Berwick Lighthouse is located at the end of the long breakwater protecting the entrance to the River Tweed and has been guiding seafarers safely into Berwick Harbour since 1826.
Between 1147 and 1482, the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed passed to and fro between England and Scotland on numerous occasions. It was eventually acquired by England from Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who would later become King Richard III.
During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Berwick became a prosperous market town and port. With its prosperity came improvement of the harbour and a long breakwater, designed by engineer John Rennie. This was constructed between 1810 and 1825.
Berwick Lighthouse was established in 1826, following completion of the breakwater. The 43ft high lighthouse became the most northerly lighthouse in England. It was designed by Joseph Nelson and created with purpose rather than grandeur in mind. It guides vessels safely across the Tweed bar and into the shelter of the river.
Berwick Lighthouse is operated by Berwick Harbour Commisioners. A white light is visible through a seaward-facing window, and a fixed green light shines through a landward-facing window further down the tower.
Berwick Lighthouse became a cultural symbol of the town. It caught the eye of artist LS Lowry, who visited Berwick and included the lighthouse in several of his works.
The harsh North Sea gales took their toll on the lighthouse over the years. In 2020, the Berwick Preservation Trust undertook significant restoration work, including repointing and repainting the structure.
While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the pier is accessible.
The River Tweed once carried fishing boats and trading vessels that made Berwick one of the most important ports on the east coast. While commercial shipping has declined, the harbour remains active.
Further inland, the elegant Royal Border Bridge spans the river, designed by Robert Stephenson, carrying the East Coast Main Line across the River Tweed.
