Berwick: What to Do, Where to Stay
Things to See and Good Hotels in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
Oct 4, 2008
Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland is the most northerly town in England, less than three miles from the Scottish border and further north than Scottish towns like Ayr and Dumfries. Berwick has been English since 1462, but was once Scotland's wealthiest port, having changed hands between the two countries many times. There are plenty of things to see and do in Berwick, and good hotel accommodation in the town centre.
What to See and Things to Do in Berwick
The Lowry Trail
English artist L. S. Lowry is most closely associated with Salford near Manchester, where he famously painted his so-called 'matchstick men' in his unique portraits of industrial England. But Lowry holidayed for many years in Berwick, and loved the town. He did many paintings here too, and even considered buying a house in Berwick.
Berwick now has a Lowry Trail, which takes visitors around the town, stopping at some of the places Lowry painted. A leaflet from the Tourist Information Centre explains where the Lowry landmarks are, and in each location an easel has been erected showing the scene Lowry painted there, along with further biographical information. It's a fascinating walk, and takes in most of the town's visitor attractions along the way.
Berwick Town Walls
Berwick's remarkable town walls were built in the 16th century over a period of about twenty years, although earlier town defences did exist. A circuit of the walls can still be made, a distance of about 1.5 miles. Along the way there are wonderful views of the River Tweed, and over the town itself. There is plenty of opportunity as well to admire the skill that went into the construction of the walls, which are immensely thick and fortified in several places by huge bastions.
Berwick Museums
The Berwick Barracks Museum is in what was the first purpose-built army barracks in Britain. Also here are the Borough Museum, the Burrell at Berwick (Northumberland's most important public art collection), and the Berwick Gymnasium Art Gallery, with its changing exhibitions. At the Town Hall in the original jailhouse is now the Cell Block Museum.
Where to Stay in Berwick
The Walls boutique b&b/guesthouse
The Walls is hard to describe, with the comfort and friendliness of a guesthouse (only 3 rooms) but with the quality and standards of a boutique hotel. Click here to read more.
Centrally located in a 17th-century listed building, 1 Sallyport has received rave reviews from many guidebooks and visitors, both for its luxury rooms and its restaurant.
Traditional inn with six rooms and a good restaurant, in the very centre of town.
Parking in Berwick
Parking in the centre of Berwick can be difficult, as it is a compact town with houses and shops packed into the centre within the walls. Taking the train is easier, if you only want to explore Berwick itself, but if you travel by car, check in advance with your hotel about parking arrangements. For further details visit the Berwick-upon-Tweed website.
More Information
For further information on Berwick visit the Explore Berwick website.
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