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Pictures of Berwick-upon-Tweed

in the county of Northumberland

Berwick from halidon hill, Holy island and Bamburgh castle in background

About Berwick-upon-Tweed

Standing on an entirely Scottish river, it is no wonder that the most frequently asked question concerning Berwick-upon-Tweed remains, is it Scottish or is it English?

During the harsh border struggles, this town was alternatively held by the Scottish and English. The struggles first began in Roman times and continued until the 15th-century. The town changed hands 13 times before being declared English territory in 1482.

The stirring history of Berwick-upon-Tweed and its effect upon its citizens, has contributed greatly to the strength and character of the town. The strong fortifications of this walled town date from the 14th-century when the wall stood at a height of over 20ft high and had 19 towers. To ensure complete safety for the town, Queen Elizabeth I ordered a new wall to be built on the north and east sides of the town. Elizabeth, engaged Italian experts to build the new wall, they were said to be experts in building defences that would make full use of Artillery and fire protection was assured for all parts of the wall by the building of 5 large bastions. This wall was rebuilt in 1760 and has survived as a complete circuit round Old Berwick. It remains today in excellent condition and a walk along the top gives great views of both the town and the harbour.

Interestingly, the Parish church, which is of great architectual value, is one of the few churches built during Cromwell's period. It is well preserved and in the latter part of the 19th-century, it was extended.

Berwick Castle was built in the year 1150 but owing to the introduction of the railways the castle was almost completely demolished by the Victorians who needed the site for the building of a railway station. The Royal Border Bridge built by Robert Stephenson in 1850 is connected to Berwick station. Stephenson's superb structure has 28 arches and stands 130ft above water. Berwick has two other bridges, one dates 1624 and the other is of more recent times and was built in 1928.

In 1717, Vanbrugh built Ravensdowne Barracks, known to be Britians eariest barracks in the area and built due to the protests of the townspeople who objected to billeting soldiers in their homes.

The Berwick of today is a charming and interesting town. Within the walls, old grey-stone buildings hidden under pinky-red roofs huddle together in ancient cobbled streets. The town hall is of classical design, it has four Tuscan columns a bell tower and its steeple soars 150ft skywards. This building was built in 1750 and its top floor was once the town goal!

Berwick's position on the Northumberland Heritage Coast assures the visitor that this is not just an ancient place but a lively bustling town set on the shores of a vast ocean. The shopping is excellent and with the towns strong scottish influence you can buy anything from a Tartan Handkerchief to full Highland Dress. Oh yes, the Whisky is superb and if you are not careful you can get quite tipsy sampling the different blends on offer.

This historic town is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Travel a short distance inland and you will come to the Southern Upland Way, which runs through some of the most majestic scenery in the Border country. Attractions close-by include; Manderson at Edrom, Crumstane Park Farm and a short distance from Berwick is a battle site of 1333. You will find some very hospitable inns and public houses, all serving tasty food, good wines and a wide selection of fine whisky. Go on, take a bottle home!


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick Castle(0.7 miles, 1.1 km)Pictures
Guile Point East Lighthouse(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)Pictures
Ord House Country Park(1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction SW)Pictures
Norham Castle(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction SW)Pictures
Ayton Castle(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction NW)Pictures
Etal Castle(9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction SW)Pictures
Ford Castle(10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction S)Pictures
Press Castle(10.7 miles, 17.3 km, direction NW)Pictures
Lindisfarne Priory(10.7 miles, 17.3 km, direction SE)Pictures
Heugh Lighthouse(11.1 miles, 17.9 km, direction NW)Pictures
Lindisfarne Abbey(11.1 miles, 17.9 km, direction SE)Pictures
Lindisfarne Castle(11.3 miles, 18.1 km, direction SE)Pictures
Coldingham Loch(11.5 miles, 18.5 km, direction NW)Pictures
Duns Castle(13.9 miles, 22.3 km, direction W)Pictures
Bamburgh Lighthouse(15.3 miles, 24.6 km, direction SE)Pictures

All attractions in Berwick-upon-Tweed
All attractions in Northumberland
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Berwick-upon-Tweed

Burnmouth, in the county of Borders (5.6 miles, 8.9 km, direction NW)
The delights of Burnmouth belong to when it was a simple fishing harbour where the villagers depended upon the gifts from the sea for their livelihood.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lindisfarne, in the county of Northumberland (9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction SE)
Each day for several hours the beautiful island of Lindisfarne is cut off by the tide from the mainland. Tide permitting it can...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

St Abbs, in the county of Borders (9.9 miles, 16.0 km, direction NW)
In an area of startling prettiness the clear blue waters washing spectacular sandstone cliffs come as no surprise, for this is a coast renowned for it's beauty.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ford, in the county of Northumberland (10.0 miles, 16.1 km, direction S)
Ford lies in an area of great natural beauty. It is in close proximity to the beautiful coastline of Linisfarne and Holy Island and is surrounded by old and pretty villages
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Holy Island, in the county of Northumberland (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction SE)
Holy Island lies close to Beal and is reached - tides permitting - by a causeway.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Coldstream, in the county of Borders (12.7 miles, 20.5 km, direction SW)
This is a small town where centuries ago warring Scottish and English armies forded the River Tweed.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Budle Bay, in the county of Northumberland (14.7 miles, 23.7 km, direction SE)
Budle Bay is a wonderous place, the shallow estuary is almost totally enclosed, and it is used by many species of wildlife as winter roosting territory.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Kirknewton, in the county of Northumberland (15.1 miles, 24.3 km, direction S)
Today, this appealing village has become a tourist destination to which travellers and holiday makers are drawn for the dramatic landscape and spectacular views.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Wooler, in the county of Northumberland (15.5 miles, 25.0 km, direction S)
Here in these high upland regions you feel immediately relaxed, at ease and although Wooler bustles with life, it has a timeless quality where you feel a world away from civilisation.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bamburgh, in the county of Northumberland (16.1 miles, 25.9 km, direction SE)
Bamburgh, is known as the ancient capital of the Northumbrian coast and it is home to probably the finest Castle in England.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Beadnell, in the county of Northumberland (20.7 miles, 33.3 km, direction SE)
On this coast of sheer perfection, amongst timeless coastal villages, lies Beadnell an historic fishing village.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Craster, in the county of Northumberland (26.3 miles, 42.3 km, direction SE)
Craster is a quiet and unspoiled fishing village in Northumberland, famous for its Kippers and beautiful cliff scenery
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Northumberland
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Berwick-upon-Tweed Station(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
Chathill Station(19.9 miles, 32.0 km, direction SE)
M8 Junction 1(51.8 miles, 83.3 km, direction W)
Newcastle International Airport(52.4 miles, 84.3 km, direction S)
Edinburgh Airport(53.5 miles, 86.1 km, direction W)
M9 Junction 1(55.5 miles, 89.2 km, direction W)
Berwick-upon-Tweed to London(304.7 miles, 490.3 km, direction S)

Hotels & Accommodation in Berwick-upon-Tweed

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Berwick-upon-Tweed center
Kings Arms Hotel(0.3 miles, 0.4 km)
Marshall Meadows Country House Hotel(2.0 miles, 3.3 km, direction NW)
Tillmouth Park Country House Hotel(9.5 miles, 15.2 km, direction SW)
The Wheatsheaf Restaurant With Rooms(10.6 miles, 17.1 km, direction W)
Tankerville Arms Hotel(15.2 miles, 24.5 km, direction S)
Ryecroft Hotel(15.3 miles, 24.6 km, direction S)
The Victoria Hotel(16.1 miles, 25.8 km, direction SE)
One Green Hope Guest House(17.1 miles, 27.5 km, direction W)
Roxburghe Hotel And Golf Course(23.5 miles, 37.8 km, direction SW)
The Masons Arms(25.2 miles, 40.5 km, direction SE)
All hotels in Berwick-upon-Tweed

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