'Misunderstood Gem Revealed: The Unlikely Happiest Place to Live in Britain'

Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town in England and the one with the most historical conflicts. Europe It now boasts a new title: Britain’s happiest location.

Securing the number one position in a Guardian study It received high marks for its heritage and architecture, 'striking cultural offerings,' as well as an abundance of natural beauty. Additionally, it benefited from good transportation links and easy access to healthcare facilities.

‘Berwick-upon-Tweed remains an often overlooked jewel,’ said editor Hilary Osborne. ‘Yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles.’

Fewer than three miles away the Scottish border On the northern banks of the Tweed, the market town has switched ownership multiple times throughout history, with numerous inhabitants feeling strongly connected to it. Scotland .

Since it lies on the East Coast Mainline, Berwick-upon-Tweed — often called simply Berwick, though one should not confuse it — with North Berwick - It is easily accessible from both Edinburgh and London, attracting visitors who enjoy its historical Old Town and coastal setting.

If you're considering moving there permanently and joining its 13,000-person community, here’s all the information you should be aware of.

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House prices in Berwick-upon-Tweed

Based on Rightmove, the mean value of properties is property price in Berwick is currently £224,038.

This represents a 3% decrease from the highest point in 2022; however, it remains close to the figure recorded in the preceding year, indicating a fairly stable market trend.

Most of the properties sold in this area over the past year were terrace homes, averaging £192,819, whereas detached homes sold for £374,138.

Activities to Enjoy in Berwick-upon-Tweed

Historians will enjoy visiting the town’s well-maintained 16th-century fortifications – considered among the finest preserved structures on this side of Europe – as well as the close-by castles located in Bamburgh and Alnwick.

If you prefer being outside, you have your choice of four sandy shores for walking or swimming, can go salmon fishing on the Tweed River, or take a hike along the King Charles III Coastal Trail.

The Malting arts centre is also favoured by locals, providing live shows, movies, and exhibits all year round.

Don't miss out on trying the Lowry Trail, which follows the locations that inspired the artist during his numerous vacations in Berwick.

What locals say

As stated in Zoopla’s location guide, 'Berwick-upon-Tweed blends the serene beauty of seaside living with fascinating history.' It continues, 'In this town, everyday life takes place surrounded by the stunning vistas of coastal Northumberland, where unspoiled shores and imposing fortresses are just within reach.'

Like many parts of the UK though, Berwick receives a mixed response depending on who you ask.

On Tripadvisor , _jiquinn33 called it ‘very disappointing’ and ‘rundown,’ while suttyjan50 claimed the place looked ‘neglected’.

However, davidandshona from nearby Dumfries argue it’s ‘unfairly maligned and underrated’, adding: ‘If only you take the time to look around then there is more to Berwick than many of the negative reviews would suggest.’

Redditor Pat8aird commended thelocals' 'remarkable communal ethos,' and Jensablefur mentioned it was a 'wonderful seaside town', but others characterized it as 'dull', with 'no activities for residents'.

Regardless of how you look at it, residing in Berwick carries a distinctive (and strongly-protected) sense of self, as historian Derek Sharman elucidates: “Berwick residents feel truly autonomous. Being a Berwicker takes precedence over being Scottish or English.”

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