Berwick-upon-Tweed

October 12, 2019

Northumberland | Town | ★★★

[Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed]

Now formally part of Northumberland in England, at least part of Berwick's soul remains in Scotland. For centuries the River Tweed marked a logical border between the feuding countries, and the town's position on the north bank often placed it on the Scottish side. Berwick-upon-Tweed nevertheless changed hands 14 times in two centuries leading up to 1482, when Edward IV took it for the English permanently. What today's visitor finds is a charming (though traffic-choked) place with a compact centre, wide market squares, hidden-away narrow lanes and three attractive bridges... and a fourth, ugly one! The Elizabethan town walls are remarkably complete, as is the 18th century barracks, which contains no fewer than three museums. Berwick Castle didn't fare as well, but enjoys a spectacular outlook over the Royal Border railway viaduct. Finally, there's the natural component: take a stroll along one of the river banks towards a choice of expansive beaches, or further afield on the Berwickshire or Northumberland Coast Paths.

[Old Bridge and the town centre from the west]

Location & info

📌 Berwick-upon-Tweed ★★★
Northumberland, G.R.: NT 998530 ///fuzzy.noble.seat

🚶 Most of the interesting spots are conveniently grouped together within the town walls. Local beaches are a half hour walk or so away.
🚆🚌 Berwick is well served by trains on the East Coast main line from towns and cities including Edinburgh, Newcastle and even London. It's also a useful bus hub with routes from Alnwick, Wooler and several towns in the Scottish Borders.
🚗 Head out of the centre to find free parking.

See & do (<1 mi away)

>> Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks and Main Guard ★★★
>> Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts ★★
>> Fisherman's Haven ★★
>> Walk: Berwick Border Raid ★★★

Nearby (1-3 mi away)

>> Spittal Beach ★★ (1 mi ↓)