Aims There are few data on the use of hospital services by centenarians living in the UK. In the present study, we recorded the frequency, nature and outcomes of hospital admissions in centenarians in an area of North‐East England. Methods Data regarding hospital attendance in centenarians in Northumberland and North Tyneside, covered by one National Health Service Trust, were collected. For the years 2010–2013, demographics, frequency of admission and length of hospital stay data were collected. Medical notes for those admitted in 2011 were reviewed, and data extracted relating to diagnosis, medications and past medical history. Results Across the 4 years of the study, there were 349 hospital attendances of centenarians. A total of 264 of these attendances resulted in admission with an overnight stay. In 2011, there were 107 attendances, 75 of which (in 54 unique patents) resulted in admission and an overnight stay. The unique patients admitted represented 41.5% of the centenarians living in the catchment area. The most common primary reason for admission in centenarians was respiratory tract infection, though falls were a primary or secondary reason for admission in 41.3% of centenarians. There were 11 in‐hospital deaths in 2011, and a further seven deaths within 30 days of discharge. The median number of medications taken on admission and discharge was six. Conclusions Almost half of the centenarians living in the catchment area were admitted to hospital during 2011. Over 25% of admissions either died in hospital or within 30 days of discharge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 969–975.