Heritage Britain

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England

A Historic Tour of Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Northumberland is one of the most richly rewarding counties of England to visit. Situated at its northern corner, the Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed concentrates everything that is special about the county... wide open spaces, magnificent scenery, a breathtaking coastline and majestic castles.

This is a "land for all seasons", a stone's throw away from the Scottish Borders. This is an area of great natural beauty, enriched by a colourful and passionate past which today embraces an enthusiasm for the present. It is easy to relax here, refresh the spirit and regain a quality of life all too often left behind.

The history of Berwick upon Tweed is one of conflict and endless bloodletting. Its vulnerable location on the Border made it a prime target in the endless skirmish between the English and the Scots and as a result the Town has changed hands at least 12 times over a period of 300 years.

The Town bears witness to its violent past with the UKs first purpose built Barracks which today is a complex of museums and home to contemporary art exhibitions.

Discover the natural beauty of Berwick upon Tweed by walking the Elizabethan Walled Defences, a distance of slightly over one mile. The Walls date from 1558 and are the best-preserved in Europe. Surrounding the old town they form a stark reminder of Berwick-upon-Tweeds turbulent Border history.

The Cell Block Museum in Berwick-upon-Tweeds Town Hall is a chilling reminder of the felons lot in times gone by. Tours are twice a day from Easter to September.

Outside Berwick itself, there are many more historical sites where the Boroughs past will come alive to you. The castles of Chillingham, Norham, Etal, Lindisfarne and Berwick played strategic roles during the bloody border feuds, when the Reivers obtained legendary status and fear and destruction held sway.

Throughout the ages there has been nothing bland in the Boroughs past. All who have lived here have fought to defend it, and all who have come have fought to stay.

For more Information please contact:
Berwick Upon Tweed District Council
Council Offices
Wallace Green
Berwick Upon Tweed
BTD15 1ED
Web:  www.berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk/
Tel: +44 (0)1289 330044

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