Shopping
Berwick-upon-Tweed boasts a unique collection of independent boutiques and shops, where you’ll find everything from antiques, art, seasonal produce, gifts, jewellery, pottery, glassware and the obligatory bucket and spade!
An eclectic mix of specialist shops and a sprinkling of high street names, in a charming and historic setting, the town is a popular destination with all kinds of shoppers, especially those looking for a little bit of retail therapy.
There are many independent, locally owned boutiques in Berwick that are just ‘not on the high street’ in any other area of the UK, all selling one of a kind items that make Berwick shopping that extra bit special. And what shopping trip would be complete without stopping in one of the local café’s for a delicious slice of cake, coffee, or even an afternoon tea!
Berwick is a compact town with many of the main shopping streets held within the town walls. The twice-weekly street market is held on Marygate (Wednesday and Saturday,) the main street through town, with the imposing Town Hall standing at its centre. There are also specialist markets held throughout the year; the historic Mayfair market that features the Mayor leading the civic party on a procession around the market and the Dickensian market at Christmas organised by the Berwick Rotary Club. See the Whats on section for specific dates.
For local retailers head to Bridge Street which has a high concentration of these businesses, with art galleries, music and antique shops as well as places to eat, the Granary YHA and an alehouse well-known for its lively music scene. West Street, a cobbled hill running down to the Old Bridge, also has local shops with gifts, clothing and handmade chocolates on offer.
Hide Hill is a surprisingly wide and open street which lies parallel to West Street and is home to almost all of the town’s banks, a pub, hotels, a wine bar and a dress shop. The bottom of Hide hill leads you through one of the town gateways and onto the Quayside, for views across the river. Other shopping streets in town include Woolmarket and Castlegate, which is near to the train station and has an eclectic range of local shops, including antiques, second hand books and local produce.
The Retail park in Tweedmouth, on the south of the River, has a handful of larger stores and both sides of the river are well-served with large supermarkets.
Open all year: Note Berwick shops and supermarkets tend to close at 4:00pm on Sundays