Berwick upon Tweed - A Visitors Guide

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Northumberland Coast Path - 4 to 6 Day Walking Holiday - Absolute Escapes Ltd

The Official Northumberland Coast Path Guidebook

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Historic Berwick upon Tweed is the most northerly town on the Northumberland Coast and has been a thriving trading centre and international port from as early as the 12th and 13th centuries.

Berwick was a Royal Burgh of Scotland in 1120 and during the many centuries of border warfare changed hands no fewer than 14 times, the last being in 1482.

Three bridges span the River Tweed at Berwick.

The red sandstone Berwick Bridge, also known as the Old Bridge, is the fifth known bridge crossing the River Tweed on or near this location.

Initially constructed between 1611 and 1624, was finally completed in 1634.

The Royal Border Bridge, also known as the Railway Bridge was designed by Robert Stephenson and built between 1847 and 1850.

The Royal Tweed Bridge, also known as the New Bridge, was built between 1925 and 1928 as part of the A1 trunk road, prior to construction of the Berwick bypass in the 1984.

Royal Tweed Bridge © Richard West - CCL

Buildings in Berwick upon Tweed © Walter Baxter - CCL

Quay Wall © Malcolm Morris - CCL

Berwick is considered one of the most picturesque towns on the region's coast.

This is mainly because of its attractive red roofed houses, pinkish grey elegant and attractive Georgian buildings and it's location at the mouth of the River Tweed.

Photo © James Nicoll - CCL

The North East England is described as being "the most exciting, beautiful and friendly region in the whole of England", with Berwick upon Tweed being singled-out as "the definitive border town".

This high level of praise can only reinforce that the North East England with it’s spectacular Northumberland Coast, is an area well worthy of visiting and not to be missed.

Photo © Barbara Carr - CCL

Berwick Farmers Market is held in The Maltings Theatre, it takes place on the last Sunday of every month and is open from 10:00am and closes around 1:30pm.

With a first-class selection of local produce and other goods being available from a wide variety of stallholders.

The Royal Geographical Society has just launched a new walk as part of its “Discovering Britain” series in Berwick upon Tweed.

This series of walks encourage visitors to explore and understand Britain’s diverse local landscapes, both in towns and in the countryside.

Berwick upon Tweed has much to offer all visitors, including...

An army museum, theatre and arts centre.

Interesting shops and a twice-weekly market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops (including Caffè Nero), fish and chip shops.

The Lowry Trail for visitors interested in art and the artist.

Swan Centre for Leisure, complete with 25m swimming pool and excellent sports facilities.

Walks around the Elizabethan Walls with views to the River Tweed and North Sea beyond.

Photo © FreeFoto.com - Free Use Rules

The Northumberland Coast Path - Stage 6 - Fenwick to Berwick upon Tweed...

On leaving Fenwick village and crossing the A1, this longish 12 miles / 19.5 km final stage of the route joins the St. Cuthbert's Way for a short spell, passing Fenwick Granary then crosses the East Coast Main Line and heads towards the causeway leading to Holy Island and then a short walk towards Beal Point.

The route progresses north through Goswick Links and Dunes to Beachcomber Campsite and Riding Stables, Goswick Golf Club and the massive expanse of Goswick Sands.

Then onto Cocklawburn Dunes Nature Reserve, past Cocklawburn Beach before heading north on the cycle track at Sea House and then through some of the remotest areas of this coastline.

Following the cliff-top path, which leads down to the Victorian promenade at Spittal, passing Berwick Harbour and onto the Old Bridge that crosses the River Tweed.

Entering historic Berwick upon Tweed through its fortified Elizabethan wall, turning left to follow the riverside path and finally emerging at the Railway Station.

This marks the end of The Northumberland Coast Path.

Photo © Walter Baxter - CCL

Ordnance Survey Maps...

Sheet 75 (Landranger) – Berwick upon Tweed
Sheet 340 (Explorer) – Holy Island and Bamburgh
Sheet 346 (Explorer) - Berwick upon Tweed

Ordnance Survey Online Map of Stage 6 available Here

Official Guidebook for the Northumberland Coast Path...

The guidebook (ISBN 978 1 873402 23 6) costing in the region of £4,
is available from local Tourist Information Centres (TIC's), Local Bookshops, or Here.

Door to Door Baggage Transfer...

Baggage Transfer covering the entire route is available from Carry-Lite, details of this service can be found Here, or phone 01434 634 448 / 07976 356 459.

The Berwickshire Coast Path...

Covering some 15 miles / 24 km, the Berwickshire Coast Path starts in Berwick upon Tweed.

This scenic route heads north, following the dramatic stretch of North Sea coast and passing through Burnmouth and Eyemouth,
before ending up at St Abbs Head, in the Scottish Borders.

Fit walkers may manage the route in one day, however many may prefer to cover it in stages.

A variety of facilities and accommodation are available along the way.

National Cycle Network / North Sea Cycle Route...

Sustrans National Route 76 forms part of the National Cycle Network.

This part of the route commences at Berwick upon Tweed and heads north, following the Berwickshire and East Lothian coastline, to the city of Edinburgh, a distance of some 100 miles / 161 km.

This route forms part of the 4000 mile / 6437 km long international North Sea Cycle Route.

Berwick upon Tweed has a wide variety of holiday accommodation available, including...

Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering, Camping / Caravan Sites, Backpackers Hostel and Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, located only seven miles / 11 km south.

Berwick upon Tweed Tourist Information Centre...

106 Marygate
Berwick upon Tweed
Northumberland
TD15 1BN
Telephone +44 (0)1289 330 733
Fax +44 (0)1289 330 448
Send Email

Useful Links...

The Northumberland Coast Path in Six Stages - Cresswell to Berwick upon Tweed