With some terrific day trip options in the surrounding area, renting a car makes sense. Without one, it’d be much harder to experience everything that Hexham, 17 miles away, has to offer. Among your first stops here should be Hexham Abbey, Chesters Roman Fort and Aydon Castle. Don’t miss Carlisle either! Just 17 miles away, The Sands Centre, Bitts Park and Carlisle Castle are essential stops here.