Berwick-upon-Tweed

Located just 4km from the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed was the subject of a 300-year-long tug-of-war between England and Scotland that left the town with something of a split-personality. Between 1174 and 1482, Berwick swapped hands more than a dozen times, before Richard III sealed its fate as an English town. However, traces of Scottish culture remain, and the city football and rugby teams both play in the Scottish leagues. Still bound by its imposing Elizabethan city walls, Berwick remains one of the prettiest northern towns, with rows of quaint stone houses and a postcard perfect fishing harbor. There are numerous castles and ...

Located just 4km from the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed was the subject of a 300-year-long tug-of-war between England and Scotland that left the town with something of a split-personality. Between 1174 and 1482, Berwick swapped hands more than a dozen times, before Richard III sealed its fate as an English town. However, traces of Scottish culture remain, and the city football and rugby teams both play in the Scottish leagues. Still bound by its imposing Elizabethan city walls, Berwick remains one of the prettiest northern towns, with rows of quaint stone houses and a postcard perfect fishing harbor. There are numerous castles and stately homes within easy striking distance, but the main appeal is the peaceful setting near the mouth of the River Tweed. Three bridges cross the Tweed, including the imposing Royal Border Bridge, which carries the main railway line to Edinburgh. Berwick was a favorite holiday resort of the painter LS Lowry, and there are beaches and seaside guesthouses in the suburbs of Tweedmouth, Eastcliffe and Spittal on the south side of the estuary.

About the Expert

Joe Bindloss has written more than 30 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, Time Out and other publishers, with a focus on Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and island nations.