Places to visit

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick is an ancient fortified border town, witness to a bloody history in which it has changed hands between England and Scotland 14 times. The sixteenth-century wall surrounding the town centre is one of the best-preserved in Europe.

With its magnificent bridges, quay walls and many fine houses, Berwick is a fascinating and beautiful town to explore.

The Area

The town lies at the centre of an area of outstanding natural beauty, which also contains many nearby sites of historical and spiritual interest. Situated at the mouth of the River Tweed on designated Heritage Coast, it is an ideal base from which to explore the borders region of Northumberland and Scotland. It lies on the main rail and road links between Edinburgh and Newcastle, two ideal city day-trip destinations.

Holy Island (Lindisfarne) is first on many people's list for a visit - linked by a tidal causeway, and inhabited since the Stone Age, it was later the cradle for Christianity in Northern England.

Then there are the castles - more of them in this area per square miles than anywhere else in the UK. Notable local examples include Bamburgh, Floors, Alnwick, Chillingham, Dunstanburgh, Etal and Norham.

Nature lovers will be able to visit the Farne Islands, a sanctuary for birds and seals. If you would prefer to explore the region on foot, the Cheviot Hills and the Northumberland National Park offer excellent trails and climbs. St. Cuthbert's Way and the Berwickshire Coastal Path are two established routes crossing through beautiful landscapes in England and Scotland. Berwick also lies on several cycling routes that range from 6 miles to the 150 miles long Pennine Cycleway and the National Cycle Route No 1.

Other popular activities that you might enjoy include horse riding, fishing, golf, creative arts and farm trails. There is also a local theatre, cinema and leisure centre with swimming pool.