Holiday rentals in Berwick-upon-Tweed

On the northern banks of the River Tweed, just a kilometre from the sea, England’s northernmost town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is surrounded by windswept coastlines and rolling green hills. This small harbour town on the Scottish border is known for its saltwater fishing as well as its place in Scottish and English history. As you cross the River Tweed on the town’s iconic viaduct bridge, you’ll pass through the famous Elizabethan Walls — some of the most well-preserved town fortifications in Europe — before reaching cobblestone streets and the ruins of castles that once guarded against Roman and Viking attacks. Red tile roofs and pale facades now adorn many of the village’s homes and streetside cafes.

History is not the town’s only draw. You’ll find plenty of scenic hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities on the outskirts of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Walking trails run along the dramatic local coastline, bringing you through areas of great natural beauty, including nearby Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, home to thriving redshank, grey plover, and lapwing populations.

As a northeastern village, Berwick-upon-Tweed has a temperate climate with short, pleasant summers that still bring moderate rain as well as chilly, wetter winter months. The summer months are the most popular time to look for holiday cottages in Berwick-upon-Tweed as the weather tends to be warm and sunny — great for wandering around town and heading to nearby Cocklawburn beach. Not surprisingly, several major events take place during this season, including the Berwick Food and Fringe Festival, which highlights locally produced delicacies and promises chefs’ demonstrations, live music, and beer gardens. Winter visits are rewarded with twinkling Christmas lights, frosty walks, and drinks by the fireside at local pubs.

Berwick Town Walls

Walking trails lead alongside these Elizabethan fortifications, which have protected the town ever since their construction in 1558. Stone ramparts face the sea, and the gates into town still stand tall. Circling the walls, you can learn about the town’s history from the educational placards regularly placed along the route while taking in the seaside vistas.

The Lowry Trail

Taking around three hours to complete, this scenic, self-guided walking tour takes visitors on a tour of the town, river, and rugged coastlines. You can pick up a free map and guide pamphlet at the Berwick Tourist Information Centre. The trail meanders past important historical sites like the town’s old walls and ramparts, as well as museums and art galleries, where you can leave your route to admire the scenery you’ve been admiring captured in paintings and photographs.

Cocklawburn Beach

Just outside town, this sand-and-bedrock beach along the North Sea is a great spot to spend a fun-filled afternoon paddling in the water and exploring the rock pools at low tide. (Those in the know search for fossils among the crumbling rock formations.) During the spring and summer, kaleidoscopic displays of wildflowers grow on the rolling grassy dunes that run down to the beach.