Our Top Ten of Things To Do

Ian’s Top Ten Things To Do In The Local Area

1.    The historic town of Berwick upon Tweed.  Take a walk along the Ramparts and visit the Barracks which houses the King's own Scottish Borderers museum, a contemporary Art Gallery and the Berwick Borough Museum.  Once you have finished you may like to walk along the Lowry Trail which revisits areas of interest to the famed artist from his many visits here.  Then take a trip out to Conundrum Farm and Trail to feed the animals.  Whilst there stop off at Halidon Hill to view an ancient battlefield from the year 1333 when the English retook Berwick from the Scots in a famous battle.  To finish the day off take a trip to Chain Bridge Honey Farm to learn about beekeeping and how beeswax and honey products are made.  There is also a shop where you can purchase various honey products.

2.    Seahouses and the Farne Islands.  Seahouses is great for those looking for a traditional British coastal village.  You can meander around the main street or walk along the seafront with fish and chips from any of a number of chip shops and restaurants.  Then make your way to the harbour and book a trip to the Farne Islands.  Boat trips have been running to the Farne Islands since 1918 and you can take a tour on one of the seven boats that run to the islands whilst keeping an eye out for the wildlife that is all around.


3.    Ford, Etal and Heatherslaw Light Railway.  Take a stroll round the village of Ford and visit the Church of St. Michael and All Angels which dates back to the 12th century. About a mile outside Ford is the Heatherslaw Mill and Bakery.  You can look around the site and visit the shop.  Then take a trip on the Heatherslaw Light Railway which runs to the village of Etal.  Once in Etal you can stroll around Etal Castle, wander around the village and down to the river then maybe stopping off at the Black Bull Inn (Northumberlands only thatched roof pub) for refreshments before the return train journey.

4.     Bamburgh.  The village of Bamburgh is well worth a visit.  Start at the castle which was rebuilt in 1131 then onto the wide expanses of Bamburgh beach with views across to Holy Island and the Farne Islands and then into the RNLI Grace Darling Museum.

5.    The Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Holy Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the North East.  St. Aiden founded the monastery in ad635 and Lindisfarne has had tremendous religious significance ever since.  The island also hosts a castle and some wonderful walks.  There are some very pleasant places to eat in the village and also a visitor centre where you can sample the famous Lindisfarne Mead.

6.    Chillingham Castle.  This stunning 12th century castle and picturesque grounds is now open to the public.  It is perhaps best known though for allegedly being haunted.  The castle run regular ghost tours and who knows, you may see the Blue Boy or Lady Mary wandering around the grounds.

7.    Eyemouth.  The fishing village of Eyemouth is a short drive over the border and is well worth a visit.  Look around the village and maybe stroll out across the promenade.  Take a trip on a glass bottomed boat or visit the maritime centre.  Finally, no trip to Eyemouth is complete without wandering down to the harbour to feed the family of seals who gather when the little harbourside fish stall is open in the hope of a meal.

8.    Paxton House.  Situated on the banks of the River Tweed, Paxton House is a hidden gem.   You can of course look around the house and grounds but there is also an adventure playground, local arts and crafts and a croquet lawn along with the chance to see some highland cattle and ponies.

9.     Coldingham.  Coldingham is situated a few short miles north of Berwick and has a small blue flag beach and stunning scenery.  It is also popular for surfing.  There is a small village and lots of scenic walks to while away the time.

10.    St. Abbs Head.  A few minutes from Coldingham is St. Abbs Nature Reserve which is best known for its sea bird colony but is also home to some stunning flowers and varied marine life.