UK Northumberland - Explore Berwick- upon-Tweed
Historic Town on Scottish/English Border with Complete City Wall
Jun 14, 2009
During the 12th and 15th centuries the town changed hands between the Scots and the English at least a dozen times, but the building of the massive Elizabethan walls put a stop to all this coming and going. Today this antipathy has disappeared and confrontation is more likely to be between the local football teams.
UK - Berwick-upon-Tweed - Walking the Elizabethan Wall
The main purpose of building the wall was to keep the invading Scots out of the town. Built in 1558 when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne, it was the most expensive building project ever undertaken.
Apart from the wonderful views, one of the most impressive attractions alongside the wall is the Barracks, a monumental reminder of Berwick’s military history. When the building was completed in 1721 it was the first purpose-built infantry barracks in England. Today, the quarters are the finest surviving 16th-century artillery fortifications in northern Europe.
The Barracks offers a number of attractions for visitors, including exhibitions and museums. But the biggest attraction of all is the wall itself.
UK - Berwick-upon-Tweed Historic Villages - Ford and Etal Estates -
Berwick is an excellent place to use as a base from which to visit other attractions . The villages of Ford and Etal are within easy reach. These, along with a tiny hamlet named Heatherslaw are part of the estate.
Back in the good old days when the English and the Scots were slaughtering each other the villages were owned by different landowners who were bitter rivals and it took until 1907 for things to calm down, when the estate was purchased by a wealthy coal mine owner.
Apart from the villages being very pretty and a pleasure to walk around, there are a number of interesting and fun things to do. Take a trip on the 15” gauge steam railway which runs two miles from Heatherslaw to Etal Village - a return journey of 50 minutes. It travels alongside the river where herons nest on the banks, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Etal castle shows up ahead. The train chugs along the track pretty regularly so there is plenty of time to explore.
Close by is Flodden Field where,in September 1513, the bloody battle of Flodden Field was fought. King James of Scotland was killed here - the last British monarch to be killed in battle.
UK - Berwick-upon-Tweed - Visit Pre-Historic Standing Stones
The standing stones at Duddo are North Northumberland's Stonehenge. A car is the best way to reach them. They are situated in the middle of lush farmland and a narrow 1 km track guides you to them. There are five large stones, the tallest being about 8 feet high and they are perched on a raised grassy knoll which makes them visible from some distance.
The stones are at least 4,500 years old and have a very mysterious presence. They are located two miles north of Etal, near Duddo. Turn left at Duddo and follow the road until you see a sign beside a field gate on the right hand side of the road - there is room to park here. Access is via a field path.
Where to Stay
Berwick is known for its beautiful Georgian houses some of which offer excellent B&B accommodation. Take a look at Northumbrian House, which is a fine example.
Getting to Berwick
Train - National Express East Coast Line trains travel directly from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed. 302miles. The journey takes approximately four hours.
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