As a town bordering England and Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is bursting with history, but that’s not all. It’s also home to a welcoming community, beautiful scenery, and activities for all age groups, making it an excellent location for a family holiday.
No matter what time of year you visit — or how long for — here are our recommendations on family things to do in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Things to do on a half-day visit to Berwick
Popping over to Berwick for a quick visit? We recommend starting with a stroll along the River Tweed, taking in the picturesque views and the impressive bridges as you go. It’s the perfect activity if you’re looking for free things to do in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Fancy a mid-walk treat? Wander to the harbourside to visit one of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s cosy cafes.
Planning your Berwick day trip
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Berwick with toddlers, teens, or anyone in between, here’s our suggestion for a fun-filled day trip.
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Start with a cafe breakfast to fuel up for a day of fun — the Riverside Cafe and Northern Edge Coffee are great options.
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Next, make your way to the Berwick Elizabethan Town Walls for an insight into the town’s turbulent history, fuelled by centuries of battles between England and Scotland. A wander around the site takes around 45 minutes, and you can relax in the picnic area for lunch.
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Round off your visit with a trip to the Berwick-upon-Tweed Museum and Art Gallery. From exhibitions from local artists to a 90-million-year-old dinosaur, there’s something to appeal to every age group.
Spending a weekend in Berwick
Before you plan your weekend activities in Berwick, we recommend getting your accommodation sorted. A bed and breakfast is a stress-free option for one or two nights, and The Walls offers luxurious, 5-star rooms, including a family suite.
Things to do with kids in Berwick
For a short and sweet weekend break, peruse our selection of the best things to do in Berwick-upon-Tweed, then mix and match your favourites to create a personalised itinerary.
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A walk on the beach: Berwick Beach is on your doorstep — ideal for a refreshing morning walk or a gentle evening stroll.
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Berwick Lighthouse: While you’re on the beach, wander along the pier to see the Berwick Lighthouse. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a dolphin or seal!
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Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle & Ramparts: As well as showcasing key events from Berwick's past, Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle & Ramparts provides an exciting blend of history and adventure.
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Paxton House: This impressive manor house has something for everyone, including grand interiors, art collections, and expansive riverside grounds. With an adventure playground and dressing-up opportunities to keep the kids entertained, a visit to Paxton House is a great day out for all the family.
Your family holiday itinerary for Berwick-upon-Tweed
As you can see, there’s a lot to pack into a visit to Berwick — sometimes a weekend isn’t enough! With this in mind, let’s explore the best things to do in Berwick across a longer timeline.
Staying in Berwick
Half-term break or summer holiday getaway — whatever the time of year, it can be helpful to look at self-catering accommodation options in Berwick-upon-Tweed to give you flexibility and independence.
Border Holiday Homes offers several fantastic self-catering cottages with varying bedroom numbers. Meanwhile, West Ord Holiday Cottages are a five-minute drive from the centre of Berwick. A firm favourite with visitors to the area isTill Fishing Cottages providing a homely feel, with two self-catered properties overlooking a private stretch of the beautiful River Till. These holiday cottages are a cosy home-from-home, ideal for families staying in the area for a week.
Looking for accommodation where you don’t have to lift a finger? Take a look at Marshall Meadows Manor House hotel, the perfect base for your stay, as you explore all that North Northumberland has to offer. You can find more hotels and self-catering accommodation inspiration within our guide to Northumberland accommodation.
Planning your week in Berwick
Now you have more of an idea of things to do in Berwick, it’s time to compile your itinerary. Here are some more of our favourite activities for families.
Go on a boat trip
What better way to appreciate the Northumberland coast than with a boat trip? Travelling by sailboat lets you see some of Berwick’s most distinctive historical sites and enjoy that fresh sea air.
Walk the Lowry Trail
Are you an active family always up for a hike? The Lowry Trail is the perfect local route. Named after the famous artist, L.S. Lowry, this self-guided trail is a gentle yet engaging walk, with opportunities to admire all the views that inspired Lowry and his paintings.
The trail begins in Berwick, leading you through parks, along the riverside and historic bridges, before ending with a scenic stroll along the Spittal promenade.
Explore the local market
Berwick Market Day takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, showcasing local produce and goods from the region's vendors. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for things to do in Berwick.
Visit Berwick Barracks
The Berwick Barracks and Main Guard show what life was like for soldiers in the 18th century. With interactive displays and family-friendly activities, it’s a great day out for adults and children alike.
See a film
If you’re looking for things to do in the rain in Berwick, the Maltings Theatre and Cinema is a safe bet. Housed in a historical building, the Maltings has an opulent vintage feel but showcases an array of modern films, with plenty of family screenings.
Plan your family adventure in Berwick
However long you stay, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a brilliant place to bring the family. When you arrive you can always visit the local tourist information centre for more inspiration on things to do in Berwick.
In the meantime, explore our blog for more guidance on planning your family trip in Northumberland.