A solstice day out: how to spend a day in Berwick upon Tweed
- Alex
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 16 minutes ago
The seaside town of Berwick upon Tweed is a hidden gem, 40 minutes from Edinburgh. Here's how to make a day of it around our summer solstice yoga event.
Why Berwick?
40 minutes on the train from Edinburgh Waverley, and you step out into somewhere that feels so special.
Berwick upon Tweed sits right on the English border, a small town with lots of character and charm. Giant earth walls hug the old town. There are cliffs, beaches, the river, woodland, and a pier where people have spotted seals, dolphins, and occasionally even orca. Take it slow and easy to notice details - you'll be rewarded!
There are thriving independent boutiques and eateries.
It’s unusually well-connected by train for a small town, sitting on the main line between Edinburgh and London.
Your day
Departure from Edinburgh
Hop on the 8.55am train from Waverley to arrive in Berwick for 9.35am. Enjoy stunning views of countryside and the sea.
Walk to the beach
Head through the park beside the station, and turn left along the river. Cross the old Berwick bridge and follow the edge of the estuary - there are lovely views back towards the town from here. Keep walking until you hit Spittal Beach.
The walk takes around 40 minutes, so you'll arrive around 10.15am. Plenty of time to settle in before we begin at 10.30am.
The yoga event
Organic cotton mats will be laid out for you to enjoy yoga on the beach, so you can travel light.
We'll move through our yoga practice, then Jo from Wild Revival will lead a foraged tea ritual. Seasonal petals, gathered locally, brewed slowly. A beautiful way to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, on 21 June.
Two hours of sea air and sunshine.
Afterwards, you may also wish to paddle or take a dip in the sea. The sea is right there!
Be sure to enter the sea at the middle of Spittal Beach rather than close to the river, to avoid unpredictable currents. Avoid one hour either side of low tide for the same reason (1.30pm to 3.30pm on the day of the solstice.)
If the weather has other ideas, we'll cosy in for yoga and tea at 27 Art House, Bridge Street, only a 15 minute walk from the train station.
You'll get an email mid-week with all of the event details, and an indication of the planned location. You'll receive a phone message and email the day before to confirm for sure, once the most accurate weather forecast is known.
Lunch
Stroll back to the Berwick town centre to grab yourself a bite to eat. Or you could bring a picnic for the beach!
On a Sunday, these are some lovely options:
Atelier (Bridge Street): they have a lovely, inclusive artisan menu - the antipasti vegan platter is delicious! Open until late. Atelier website
Soul Kitchen (Marygate): a community-focused cafe with origins in the “Real Junk Food Project” movement, where supermarket surplus is transformed into pay-as-you-feel goodness. It closes at 3.30pm. Soul Kitchen Facebook page
Northern Edge (Silver Street): if you’re into your coffee, this is a good spot. They also have a location on Marygate, however Silver Street is much more spacious. They close at 4.30pm. Northern Edge website
The Lookout: Right beside the old Berwick Bridge, overlooking the river, this is a scenic stop to grab some food. It’s lovely to sit outside on a sunny day, or go upstairs and look out over the water. Closing time is 3pm on Sundays. The Lookout website
Worth knowing: Berwick on a Sunday has an unhurried quality. Most shops are closed which makes it a perfect day for slowing down and being outside. Save the independent boutiques for a return visit - they deserve a day to themselves.
It’s worth noting that in general, shops shut at 4pm on Sundays in England. Premier post office on Castlegate is open later if you need some emergency supplies.
What else to explore
The Elizabethan walls
Walk the full loop of the old town on the giant earth ramparts. Peek into the blooming allotments, and stand on the bastions to take in the views towards the horizon.
The pier and the lighthouse
On the way to the pier, past the buildings, look out for a beautifully carved stone birdhouse built into a wall - easy to miss and lovely to find.
At the end of the pier, there's a lighthouse. You might spot a dolphin if you're lucky.
Check out the beach on the other side of the pier wall, abundant with seabirds, and the mini-swap library in the car park. Bring a book you'd like to pass on.
Fisherman's Haven beach
A quieter beach by the cliffs, where swifts cut arcs through the sky on summer days.
The river and the woods
From the park by the station, follow the River Tweed inland instead of heading to the sea. You'll pass old castle ruins, and herons standing still in the shallows.
Keep walking to the end of the path, cross the little bridge into the woodlands, and spend some time in the trees. On the way back, climb through Tommy the Miller's field for views across the river that feel almost unreal.
After a morning with Jo, you might find yourself seeing the plants along the path a little differently.
Getting home
Trains run roughly every half an hour up until 10.50pm. Booking in advance with a specific operator usually gives the cheapest fares. There's a long, light evening ahead of you - it's the solstice, after all.
Return to Edinburgh feeling refreshed, full of sea air.
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