Berwick-upon-Tweed

The fortunes of Berwick, along with the smaller settlements at Tweedmouth and Spittal, are intrinsically linked to the River Tweed, spanned by three iconic bridges that have seen hundreds of years of conflict, echoing the turbulent history of the town. Reminders of Berwick’s past as a border town, famously shifting between English and Scottish control, are everywhere. 

Between and around these structures are characterful Georgian houses, cobbled lanes, narrow archways, and echoes of past trade and civic life such as Berwick Granary and the Town Hall. Many of these buildings have been revived for use today, offering cultural activities and events for all.   

The definitive border town was the focus of many centuries of warfare between England and Scotland. Berwick has perfectly preserved Elizabethan fortifications and the most complete town defences of its type in Northern Europe, and 18th century Barracks that were the first in Britain to be purpose-built. 

This is a town packed with interest and tradition, and even boasts a building which leans even more than the Tower of Pisa: a Granary, now restored as a youth hostel, art gallery and bistro. 

The Northumberland Coast National Landscape runs to just south of Berwick-upon-Tweed.