Berwick-upon-Tweed - The Borders - Northumberland
Visitors to Berwick upon Tweed will be greeted by a wealth of history. Located between Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh and only 2 miles from the border with Scotland, it is England's most northerly town. For that reason its history has been largely a turbulent one, having being fought over by the Scots and English so much that it changed nationality no less than 13 times! This history is perhaps what gives the town a unique character. The architecture you will find there is also a reflection of this with Georgian streets and Elizabeth walls to enjoy walking around. The Elizabethan walls are in fact regarded by many people as the most complete "bastioned defences" of any town found in Northern Europe today.
Through the town flows the River Tweed - home to Britain's largest herd of Mute Swans - which is spanned by 3 historic bridges:
The Berwick Bridge built in the early 17th century
The Royal Border Bridge built in the mid 19th century
The Royal Tweed Bridge built in the early 20th century
There is a good range of shops in the town and not far away is the small beach resort of Spittal which is ideal for families and anyone who enjoys panoramic views from cliff top walks. There are also some good golf courses in the area. Berwick upon Tweed is proud to have achieved the status of a "Cittaslow" town - reflecting the quality of life preserved for and enjoyed by its residents and visitors alike.
Photograph courtesy of visitnorthumberland.com
Other places of interest within easy reach of Berwick-upon-Tweed and The Borders:
Jedburgh - Historic houses such as: Floors Castle - Manderston - Mellerstain - Thirlstane - Paxton House - Abbotsford
Looking for a romantic, 'chocolate box' cottage? Take a look at this very special, thatched, luxury cottage in The Borders
Cottages The Borders ~
The Borders profile
Berwick is on the 2012 route of the Olympic Torch in Northumberland