Since 1482 the most northerly town in England has been Berwick-upon-Tweed (pop. 14,000), an old border town which over a period of 300 years changed its allegiance 13 times. For a while it was Scotland's principal seaport. The town is characterized by three large bridges which span the River Tweed. The Berwick or Old Bridge, with 15 arches, dates from 1634, while the Royal Border Bridge (a railroad bridge) was built in 1847-50 to plans by Robert Stephenson.
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a notable destination for its own landmark buildings and bridges as well as a base for visiting nearby historical sites. Berwick-upon-Tweed holds a market every Saturday and Wednesday.
The main tourist feature of the Berwick-upon-Tweed is the Elizabethan ramparts, which still enclose the town on the north and east. In their day a model of their kind throughout Europe, they were built by Sir Richard Lee on the orders of Elizabeth I in 1558-60. With their five bastions - King's Mount, Windmill Mount, Brass Bastion, Cumberland Bastion, Meg's Mount - they are unique in Britain.
The little Town Hall (1761) in Marygate today houses the town museum. The parish church of Holy Trinity, designed in 1652 by the London architect John Young of Blackfriars, has elaborate Venetian windows. The buildings of the "Barracks" were constructed in 1717-21 for 600 men and 36 officers and thereby have the distinction of being the oldest garrison in England. Today they house three museums: a regimental museum, the English Heritage military museum and an art gallery which is attached to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow.
Address: Barracks, Museum and Art Gallery, The Parade, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DQ, England
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 10am-6pm
October 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm
November 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Restored Georgian guard-house comprising two rooms providing accommodation for officers and soldiers, and a cell or 'black hole'. Exhibits include the Story of the Border Garrison Town and other aspects of local history.
Hours:
June 1 to September 30: 1pm-5pm; Closed: Wed
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
The small town of Etal near Berwick is home to a compact 14th century border castle which stands at the end of the village street. It has a well preserved keep, two corner towers and a gatehouse.
King's Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum features displays of uniforms, paintings, photos and documents detailing the tradition of this regiment.
Address: King's Own Scottish Borderers Regimental Museum, The Barracks, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1DG, England
Hours:
April 1 to September 30: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
The coastal scenery around Berwick is very fine, with rocks and cliffs, only occasionally interrupted by small bays and harbors. The nearest bathing beach to the town is in the little seaside resort of Spittal, to the south.
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Etal - Etal Castle, England
Etal - Etal Castle, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Etal - Etal Castle, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Norham Castle, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Berwick-upon-Tweed
