Berwick-upon-Tweed is one of the most interesting historic towns in the United Kingdom. It is our task to discover and intepret this heritage. Explore the old garrison town and surroundings in ‘Window on Berwick’, an eclectic collection of social history.

‘Burrrell at Berwick’ is the most important art collection in a public gallery in Northumberland. Sir William Burrell made his fortune in shipping and with it bought art and objects from around the world. He gave most of his collection to his home city of Glasgow, but gave about fifty paintings and 300 decorative items to Berwick when he retired to nearby Hutton Castle. Among the artists represented are Degas, Boudin and Maris. Artifacts include ancient Roman and Venetian glass, mediaeval religious artefacts, Islamic ceramics and metalware, Japanese imari pottery and Ming porcelain.

Berwick Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and has brought the past back to life with many ‘living history’ public events.

Berwick Borough Museum is situated within Berwick Barracks. Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, they are the country’s first purpose-built barracks since the Roman occupation.
English Heritage who administer the Barracks, charge for admission to the site which not only houses Berwick Museum, but also the Regimental Museum of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and a display of the British soldier’s life from 1660 to the end of the 19th century, ‘By Beat Of Drum’.

Admission charges:-
Adults: £3.30
Concessions: £2.50
Children (5-15): £1.70
Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives: Free admission
EH members and uunder-5s: Free admission

Opening times:-
1st April – 31st October: 10am – 5pm, every day.
From 1st October 2007 to Easter 2008 the site is closed. Guided tours of Borough Museum by arrangement.

Contact us
We are always interested to hear from the public about any aspect of Berwick’s history. Many questions about the Borough’s history we can answer immediately – others may take a little time to research. We can also attempt to identify objects that are brought to us.
We regret that we cannot undertake valuations of items.

For reasons of space, not all of the collection is on display. If there is a specific item you would like to see, please contact us before you travel, as a special viewing may need to be arranged.

Berwick–upon-Tweed Borough Museum
Berwick Barracks
Parade
Berwick–upon-Tweed
TD15 1DQ

Telephone: 01289 301869
Fax: 01289 301540
E-mail: museum@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
You can also use our Online Form to get in touch with us

Facilities and Accessibility
‘Window on Berwick’ is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible as are most temporary exhibitions. In common with the other museums within the Grade 1 listed Barracks, some of our galleries are on the first floor with no lift access.

Facilities:-
Accessible toilets
Male and female toilet facilities
Assistance available if required
Assistance and Guide dogs admitted
Baby changing facilities
Gift shop

Education
Berwick Borough Museum is committed to education. Our Education Officer runs a very successful programme of drama-based days for local schools.

All schools are welcome to visit the Museum. Schools need not inform us of their visit in advance if the visit is self-guided, though an advance visit is advised to find out how to get the most out of your day. If assistance from the Museum staff is required, two weeks advance notice of your visit is required. Assisting adults should be briefed in advance about what to expect. A ratio of at least one adult to ten children is recommended for Health and Safety reasons.

Adult groups are also welcome. Again, advance notice is required if any assistance is required, such as guided tours of the Museum.

Admission to the site is free for organised educational visits. Please check for details with English Heritage (01289 303394).

Alternately, it may be possible for a member of staff give a talk to your group

Library

The Museum has two extensive libraries. One, partly owned by the Berwickshire Naturalists Club covers many aspects of Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The other is the museum’s general library numbering some 20,000 items which concentrates on history, art and culture.

Material from these collections is made available to the public via the search room in Berwick Record Office on Wednesdays and Thursdays (9.30am – 1.00pm, 2.00pm – 5.00pm).

Please contact the Museum for details.

How to find us:

Special Events: