As the calendar turns to January 2026 and a peaceful, restorative quiet settles over the Tyne Valley, we’ve found ourselves taking a moment to look back on what was a truly wonderful December here at our boutique hotel Hexham at The Beaumont. While the start of a new year often brings talk of “resolutions” and “fresh starts,” there is a particular, lingering warmth from the month just passed that we aren’t quite ready to let go of just yet.
From the very first frost dusting the grass on the Sele Park to the final, fizz-fueled countdown on New Year’s Eve, our boutique hotel Hexham was filled with the kind of vibrant energy that only the festive season in Northumberland can provide.
December in Hexham is always a highlight of our year, and 2025 was no exception. As the leading boutique hotel Hexham, we are lucky to have a front-row seat to the town’s seasonal transformation. The view from our Victorian windows—overlooking the park with its trees draped in twinkling lights and the silhouette of Hexham Abbey against a crisp winter sky—remains, in our opinion, the most iconic vista in the county.
We loved seeing the town come together to support our incredible independent shops. From the bustling stalls of the Christmas Market to the hidden gems found in the town’s narrow “chares,” there is a genuine magic to holiday shopping here that the big cities simply can’t replicate. It was a joy to see so many of you dropping into our lounge to warm your hands and rest your feet, sharing stories of your local finds and unique gifts.
We enjoyed a month of fantastic local events in Hexham, such as Hexham’s Christmas Farmers Market, the usual amazing Saturday Market with a Festive twist, providing the perfect setting to get into the Christmas spirit, we were on hand with cosy seating, Mulled Wine and warmed mince pies, the ideal retreat after enjoying the market.
Our kitchen team was kept exceptionally busy throughout the month, leaning into the rich, earthy flavours of a Northern winter. At The Beaumont, we believe that dining in Hexham should be an experience that reflects our landscape. As the only boutqiue hotel Hexham we believe that we should offer quality in everything we do, from coffee, to bedrooms to food, only the best for our guests.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Festive Menu. We launched in late November and ran it up until the big day. The menu was as follows:
Starters
Terrine – Pressed ham, pickled grape, apple chutney & toasted sourdough
Salmon – Beetroot poached salmon, horseradish yoghurt, capers & raisin
Soup – Artichoke soup, black garlic & chestnut
Mains
Turkey – Traditional roast Turkey Breast served all the trimmings
Trout – Roasted fillet of Sea Trout, fish veloute, pomme anna, sea vegetables, charred spring onion & keta roe
Risotto – Hexham Wild Mushroom risotto with winter truffle & parmesan
Desserts
Pudding – Traditional steamed Christmas Pudding served with lashings brandy cream
Pannacotta – Madagascan Vanilla pannacotta served mixed berry compote & biscotti
Delice – Valrhona Chocolate delice, peanut praline & milk ice cream
We also saw a record number of guests joining us during the Festive Period, whether it was a pre-Christmas family reunion or a quiet meal for 2, seeing our dining room full of laughter and steam rising from plates of fresh, exciting food is exactly why we do what we do.
Beyond the dining room, our guest rooms provided a peaceful sanctuary for those visiting from further afield. December is a popular time for Northumberland winter breaks, as visitors look to combine the cozy atmosphere of a market town with the rugged beauty of the nearby countryside.
Many of our guests spent their mornings exploring winter walks near Hadrian’s Wall or strolling along the River Tyne before returning to us for a warming dram of whisky by the fire. We take great pride in being the only boutique hotel in Hexham that feels like a home away from home—a place where you can kick off your boots, sink into high-quality linens, and truly decompress after a day in the elements.
While the decorations have been carefully packed away and the “big lights” on Beaumont Street have dimmed, the hospitality doesn’t stop. In fact, January is one of our favorite times at the hotel. It is a season for hunkering down, enjoying a slower pace of life, and finding beauty in the stark, frosty mornings.
If you missed out on a visit in December, or if you simply need a post-holiday “reset,” our doors are open. Whether you’re popping in for a quick pint after a visit to the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre or planning a mid-week escape to beat the January blues, we promise the same “chipper, business-as-usual” welcome that defines our boutique hotel Hexham.
To everyone who chose to celebrate with us—thank you from all of us at our boutique hotel. You are what makes The Beaumont more than just a building; you make it the beating heart of the Hexham community. We look forward to welcoming you back throughout 2026 for more memories, more great food, and more Northumbrian hospitality.
The Beaumont Hotel would be delighted to welcome you – please either book via the website booking portal or contact us on reception:
Tel: 01434 602331
E-mail us on: reservations@thebeaumonthexham.co.uk
Hexham Book Festival returns for the 20th year! An being right next door, we were at the centre of it all. From pre-talk coffee to post show dinner, we were there for it all and loved the buzz around Hexham as spring reared its head once again.
