The English town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, just inside the border with Scotland, has always intrigued me. At war with Russia? A football team that plays in the Scottish league? Three world class bridges? Yes please.
When I passed through the town on the train to Edinburgh in the 1990s, I caught a tantalising glimpse of its beauty, and have spent the last twenty years looking for an excuse to visit. Don’t tell Kat, but that was the real reason behind our recent break in Northumberland.
Berwick is strategically sited between England and Scotland, so got caught in the middle of plenty of battles, and has changed sides numerous times over the years.
From the 16th century until 1836 it became an independent borough, and was in neither England nor Scotland. It may have thought doing this would keep it neutral and out of trouble, but the town was accidentally left out of a Peace Treaty after declaring hostilities with the Russians in Crimea. Because of this administrative error, the Borough of Berwick is still officially at war with Russia.
Let’s hope the locals don’t do anything silly to upset Vladimir Putin – he might not need asking twice to kick-start WWIII.
The town’s football team are unique in that they play in another country’s league. Berwick Rangers are currently struggling near the foot of Scottish League Two (the fourth – and bottom – tier of the Scottish league system). Kat was quite happy that there were no home fixtures for the “Wee Gers” when we were in town – I quite fancied a trip to Shielfield Park. (Pub quiz trivia fact: the first match at the ground was in 1954 v the mighty Aston Villa.)
Bridge aficionados like me will be in heaven as there are three superb bridges crossing the surprisingly wide River Tweed.
If you drive to Berwick up the A1 from the south, you are likely to cross the busy concrete Royal Tweed Bridge. To the right is the Old Bridge, built in the 17th century by King James I of England and VI of Scotland to join his two kingdoms. We walked over this – cars use it too, although it is not wide enough to have two lanes.
To the left is the majestic Royal Border Bridge with its 28 arches. This Grade I listed brick viaduct is used exclusively for trains travelling up the east coast between Edinburgh and London. It was designed by that celebrated railway engineer and pioneer Robert Louis Stephenson.
I’d actually booked to stay in Berwick for my 40th birthday, but due to a change of circumstances I cancelled and went to Dubai instead.
I wouldn’t have been the first person to go to Berwick on holiday. The English painter LS Lowry, famous for his matchstick men and industrial scenes from the north-west, regularly holidayed in the town to take in its sea air. You can follow the Lowry Trail around town, which has blown-up reproductions of 18 of his paintings next to the spots that inspired them.
You can see how little Berwick has changed since his day by looking at his painting of the Town Hall. This was built in the 1750s in a grand neoclassical style with steps, a colonnaded portico and a clockface, and stands on Marygate in what is today a pretty run-down town centre.
As well as the Lowry Trail, there are two more town walks which would make Berwick great for a weekend break.
You could walk along the banks of the River Tweed, which traditionally marked the border between England and Scotland. Walking in the direction of the North Sea you can spend time on Berwick’s sandy beaches and see an iconic red and white stripey lighthouse.
History buffs will enjoy a walk all the way around Berwick high-up on the impressive Elizabethan-era town walls, with some jaw-dropping views of the river, its bridges and the coast.
So, did I make the right decision to go to Dubai (population 2.7 million, July average temperature 40C) rather than Berwick (population 12,000, July average 17C)?
To be honest, I think I did. There may not be any futuristic skyscrapers or Burj Khalifa-like towers in Berwick (in fact there seemed to be very little that had been built since the war), and it may be a tad nippier. But there is plenty of character, and historical interest, in what could just about be described as a (very) poor man’s York or Edinburgh.
Perfect for a day-trip or as a weekend break, but I wouldn’t recommend any longer.
abitofculture 
I haven’t been either but I wouldn’t mind. Its interesting that the town has been in both Scotland and England. Lowri must like painting town hall type clocks. He has painted a similar one in Clitheroe.
He likes his chimneys and random cats and dogs too!
Looks incredible! I’m really wanting to go to Scotland in the future so I will have to keep it in mind whenever it happens…as long as they don’t upset Putin!
Edinburgh is a cracker of a city, and Berwick is only just down the road if you ever make it over here.
Hoping during Semana Santa (Easter) 2018, so only a year away!
I guarantee you’ll fall in love with Edinburgh!
I’m lucky enough to call Berwick my home. Beautiful part of the country.
Very jealous – the air is so fresh up there!
It’s a stunning evening tonight. Jyst been down to the beach with the dog’s.
Some lovely photos of the viaduct, very impressive.
It’s easy to take photos of it when the sun is shining.
Nothing to do with weather, it is the ability to frame a picture and capture the essence of the subject, something which you do regularly with your photographs.
You’re too kind, sir!
Your post is a timely cobiitnutron to the debate
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It is a lovely town sure enough. I had a contract there once and couldn’t wait to find an excuse to go there!
Anything to get away from Grimsby!
Been there a few times, it’s a lovely little town. The walk around the town walls are nice. Those 3 bridges are wonderful, as is all the coast around there.
Yep, it’s been lucky with its location!
beautiful bridges!
They certainly are!
You can still give it a try Claire. But I guess you will have better chances to acltaluy get the name if you have a matching company name, domain name etc.
Very interesting
Cheers Dad!
We got near to the town a few years back but never got to visit so thanks for the insight. I didn’t know about the Lowry connection. But that viaduct is glorious – wonderful photos!
Cheers – I do like my bridges, and that rail bridge is a stunner when its arches are reflected in the Tweed.
This looks like a destination … It will get on our travel list for England and Scotland. We like your posts and pictures.
Thanks – Edinburgh is a must when you’re over here (in my top 5 cities in Europe). Berwick’s not in the same league, but worth seeing if you’ve got time!
on our travel list !!! can’t wait 🙂
Shiver me timbers, them’s some great intramofion.
Fascinating story about this little border town. Thanks for sharing. Love your photos of the river too. So many interesting places to explore in the British Isles.
Cheers, it’s a nice little place if you’ve had enough of the big cities, and is easy to get to from Edinburgh.
Lovely post with superb photos!
Thanks very much!
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Good photos of the bridges, Richard. Definitely Berwick’s best aspect. I’ve taken a twirl around the walls but it was long before my blogging days. I found the town a bit depressing but it might just have been my mood. 🙂
You’re probably right Jo – it seemed a bit rough around the edges. Hardly any high street names, and loads of charity shops which is never a good sign. The sun was out though and that riverside is v nice when the sky is blue.
Always loved that railway bridge and the town looks magnificent when you take the train across it. One of the best views on the East Coast Mainline. I agree that the town itself is a bit rundown and I enjoyed how it looked from the train more than I did walking around it. But down by the bridges and the water is nice. Some politicians have tried to campaign for it to be returned to Scotland and I think there is some local support for this.
I remember that train ride clearly, even though I’ve only done it once 20 years ago.
This seems like a stunning place! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your comment – it’s worth half-a-day of anyone’s time.
Looks like a nice place…
I went there a few months ago and I find that place really interesting! It’s nice for a short break but I also notice a kind of deprivation in the town and some parts of it looked really rough and poor.