Wellington Terrace Apartment, Berwick
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Welcome

Berwick - English? Scottish? Either way there are a variety of things to see and do in the town and the surrounding area.

Elizabethan walls on the quaysideSaid to be England's oldest barracks, Berwick/Ravensdowne Barracks, constructed between 1717-25 were built as a response to the fears over the Jacobite Rising and concerns from local Berwick citizens. They provided a permanent home to over 600 men and the last remaining residents, the King's Own Scottish Borderers vacated in 1964. Today the barracks provide a fascinating look at British army life. The barracks also house the "By Beat of Drum" exhibition, dedicated to the King's Own Scottish Borderers regiment. An impressive collection of items and treasures charting the history and life of the regiment.

The Barracks also host a Museum housing collections of paintings and ceramics as well as showing the varied history of the town.

The town has two sets of protective walls, the later of the two offering the most interesting circuit of the town. The Berwick walls are the only example of this style in Britain, three of the projecting bastions remain with Cowport being the only surviving gate. The high ramparts of earth and stone include Meg's Mount with a superb view of the river, town and the sea.

As a market town, twice weekly on a Saturday and Wednesday, traditional markets are held in Marygate- looking upon the Guild Hall -where stall holders come from as far away as Newcastle to sell their goods.

For those with a sweet tooth, why not try some of the "Berwick Cockles", an old fashioned peppermint sweet treat which is still being manufactured in West Street.

Travelling South? A visit to the village of Bamburgh, with its spectacular castle (complete with dragon legend!) housing an impressive collection of military and historical items as well as being the home to the Armstrong Family. You can also visit the Grace Darling Museum in memory of the heroine who along with her father, keeper of Longstone lighthouse on the nearby Farne Islands, rescued nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire in 1838.

The Cheviot HillsThe Cheviot Hills sit a short drive away from Berwick at Wooler, an ancient market town and parish, popular with campers and walkers alike. Nearby Humbleton Hill was the scene of a famous battle in 1402, known as "Homildon Hill". It was between the Scots, under the Earl of Douglas and the English led by Sir Henry "Hotspur" Percy.

Journeying north, back towards the coast and into Scotland will lead to the fishing town of Eyemouth. Home to the Eyemouth Museum which houses a 15x4ft tapestry, sewn by local ladies to commemorate the Great East Coast Fishing Disaster of 1881, when 189 local fishermen were drowned.

A little further north lies the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, only an hours drive from Berwick. The city plays host to many museums and attractions from Edinburgh Castle to the Dynamic Earth Centre as well as a fantastic range of shops for those wishing to indulge in some retail therapy.

Edinburgh also plays host to the annual "Fringe Festival". An unmissable collection of theatre and live acts from around the world. You can check out what the festival has to offer here.


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