Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick-upon-Tweed is England's most dramatic walled town, standing right at the Northern-most tip of Northumberland. It has certainly attracted its fair share of famous admirers in the past. Lancastrian painter L.S. Lowry was a huge fan of the town and today there is a specially created Lowry Trail for those who want to explore his favourite holiday resort named Berwick.

Look around and you can see evidence of that past - Berwick was captured or sacked 13 times before 1482 when it fell into the hands of the English - in its Elizabethan Town Walls that were built to keep the invading Scots out of the town. Built between 1558 and 1570, the walls were the most expensive building project of England's Golden Age. Why not stay in a Berwick cottage for a week or two to be able to truely appreciate the history and culture that surrounds this area.

From the top of these walls you can take in some spectacular views over the wide estuary of the River Tweed including Stephenson's famous viaduct bridge, hailed as one of the finest in the world and is now lit at dusk.

Go inside the formidable walls and you'll find a charming and eclectic Georgian market town with a huge range of things to do and enjoy. In terms of places to stay, you'll be spoilt for choice with everything from small, homely Berwick bed and breakfasts to Berwick hotels and self-catering cottages.

Berwick is home to a thriving arts and culture scene which includes the Maltings Theatre and Arts Centre, and some great museums - try the Berwick Barracks and Main Guard - and galleries, as well as unique events such as the Riding of the Bounds and Border Marches, celebrating the unique town boundaries.

Berwick is also easy to get to, it is just off the A1 and has its own East Coast Mainline railway station. Visitors to the town walls can also enjoy The Berwick Museum and Art Gallery and The Gymnasium Gallery.

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