About Heritage Open Days in Berwick, Tweedmouth & Spittal
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations.
Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.
It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Heritage Open Days Statement
Berwick-upon-Tweed is England’s northernmost town, only three miles south of the border with Scotland.
Berwick’s position on the Border and its proximity to the North Sea made it a highly strategic place throughout history.
From the medieval fortifications which can still be seen on the northern edge of the town, via the Elizabethan Ramparts which dominate the town on all sides, visitors really can step through the ages.
Berwick’s 18th century Barracks, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, amongst the first purpose build military barracks in Europe and the Town Hall built in the same century, with its Gaol and condemned cell you can explore Georgian Britain too.
We believe that history began yesterday so our exhibitions and talks reflect modern history too. Our Town Hall exhibition in 2023 explored Berwick in the 1990s… complete with genuine a Furby and Pick’n’Mix!
The history on the south bank of the Tweed is just as vibrant, and in 2024 we’re planning to delve deeper into the history of Tweedmouth and Spittal too.
In 2023 we hosted 75 events during the two weeks of HODs so what we mention here are just some of the gems that Heritage Open Days enable visitors to explore for free between 6th-15th September.
Keep an eye on our website as September approaches for more details of our packed programme for 2024!
