Berwick upon Tweed is the last town in England (if travelling North) and the first town in England (if travelling South).
Berwick is a contender for most Scottish town in England. Although located in England both its football and rugby teams play in the Scottish leagues and there is a strong affinity for Scotland in the town. The town is
For such a small town there is an incredible amount to do. Here are my 5 best places to visit in Berwick.
Elizabethan town walls
When you walk around the town walls you begin to understand how important a town Berwick was. The were the most expensive undertaking of Elizabethan times and helped to ensure the town enjoyed a permanent peace.
A walk around the town walls takes about 45 minutes. It is roughly one and a quarter miles (about 2km) and is perfect for all abilities, the paths are all asphalt and in good condition.
Once on the walls it is flat and wheel chair accessible although keep in mind the high drops either side. The walls are very tall and have no safety fences. You (and your kids) will have to use common sense around the edges.
At roughly half way there is a fantastic kids play park.
The park is full of fun equipment for all ages and is really well looked after.
The walls follow the outline of the old town and take in views of North Sea beaches, the Tweed estuary, historic buildings.
There are plenty of interesting facts on signs along the path. You can leave the path and return to the town centre at several points and because its a circular path its impossible to get lost.
Berwick upon Tweed Town hall
A Town Hall has stood on this site since at least the 16th century. Begun in 1750, this building stands majestically at the south end of Marygate. Until the 1830s, the Guild of Freemen governed civic affairs in Berwick from this building.
The Lowry trail
L S Lowry (1887-1976) was a famous painter and visited the town of Berwick many times from the mid-1930s until the summer before he died.
Altogether Lowry produced a fascinating group of more than thirty drawings and paintings of the Berwick area. The Berwick upon Tweed Preservation Trust has placed a series of 17 panels around the town describing the views he captured in the paintings.
Walking the entire Berwick Lowry trail takes about 3 hours. As it is in the town you can stop for coffees and lunch at various points.
Berwick upon Tweed Boat Trips
Taking a trip on the Border Belle from Berwick Quayside is a fantastic way to spend a few hours.
Berwick boat trips have a variety of trips available, most around the estuary but some up the river Tweed and others along the North Sea coast.
Dolphins, seals and other marine wildlife are regularly spotted (although not guaranteed).
Trips can be booked from the kiosk located on the Berwick Quayside.
Berwick Barracks and Main Guard
The last of my 5 best places to visit in Berwick is the barracks. Also known as Ravensdowne Barracks they are the largest and finest barracks built in England in the early 18th century.
The British government had them built between 1717 and 1721, as part of a programme of barrack-building in the north of England and in Scotland.
Soldiers originally stayed in the local houses for free. As this upset the locals and allowed the soldiers easy access to the local pubs a barracks was deemed essential.
As this is an old building there no designated disabled access to the upper floors. There are handrails on the stairs leading to the upper floors of the museums.