Free Entry
The remains of a medieval castle crucial to Anglo-Scottish warfare, superseded by the most complete and breathtakingly impressive bastioned town defences in England, mainly Elizabethan but updated in the 17th and 18th centuries. Surrounding the whole historic town, their entire circuit can be walked.
Read more about the history of the ramparts.
Before You Go
Access: There is disabled access to the ramparts.
How to Find It: The castle is adjacent to Berwick-Upon-Tweed railway station. The ramparts can be accessed at several points - look out for the brown signs around the town.
Parking: There is public car parking around the town, not managed by English Heritage. Charges apply.
Facilities: Berwick Barracks has toilet facilities and a shop selling drinks and snacks.
Please be aware: Sections of the Ramparts include steep unguarded drops.
Heritage Open Days: There is a lot to see in Berwick during Heritage Open Days. From 17th to 19th September several hidden corners of Berwick Ramparts will be open to the public as part of HODs 2021, including the Gunpowder Magazine and New Tower. Please note, some of these spaces are very small, and entry will be managed by volunteers.
Plan a Great Day Out
You can walk a complete circuit of the ramparts. Detailed interpretation boards at key points along the walk explain the history and purpose of the defences. A map is available at certain tourist points around the town, including the Barracks.
One of the access points onto the Ramparts is at Berwick-Upon-Tweed Barracks. Among the first barracks to be purpose built in England, they now house several historic exhibitions and in the summer host contemporary art installations in the Gymnasium Art Gallery. The Barracks have toilet facilities and a shop selling gifts, snacks and drinks.
Further afield but within a short drive you'll find Norham Castle and Etal Castle.
