Berwick-upon-Tweed Overview

A holiday in Berwick-upon-Tweed is the most northern holiday a traveller can take in England. This is because Berwick is the most northerly town in the country, so much so that it has changed hands between England and Scotland several times. However, Berwick's idiosyncrasies do not end there. Its curiosity is enhanced by Chinese whispers that the town is still technically at war with Russia.

Fear not. A visit to Berwick will not involve a clash with the Kremlin. You are more likely to be wowed by the Royal Border Bridge, which spans the Tweed and some may recognise from the Harry Potter films.

The coastal town has an eclectic mix of Scottish and English culture and its Elizabethan town walls provide panoramic views of the city, from one direction, and out over the North Sea, from another.

Berwick-upon-Tweed Location

Berwick can be accessed by the A1 road, which passes through the town, for those travelling by car. Alternatively, the town has a railway station, making access by this mode of transport an easy option.
There is plenty of cheap accommodation to be found in Berwick, particularly in the form of guesthouses. These are often a nice way to enjoy Berwick, as the host will more-than-likely cook you a breakfast in the morning and serve as your personal adviser as to where to visit and when.

Enjoy England rating signs clearly mark out and grade accommodation around Berwick, meaning that those who arrive on spec, without reservations, will be able to seek out somewhere to stay fairly quickly.

Tourists will also find that eating out and drinking in Berwick is cheap, even compared to other northern regions of England.

Why Visit Berwick-upon-Tweed?

Berwick-Upon-Tweed has everything going for it – stacks of history, beautiful buildings, the beach and low living costs.

Culture vultures can spend their time touring the Town Hall, exploring the history of the city walls and the little turrets and gun powder houses that they are peppered with.

The town's Berwick Barracks are another attraction. They date back to 1717 and were designed by renowned architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. In modern times they have become a tourist hotspot, which profile the lives of British infantrymen.

A host of other attractions are located nearby the town and holidaymakers would be well-advised to hire a car during their stay.

Less than 30-minutes away is Holy Island. Visitors should take care when visiting the island, as it can only be accessed by a causeway. When the tide comes in, twice a day, the causeway is covered and holidaymakers are stranded on the island. It is crucial to know the times the tide is due to come in to avoid being caught on the causeway. This information is readily available in local pubs and shops.

Once on Holy Island, which is officially known as Lindisfarne, tourists can explore the ruined abbey, which lies just before the bay.

Holy Island is also home to an impressive castle, which sometimes severe fog completely obscures, despite its close proximity.

The island was first inhabited in AD 635, when a group of monks arrived to use the land as a launch pad for Christianity.

Alternatively, Bamburgh Castle is less than an hour away, heading south, and features a stunning beach. Heading an hour north of Berwick will take travellers to Edinburgh.