England’s northern-most town, Berwick-upon-Tweed was enshrined in history by the painter L.S Lowry, whose depiction of its Town Hall, as it was in 1750, captures the elegance of this beautiful Borders town. It is only three miles from the border with Scotland, which means, that it’s been fiercely fought over by the English and Scots, and has changed hands 13 times in its history. Its impressive Elizabethan ramparts encircling the town — built to keep the barbarous and haggis-eating Scots at bay — are a testament to its turbulent past, and where you’ll find one of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Within these walls Berwick-upon-Tweed is a genteel and picturesque place of Georgian townhouses, lovely old pubs, boutique cafes and smart art galleries. Outside of the walls — which you’re still able to walk the ramparts of — are Berwick-upon-Tweed’s famous Royal Border Bridge (built by Robert Stevenson), the Tweed estuary and the North Sea, and the dramatically bleak Borders landscape. The town also boasts four sandy beaches along its coastline.

Berwick-upon-Tweed is a surprisingly unspoiled spot, where you’re more likely to find small Fair Trade supermarkets and independent bookshops, rather than the bigger players. There's a good selection of  independent pubs too, like the Pilot Inn (which is known for its traditional folk music) and The Curfew, a trendy micropub. The list of the best places to stay in Berwick-upon-Tweed is small, which does reflect the limited accommodation options, so it’s worth booking in advance, even though it’s so tempting just to get off the Edinburgh train while you’re waiting in the station…

The Best Places to Stay in Berwick-upon-Tweed

Best B&Bs

• Set right against the town walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed, The Walls B&B is an elegant and affordable option, with three lovely, light-filled rooms decorated with antiques and chintz fabrics. Converted from a spacious Georgian townhouse, The Walls has incredible views of the Tweed estuary and the river’s magnificent bridge. Breakfast is a highlight, served in the dining room, and the cosy lounge is a pleasure to return to after a day of exploring. 

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Berwick-upon-Tweed’s closest airport is actually Edinburgh International Airport, which has links to over 130 destinations. From Edinburgh Airport it’s about an hour in the car to Berwick-upon-Tweed. Newcastle Airport comes in at number two, just a bit further in the car, but quicker by public transport. If you’re coming via London, you can catch the train all the way up to Berwick-upon-Tweed in about three and a half hours, travelling direct from Kings Cross, where trains run relatively frequently.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Berwick-upon-Tweed’s weather is mild and cool. During the winter you can expect maximum average temperatures at around 7°C, and during the summer you’re looking at about 18°C. Summer is the most popular time for visiting Berwick-upon-Tweed, but that’s more to do with the school holidays than the fact that this is a fine-weather destination. 

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the Borders region or the best places to stay in Northumberland
• Refine by the type of accommodation you’re looking for and would consider our recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Northumberland
• Consider accommodation in neighbouring towns: the best places to stay in Bamburgh, Alnwick or Edinburgh
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.