club, as well as much enjoyed formal bedding schemes and mixed herbaceous/shrub borders.

The Sensory Garden was developed in partnership with Newcastle College contains an array of interesting perennial plants as well as sculptures by William Pym.

Nearby a carved wooden owl welcomes visitors to The Glade, a peaceful and reflective shady corner of the Park close to Cockshaw Burn with fine views  towards Hexham Abbey.

The mixed herbaceous and shrub borders at the south end of the Bowling Green and along the western boundary of Hexham House provide a rich diversity of plants which add contrast to the striking formal spring and summer bedding displays.  Within the Abbey Grounds shrub planting and drifts of naturalized bulbs blend seamlessly with the collection of mature trees.

Trees

Trees are a very important feature with over 200 in the park. There is a wide range of species and age groups including new plantings carried out over the last 5-10 years. This has introduced age diversity into the group that will assist in maintaining sustainable tree cover. Also worth noting are the impressive stands of lime trees lining the west side of the Sele walk and the notable examples of mature Oaks located within Hexham House Grounds to the west of the bowling green. The Royal Forestry Society was founded in Hexham and there are two commemorative Oak trees planted by the Society located within the Abbey grounds.

Bowling Greens and Pavilion

The Bowling Club was founded in 1929 and continues to have a strong membership.

Play Area

The play area is located in the Sele, opposite the First School. It contains swings, slides and multi-activity units and is suitable for children aged up to twelve.

Skate Park

The skate park can be found next to the play area and is used by skaters and BMX riders. It provides a well-used meeting place for young people.

War Memorial

Designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1921 the memorial is constructed of Portland stone and is used as the focal point for the annual remembrance service.

The annual Remembrance Sunday Service takes place at the War Memorial on the Sunday nearest to the 11th November each year.                                                                                             

Public Toilets

Public toilets (including disabled access) are located within the park boundary immediately north of the children’s play area.

For disabled users a R.A.D.A.R. key is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

The Tourist Information Centre is located at the south end of Wentworth car park. Vehicle access is via either Alemouth Road at the north east entrance or Priestpopple at the south entrance.

Other public toilets are located opposite the Park in St. Marys Wynd just off Beaumont Street.

 

Links

Hexham Parks Management Plan

The Green Flag Award

Bandstand Appeal