The Elizabethan Walls. 1565

Discover Berwick upon Tweeds natural beauty by walking the Elizabethan walled defenses, a distance of just over one mile; they can be comfortably enjoyed by all the family. These formidable ramparts are unique to England and cost a staggering £128,648 (equivalent to £260 million today) when completed in 1565-the most expensive building project in the Elizabethan period. Virtually intact they form a stark reminder of Berwick’s turbulent past. This Berwick self catering holiday accommodation is only one minute’s walk away from the “Russian cannon” at Fishers Fort.

The Town Hall. 1750-61

At the foot of Marygate, a broad and lively thoroughfare hosting a twice weekly market, you will find the Town Hall. This was a Guildhall and jail combined complete with a condemned cell, branding irons, shackles and leg irons and one jail that treated woman as equals in the 18th century. It still has the 150 ft high steeple and clock tower and the curfew bell is still rung at 8pm each evening to make sure you are safely within the Town Walls before the gates are closed for that night. In the past a trap door in the bell tower was used to haul drunken prisoners up to the jail on the first floor. Other prisoners were shackled to the walls, awaiting their transportation to Botany Bay and it is an absolute must see during your Berwick self catering holiday.

Berwick Parish Church. 1652

This is the Church of the Holy Trinity and Saint Mary, one of only two built during Commonwealth period of Cromwell. Puritan in style and appearance-it had no altar, steeple, chancel, stained glass font or organ. This grade 1 listed building is open every day; visitors are always welcome.

Berwick Barracks. 1721

While staying in this Northumberland holiday cottage you should take the time to visit the main buildings of Ravensdowne Barracks, they are the first purpose built barracks in England and built to house the garrisoned troops who were accommodated in inns and private houses throughout the town. The design has been attributed to Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.

The Barracks are also home to the Regimental Museum of The Kings Own Borderers, who began life back in 1689 under the Duke of Leven. Nearly two hundred years later in 1887 the regiment added the word Scottish to its title, acquiring the nickname “The Kosbies “in the process. The original purpose of the regiment was to defend Edinburgh against supporters of the exiled James II. The museum contains an impressive display of the regiment’s weapons, uniforms, medals, silver and some of the William Burrell collection.

Barracks open all year, Tue - Sun. Admission charge. Tel 01289 304493 Museum and Art Gallery open all year, Mon – Sat. Admission charge. Tel 01289 330933.