Berwick-Upon-Tweed - A Guide to the Fascinating Border Town
Berwick-upon-Tweed is an incredible example of resilience and preservation. The border town has survived centuries of hardships, yet much of the town's beautiful sights still stand today.
Berwick-upon-Tweed riverside view
It is often called the border town as Berwick-upon-Tweed lies on the English side of the Scottish borders and separates England from Scotland. The towns unusual border location is what has shaped Berwick-upon-Tweed into the historic town that it is today.
In this post, I will discuss the history of Berwick-upon-Tweed along with guiding you on the best things to do in the historic Northumberland town.
A Brief History of Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed's significance as a border town with Scotland has played a vital role in shaping its history. The town's tale is marked by a series of changes in control between England and Scotland, with both nations fighting for dominance. Its strategic location along the Anglo-Scottish border made it one of the main points for military conflicts throughout history.
Berwick's history was first recorded during the Roman times when it was known as "Brigantium." The Romans established a fort in the area, leaving traces of their occupation.
Over time, Berwick developed and grew into a prosperous medieval trading town. Berwick's status as a border town was further established during the Middle Ages when it was involved in multiple wars and skirmishes, frequently changing hands between England and Scotland.
In 1328, the Treaty of Northampton temporarily placed Berwick under Scottish control, but it returned to English rule in 1333 following the Battle of Halidon Hill.
During the 16th century, the town played a significant role in the Wars of the Rough Wooing, a conflict between England and Scotland. Berwick-upon-Tweed continued to experience a turbulent history as border disputes persisted.
Frequent wars and the constant threat of invasion were the main reasons the town constructed such impressive fortifications, including Berwick Castle and the town walls.
In the 17th century, Berwick faced further struggles during the English Civil War, and it changed hands once more. The Acts of Union were made in 1707, and Berwick officially became part of England, which has remained until today.
Royal Border Bridge
The Royal Border Bridge is an iconic railway viaduct designed by the renowned architect Robert Stephenson. It was completed in 1850 and has 28 elegant stone arches with a total length of 659 meters.
Scenic view of the Royal Border Bridge
The Royal Border Bridge is simply huge. It stands at 37 meters from the bottom of the River Tweed and towers over the town. The beautiful arches are made from stone, and the bridge resembles Roman Viaducts. It is easy to see that it was inspired by these beautiful ancient bridges that came before.
Because of its excellent construction, the Royal Border Bridge continues to serve as an essential connection in the East Coast Main Line Railway's transportation network.
View of the Royal Border Bridge and Tweedmouth townhouses
Victorian engineering and an incredible design make the Royal Border Bridge such a remarkable landmark. Watching the trains pass by this historic town on a giant Victorian Bridge is a memorable sight which should not be missed.
The Royal Border Bridge can be seen almost anywhere along the Berwick-upon-Tweed riverside area. Still, I recommend getting close to the bridge to fully enjoy it.
Royal Tweed Bridge
The Royal Tweed Bridge is another famous crossing along the River Tweed. This elegant bridge connects the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed to the residential side known as Tweedmouth.
The Royal Tweed Bridge was Completed in 1925. It replaced Berwick's previous bridge, known as the 'Old Bridge,' which had stood for centuries. It plays a pivotal role in the local transportation network. Until the 1980s, it was part of the A1 Road, which connects London to Edinburgh.
View of medieval buildings along the River Tweed
Today, the Royal Tweed Bridge still plays a huge role in connecting Berwick-upon-Tweed with neighboring cities and areas whilst allowing residents and visitors to access the town with ease.
The bridge's beautiful design, which features concrete arches and decorative lampposts, perfectly complements the town's historic architecture.
Walking on the Royal Tweed Bridge gives you the best views of the riverside and old town. The Royal Border Bridge can be seen from here. From this vantage point, Berwick-upon-Tweed appears unspoiled by the modern era, offering a wonderfully medieval view of the old town.
Town Hall Museum and Cell Block
The town hall of Berwick-upon-Tweed is a prominent building in the town centre. It has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Within this historic building is the Town Hall Museum and Cell Block, which exhibits various aspects of the town's past.
The museum section of the building hosts a collection of artefacts and exhibits that highlight the local history, including the town's maritime heritage. It also showcases its history as a border town with Scotland and its connection to the Berwick Advertiser, one of England's oldest newspapers. Visitors can explore these exhibits to gain insights into the cultural aspects of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The "Cell Block" part of the Town Hall refers to a section that once served as a jail. Visitors can view former jail cells and historical items related to law enforcement and incarceration in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
This part of the facility offers a unique perspective on the town's past and the justice system in the Northumberland region. I found the Cell Block to be the most defining and unique feature of the town hall museum.
Together, the Berwick Town Hall Museum and Cell Block show the history of Berwick-upon-Tweed in an interactive way. Displaying history from its border town status to its role in the local justice system, all within the historic setting of the Berwick Town Hall, this really is a great museum and should not be missed when visiting Berwick-upon-tweed.
Berwick Town Walls and Castle
Bewick-upon-Tweed is famous for its ancient town walls, which previously stretched 2 miles across Berwick. The incredible town walls were first built in 1558 by Queen Elizabeth to defend Berwick from the invading Scottish Armies. For this reason, they are known as the Elizabethan Town Walls.
Throughout the years, the Elizabethan Walls were partially destroyed by invasions. Later, the town walls were rebuilt several times until the 16th century.
Today, the Berwick-upon-Tweed town walls have become famous for preserving their medieval fortifications, known as some of the most complete and well-preserved town fortifications in the United Kingdom.
The walls stretch just over a mile and encompass the entire town, featuring sturdy stone walls, ramparts, bastions, and several gateways. Allowing visitors a unique opportunity to stroll along the top of these walls, which offer panoramic views of the town, the River Tweed, and the surrounding countryside.
Berwick Castle isn't much of a castle anymore. This ancient site is mostly just part of the town walls. The ramparts, gatehouses and town walls are the remains of what is known as Berwick Castle today.
The Berwick Town Walls and Castle are free to walk and are easily accessible, so visiting is a great way to spend some time in the town.
The walls and medieval castle are a great insight into the warring history of Berwick-upon-Tweed and an excellent way to learn about the town's constant change between England and Scotland.
Berwick Town Centre
Berwick-upon-Tweed has a small town centre with some shops, restaurants and the old town hall situated between all of it. It has some historic charm, like most parts of Berwick-upon-Tweed, but in general, it is not much more than a place to grab some lunch or afternoon tea in Berwick.
Berwick-upon-Tweed Town Centre
Bridge Street is a small street close to Berwick Bridge and near the town centre. This street is known for its small boutique shops, restaurants, and pubs. Bridge Street is a great little hidden gem within the town centre area. If you want to get away from the standard franchise shops, I recommend visiting this street.
There is a small selection of shops in Berwick-upon-Tweed as it is a historic medieval town rather than a metropolitan city. If you keep that in mind the town centre is still worth a visit, particularly as the town hall is there.
Places to Stay In Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick's excellent location along the River Tweed means there are plenty of places to stay in the area. You have the choice of staying in a nearby town or in the central area of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The town centre is small and it doesn't have many options for hotels and guesthouses.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is underrated amongst tourists, and it was not quite as busy as it should be. This means it will be easier to find hotels in Berwick-upon-Tweed. However, you should still book in advance as you will likely get better prices, especially during the summer months.
Berwick Museum and Art Gallery
The Berwick Museum and Art Gallery is a hub for exploring the town's rich history and vibrant arts scene. This unique museum is housed in the Ravensdowne Barracks, a historic location, as this was the first purpose-built army Barracks in England. The building is also known as the Berwick Barracks and is a famous local landmark.
The museum section houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits, including armour and other interesting historical pieces. You can find artefacts which signify Berwick-upon-Tweed status as a contested border town and its maritime heritage.
The art gallery showcases classical paintings from famous artists in the region throughout many centuries. Many of these classical paintings contributed to the rich history of Northumberland and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The former army building is an exciting feature of this museum, and the museum exhibits of great historical importance make it even more enjoyable. The Berwick Museum and Art Gallery is a worthy visit for those looking to learn more about the history and cultural significance of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Visit the Berwick Lighthouse
The Berwick lighthouse sits at the end of Berwick Pier, overlooking the North Sea. It serves as a navigational aid for ships approaching the harbour and plays a vital role in ensuring safe passage for vessels along the Northumberland coast.
It has guided mariners for many years, helping them navigate the often treacherous waters of the North Sea.
The Berwick Lighthouse is generally closed to the public, as its primary function is maritime safety. However, its picturesque waterfront setting makes it a popular photography spot and landmark among tourists.
Visitors to Berwick can enjoy views of the lighthouse from various vantage points along the waterfront, and it serves as a picturesque backdrop for exploring the coastal beauty of the area.
Maltings Theatre and Gallery
The Maltings Theatre and Gallery is a multi-purpose entertainment complex which offers a wide range of entertainment. This versatile venue hosts theatrical productions, art exhibitions, music performances, and film screenings.
Its art gallery displays diverse exhibitions, many of which are temporary, and some require entry fees. The Maltings Theatre and Gallery stage usually has a diverse repertoire of plays, musicals, and dance performances lined up.
Beyond the spotlight, the Maltings Theatre and Gallery fosters artistic growth through workshops, classes, and community engagement, igniting the passions of creatives.
The Maltings Theatre and Gallery is a fantastic place to enrich yourself with art and culture. It is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in Berwick-upon-tweed. Times and dates for exhibitions and performers, along with more visitor information, can be found on their website.
Berwick Parish Church
The Berwick Parish Church dates back to the 12th century. However King Charles I considered the church old in the 17th century and ordered it to be rebuilt. In 1652 it was completed, and this medieval church remains largely untouched until this day.
The church is functional and holds ceremonies and church service. It's architecture is beautiful and it is an important part of Berwick-upon-Tweed even today.
Is Berwick Worth a Visit?
Berwick-upon-Tweed is definitely worth visiting. It is a unique destination that allows visitors to experience and learn about the Scottish borders while being set in an incredibly scenic area. It is one of my favourite places in Northumberland, and anyone visiting the region should have it on their to-do list.
Things to Do Near Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Visit Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is easily one of the best places to visit near Berwick-Upon-Tweed. This beautiful castle is located on the Northumberland Coast and is perched overlooking Bamburgh Beach. A strategic location where it once defended Britain from invading forces such as the Vikings.
Bamburgh Castle has earned its place as one of the most exciting destinations in Northumberland. It is an easy journey from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Bamburgh castle and only takes around 30 minutes drive or 50 minutes by bus.
Take a trip to the Holy Island
The Holy Island is a coastal island which can be reached by a short drive from Berwick-upon-Tweed. However, not an easy drive as the causeway road floods twice a day, so you must plan your journey in advance.
The Holy Island is also known as Lindisfarne. It is famous for its Lindisfarne Priory, a regional landmark which played a considerable role in promoting Christianity in medieval Britain. This is where the name Holy Island comes from.
The island has beautiful nature and historic ruins and landmarks. I recommend visiting for anyone looking for things to do near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Overall Impressions on Visiting Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a fascinating place and a highly underrated travel destination. Considering the stunning natural areas close to Berwick-upon-Tweed and its well-preserved medieval sites, it is easy to recommend this incredible town in Northumberland.