Berwick Lighthouse

Berwick Lighthouse in Berwick-upon-Tweed is a round lighthouse at the seaward end of a long breakwater where the River Tweed meets the North Sea, in Northumberland. Berwick is the northernmost town in England, a few miles from the Scottish border, and this light has marked its harbour entrance for close to two centuries.

What exactly is it?

The lighthouse crowns the eastern tip of a pier that Historic England lists together with it as "Pier and Lighthouse". Both are built of sandstone, iron and concrete. Locals call the structure a pier, but it works as a breakwater: it exists less for mooring ships than for shielding the mouth of the Tweed from heavy seas.

Control of the harbour passed from the town corporation to the Berwick Harbour Commissioners by Act of Parliament in 1808. John Rennie designed the new pier, and its foundation stone was laid in February 1810. Work finished in 1825 at a cost of about £61,500. The lighthouse followed in 1826, to a design by Joseph Nelson, who also designed lights on the Farne Islands.

Is it protected?

Yes. The pier and lighthouse have been Grade II listed since 26 May 1971. The light remains an active aid to navigation, still maintained by the Harbour Commissioners who built it.

What will you see?

The pier runs out from the north bank of the Tweed for roughly half a mile. At the end stands a circular, three-stage tower. Walking along the pier gives you the river mouth, Berwick's bridges and rooftops behind you, and open sea ahead. Sunrise is a favourite time for photographers.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse is reached on foot along the pier from the harbour area at the river mouth. Berwick-upon-Tweed station sits on the East Coast Main Line, a few kilometres from the harbour. Coordinates: 55.7648 N, 1.9852 W.

When should you go?

Pick calm, clear weather. In a strong onshore wind, waves break hard against the pier walls, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. Heritage Open Days has run events about the lighthouse, including an anniversary programme, which makes September a good moment for history fans.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Berwick Lighthouse? Joseph Nelson designed the 1826 lighthouse; John Rennie designed the pier it stands on.

Is the lighthouse still in use? Yes, it is an active navigation light maintained by the Berwick Harbour Commissioners.

Is it a listed building? Yes, the pier and lighthouse have held Grade II status since 1971.

Is it part of Berwick Castle or the town walls? No. The castle and the Elizabethan ramparts are separate monuments in the town; the lighthouse stands at the end of the harbour breakwater.