Royal Tweed Bridge
A striking 1920s concrete arch bridge spanning the River Tweed in historic Berwick-upon-Tweed, offering scenic views and architectural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light
Royal Tweed Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking 1920s concrete arch bridge spanning the River Tweed in historic Berwick-upon-Tweed, offering scenic views and architectural beauty.
"Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors as they reflect off the bridge and river."
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit late afternoon for stunning light on the bridge. The sunset views are particularly magical!
🚶♂️ Explore from Below
Don't miss the chance to see the bridge's impressive engineering from the riverbanks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Royal Tweed Bridge Itself
Crossing the River Tweed
Admire the elegant 1920s concrete arches of this historic road bridge, a testament to early 20th-century engineering.
Sunset Views
From the banks of the River Tweed
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors as they reflect off the bridge and river.
Underneath the Arches
Riverbanks
Explore the impressive concrete structure from below, appreciating the scale and design of the bridge's supports.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Getting There and Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit late afternoon for stunning light on the bridge. The sunset views are particularly magical!
🚶♂️ Explore from Below
Don't miss the chance to see the bridge's impressive engineering from the riverbanks.
🚆 Easy Train Access
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a great stop on train journeys between Edinburgh and Newcastle.
🚗 Bypass Traffic
The bridge is part of the A1, but a newer bypass has reduced its traffic importance.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Visit late afternoon for stunning light on the bridge. The sunset views are particularly magical!
🚶♂️ Explore from Below
Don't miss the chance to see the bridge's impressive engineering from the riverbanks.
🚆 Easy Train Access
Berwick-upon-Tweed is a great stop on train journeys between Edinburgh and Newcastle.
🚗 Bypass Traffic
The bridge is part of the A1, but a newer bypass has reduced its traffic importance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Royal Tweed Bridge for its impressive 1920s engineering and photogenic qualities, especially during sunset. Its location in the historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed adds to its appeal, offering scenic river views and a connection to the region's past. While it's no longer the main A1 route, it remains a beautiful landmark.
"The Royal Tweed Bridge is a 1920s road bridge in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England crossing the River Tweed. It was intended to divert traffic from the 17th century Old Bridge, and until the 1980s it formed part of the A1 road, the main route from London to Edinburgh. However, the construction of a new bridge to the west of Berwick as part of bypass has since reduced the Royal Tweed Bridge's importance."
IAMUDDIN
"Royal Tweed Bridge was designed by L G Mouchel & Partners.
Construction started between 1925 and 1928. The total cost of the bridge was £180,000. It was opened by then Prince of Wales Edward VIII on 16 May 1928. Now its part of A1 and sharing the traffic with old Berwick bridge. One of the 3 bridges on River Tweed."
UK Photo Journey
"Beautiful little seaside town just south of the Scottish border. Great views of the Royal Border Bridge from the old fortifications at Meg’s Mount. Go late afternoon for the best lighting! Stroll around the huge earth embankments that surround the town before coffee or a meal in any of the cafes in the old part of town. Walk down Pier Road to the mouth of the river as the trawlers sail in and out."
Peter Russell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Royal Tweed Bridge is located in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. You can reach Berwick-upon-Tweed easily by train from major cities like Edinburgh and Newcastle. If driving, it's accessible via the A1. Parking is available in the town, and the bridge is a short walk from the town center.
Yes, Berwick-upon-Tweed is well-served by trains, making it accessible via public transport. Once in Berwick, the bridge is within walking distance of the train station and town center.
Yes, the Royal Tweed Bridge is a road bridge, so pedestrians and cyclists can cross it. It offers a pleasant way to experience the river and the town's views.
For the best views and photographic opportunities, consider visiting during the late afternoon golden hour.
There are several car parks in Berwick-upon-Tweed, many of which are within walking distance of the Royal Tweed Bridge. Check local signage for the most convenient options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Royal Tweed Bridge is a public road bridge and can be visited and crossed freely without any admission fee.
As a public road bridge, the Royal Tweed Bridge is open 24/7. However, the best times for viewing and photography are during daylight hours, especially around sunrise and sunset.
There is no entrance fee to access or cross the Royal Tweed Bridge. It's a free public amenity.
While there aren't specific tours for the bridge itself, you can explore Berwick-upon-Tweed's history and architecture through local guided tours which may include information about the bridge.
As it's an active road bridge, standard road safety rules apply. Be mindful of traffic when walking or cycling across. There are no specific visitor restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo spots include the riverbanks for unique perspectives,
The 'golden hour' just before sunset provides the most dramatic and picturesque lighting for photographing the Royal Tweed Bridge.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and airspace restrictions. Always check the latest rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full span of the bridge, while a telephoto lens can be good for details. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
Experiment with different angles from the riverbanks to capture the archways and the bridge's reflection. Looking up from underneath the bridge also provides a dramatic perspective.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Near the bridge, you can explore Berwick-upon-Tweed's historic town walls, visit the Berwick Barracks, and stroll along the River Tweed. The town center offers charming shops and cafes.
You can walk across the bridge in about 10-15 minutes. To explore the surrounding riverbanks and get different viewpoints, allow an hour or two.
Yes, the area is generally family-friendly. Walking along the river and exploring the town walls can be enjoyable for children. Ensure supervision near the water and road.
The riverbanks on both sides of the Tweed offer excellent viewpoints. The old town fortifications also provide elevated perspectives of the bridge and the surrounding landscape.
Built between 1925 and 1928, the Royal Tweed Bridge was designed to divert traffic from the older Berwick Old Bridge and was a significant engineering feat of its time. It was opened by Edward VIII.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the River Tweed, making the visit more relaxed and budget-friendly. Berwick-upon-Tweed itself has family-friendly cafes and is a good base for exploring the wider Northumberland coast. Ensure children are supervised closely when near the river or crossing the bridge due to traffic.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The river provides excellent opportunities for reflections, and exploring the riverbanks allows for unique perspectives, including shots looking up at the underside of the bridge.For wider shots, the historic town walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed offer elevated viewpoints. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full span of the bridge and a tripod for those stunning low-light sunrise or sunset shots. The contrast between the 1920s engineering and the natural beauty of the River Tweed makes for compelling compositions.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Park in Berwick-upon-Tweed and take a leisurely stroll across the bridge. Combine your visit with exploring the town's ancient walls and charming streets. The bridge itself is a quick but impactful sight, offering a glimpse into the region's transport history and architectural heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel of the 1920s
The bridge's construction was a substantial undertaking, costing £180,000 – a considerable sum in the 1920s. Its opening by the then Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, on May 16, 1928, marked a significant moment for Berwick-upon-Tweed, improving connectivity and facilitating the flow of traffic along the crucial A1 route. Even though a newer bypass has since reduced its primary role, the Royal Tweed Bridge remains a visually striking and historically important landmark.
Visitors can appreciate the bridge's robust design by walking or cycling across it, or by viewing its impressive structure from the riverbanks. The underside of the bridge, with its visible concrete supports and arches, offers a unique perspective on the scale and ingenuity of its construction.
It's a testament to the enduring quality of the engineering and a popular spot for photographers seeking to capture its architectural beauty.Berwick-upon-Tweed: A Border Town's Charm
Exploring Berwick-upon-Tweed offers a blend of historical exploration and coastal charm. Visitors can wander through the old town, discover independent shops, and enjoy local eateries. The town's proximity to the River Tweed and the North Sea means you can also enjoy scenic walks along the coast or down to the pier, watching the trawlers come and go.
For those arriving by train, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a convenient and picturesque stop. The station itself is a notable Victorian structure. The town's compact nature makes it ideal for exploring on foot, allowing you to easily access the bridge and its surrounding attractions. The combination of historical significance, scenic beauty, and accessible transport makes Berwick-upon-Tweed a worthwhile destination.
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