Located about midway between Newcastle and Edinburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed has been at the front line of conflict between England and Scotland and has changed rulership several times during its turbulent history. It is a quaint place with an old town surrounded by 16th century walls but very few travellers make the effort to visit.

Practical information

Berwick-upon-Tweed Tourist Information Centre

106 Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Tel (01289) 330 733
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Coming & going

BUS & COACH

National Express has coaches from Berwick to Edinburgh, London and Newcastle.

Buses and coaches stop in Golden Square.

TRAIN

Berwick-upon-Tweed lies on the main rail line between Edinburgh and Newcastle.

CrossCountry has trains to Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and York and East Coast trains go to Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Newcastle and York.

Hostel accommodation

Berwick-upon-Tweed Backpackers

56 Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Tel (01289) 331 481

Hideaway

1 The Courtyard, Church Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions

Berwick Castle

The 12th-century Berwick Castle features a 16th-century gun tower.

Website www.english-heritage.org.uk
Admission free

Berwick-upon-Tweed Barracks & Main Guard

This Georgian Guard House features an exhibition about the Berwick-upon-Tweed's history as a border garrison town.

Website www.english-heritage.org.uk
Admission £3.50
Open Jun-Sep Mon-Tue & Thu-Sun 1pm-5pm

Berwick-upon-Tweed Museum & Art Gallery

Housed in Berwick's historic barracks, this museum has exhibits on local history as well as contemporary and decorative art.

Ravensdowne Barracks, off Church Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Tel (01289) 301 869
Admission £3.50
Open Jan-Mar Wed-Sun 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; Apr-Sep 10am-6pm daily; Oct 10am-5pm daily; Nov-Dec Wed-Sun 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm

Berwick Ramparts

Berwick's extensive fortifications surrounding the old town were built between 1558 and 1570 to replace earlier medieval defences.