Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland travel guide and Berwick information

Visit Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick-upon-Tweed is in Northumberland on the mouth of the River Tweed close to the border with Scotland, where it is the most northern town in England. Now an English town, its border position led to it changing hands between Scotland and England many times in the centuries before 1482, since when it has remained part of England.

It is a picturesque market town, with buildings mostly constructed in the local stone, and a long-standing market town: markets are held twice a week in Berwick, on Wednesday and Saturday. the town also has a wide selection of shops, cafes and all other facilities.

A traditional 'style' northern town, Berwick has several interesting historical landmarks to discover. These include the Church of the Holy Trinity in the city centre, perhaps most notable for the absence of a steeple. the church was built in the middle of the 17th century, and has 19th century modifications; and the 18th century Guildhall and barracks buildings.

The original defensive city walls, dating from the Elizabethan era, can also be seen and a walk around the walls provides a good view across the historical centre and the Tweed River.

The street called Dewar's Lane, close to the quayside, is among the most interesting in the centre of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and was immortalised in a painting by Lowry (19th-early 20th century painter well known for his paintings of the industrial north of England).

Berwick Bridges

One of the first bridges you will see in Berwick is the long stone bridge, constructed around 1623 (on the site of earlier bridges). At one time a major thoroughfare, Berwick Bridge is now much quieter (a bypass was constructed in the 1980's) and more pleasant to admire. Others include the 659 metres long 19th century railway viaduct and the Union Bridge a few miles inland - notable for being one of the oldest suspension bridges in England, it opened in 1820 and crosses the tweed river between England and Scotland. A small remaining part of Berwick Castle can still be seen next to the railway bridge although most of the stone from the castle was used in the construction of the bridge.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Northumberland guide and the Northumberland guide.