Gracious Berwick upon Tweed

'With its elegant Georgian buildings sitting proud

over the mouth of the Tweed, England's most

northerly town is a rare and wonderful place'

Coast Magazine

Berwick-upon-Tweed is situated in north Northumberland on the border with Scotland. The town is a true gem and boasts amazing architecture that still holds fascinating clues to centuries of its turbulent history, all in the most unspoilt and beautiful of settings.

The most famous architectural icon is the Town Wall that still encircles over 260 listed buildings and graceful Georgian architecture. It is the only intact Elizabethan Town Wall remaining in England. When it was built in 1558 it was and still is the most expensive undertaking of England's Golden Age!

The most eye catching construction are three bridges over the wide estuary of the river Tweed, built in 1634, 1928 and 1850. The latter was designed by Robert Stephenson and is being hailed as one of the finest railway viaducts in the world. A most awe inspiring view is still glimpsed from the train when crossing over this bridge, with a view over Berwick nestled on the banks of the River Tweed and down the length of the coast with Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne in the background.

Walking the Elizabethan fortifications is a great way to appreciate Berwick's history and to take in the stunning views over the town and the wide sandy beaches of the North Sea and the Tweed estuary with its colony of mute swans. However, Berwick's charm today belies its turbulent past, as the town was captured or sacked 13 times before 1482 when it became English. Visit the Berwick Barracks and Main Guard to find out more.

Berwick's beauty didn't remain unnoticed and one of the more famous frequent visitors was L. S. Lowry. There is a "Lowry Trail" for those who want to explore this famous painter's favourite holiday resort.

Today the town is home to a thriving arts and culture scene with some great museums and galleries, as well as unique events such as the Riding of the Bounds and Border Marches, celebrating the unique town boundaries.

Useful Links

Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council Tourism Website

Bamburgh Parish Website

Berwick Guide Website