Discover Berwick's History
This border town in Northumberland has a history of being passed between England and Scotland like a hot potato, and Berwick’s dominant Elizabethan Town Walls, old prison cells of the Berwick Town Hall and Berwick castle and ramparts, along with the winding, cobbled streets hold a complex and violent past.
The romantic River Tweed runs through its centre, dominated by three iconic bridges that have seen years of conflict as control of the town was repeatedly changing. Climb on-board The Border Rose with Berwick Boat Trips, where you can sail beneath the magnificent Royal Border Bridge and into the mouth of the river for some seal and dolphin spotting in Northumberland. All the while, skipper David and the crew will keep you entertained with anecdotes that bring to life Berwick’s historical sites in Northumberland and the town’s turbulent past, alongside stories rooted in Northumberland fishing and its rich salmon-fishing heritage.
The nearby Farne Islands in Northumberland are a must-visit while you are in this area of the county, home to a wealth of exciting Northumberland wildlife including a large colony of grey seals and, of course, the famous Farne Island puffins. So whether you’re looking for things to do in Northumberland for families over a bank holiday weekend, or to stay in Northumberland for longer over the summer holidays, make sure to visit Berwick to secure the perfect Northern bird watching spot.
Roam the river banks and soak up all that Berwick has to offer, with some of the most scenic Northumbrian views to take in on your visit. Most recently, it has reached television audiences through filming in Northumberland, appearing as one of the recognisable Vera filming locations in ITV’s popular drama series.
Escape to some of the most cosy cafés and tearooms Northumberland has to offer when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Take advantage of the town’s location along the Northumbrian coast and wander along barely-trodden Berwick beach, enjoy a hole in one at the golf club or take the children rock pooling at Cocklawburn beach - which has miles of golden sands to explore. If you've still got energy left then head into town, to one of Berwick’s eateries, to taste some of the most exquisite seafood Northumberland is known for. There are an array of restaurants and pubs in Northumberland lining the cobbled streets of Berwick town centre.
Step into Berwick’s complex and turbulent past and take a Northumberland history tour through the town; see Berwick Town Hall’s atmospheric jail cells where graffiti from unruly 18th century cellmates lines the walls, get an insight into a soldier’s life at Berwick Barracks and take a haunting walk along the Elizabethan Town Walls - a must-see for anyone interested in eerie tales and Halloween in Northumberland. The walls supersede the ruined remains of breath-taking Berwick upon tweed medieval Castle, which is beautifully perched on a rocky outcrop over the river making it the most northern of Northumberland's Castle's.