Travel: The Lions House in Berwick is a roaring success

The Georgian townhouse, once admired by the painter LS Lowry, retains a lot of its original features.

As autumn arrived, we were ready for a short family break. My wife, parents, teenage son and I were all looking for something that offered a bit of history, relaxation and a chance to do things we all enjoy. The Lions House in Berwick-upon-Tweed seemed like the perfect spot.

First Impressions

When we arrived at The Lions House, it immediately felt welcoming. It’s a Georgian townhouse that retains a lot of its original features – high ceilings, large sash windows, and an old-fashioned charm that my parents, especially my father, really appreciated. He’s a history buff, so the fact the house had caught the attention of LS Lowry, who almost bought it, was something he found fascinating. There’s even a Lowry Trail through the town, showcasing some of the artist’s favourite local spots, and a small museum dedicated to his work.

Old-fashioned charm in the well-equipped kitchen.

The house itself is a mix of traditional and modern. My wife liked how they’d kept the old features intact but updated it with modern conveniences. It had plenty of space for all of us, and each room had its own personality – antique furniture mixed with comfortable bedding and modern touches that made the stay easy and enjoyable.

Family Time

One of the best things about the house was how comfortable the living spaces were. The living room became our main gathering spot in the evenings. My son actually joined in on the card games and conversations instead of just disappearing into his phone. He even appreciated the space for relaxing after a full day out.

The kitchen was well-equipped and my mother, who enjoys cooking, made the most of it. We went to the local farmers’ market and picked up fresh produce, and she whipped up a big meal for everyone. The dining room was a great space to sit down together and have a meal – a rarity in our busy lives.

Exploring the Town and Beyond

Berwick-upon-Tweed is full of history. The town has changed hands between England and Scotland more than 13 times, and you can feel that layered past as you walk around. My dad and I especially enjoyed walking along the Elizabethan walls, which still surround parts of the town, offering views of the River Tweed and the coastline.

Following the Lowry Trail was a nice way to explore. It takes you through the town to places Lowry painted and visited. It’s a self-guided walk that’s easy to follow. We all visited the Lowry Museum, which, although compact, is packed with interesting information about the artist’s time in Berwick and some of his work.

Outdoors and Sporty Activities

There was no shortage of ways to keep active in the area. We particularly liked running along the town walls, which offered both a challenge and great views. We also found a nearby park with plenty of space to kick a ball around, and there were even some local tennis courts.

For something more adventurous, we looked into kayaking along the Tweed, which would have been a great option if we’d had more time. There are also nearby golf courses and cycling routes along the coast if you’re up for a more active holiday. My son was never bored.

A Beach Lover’s Paradise

My wife was in her element along the Northumberland coast. She loves the beach, and the coastline here is beautiful, even in autumn. One of the highlights was our trip to Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, which you can only access during low tide.

We spent a full morning exploring the ruins and taking in the views, while my wife enjoyed walking along the shore. The beaches in this part of the country are quiet and unspoiled.

We also visited Bamburgh Castle, perched high above the beach. It’s an imposing sight, and we took some time to explore it before heading to the beach for a relaxed walk. My wife loved the wide, sandy beach there, and it was a great way to wrap up our day of sightseeing.

A Relaxing Retreat

Returning to The Lions House felt like a homecoming. The space gave us a chance to reconnect as a family, while still allowing everyone to do what they enjoyed. Whether it was my dad delving into the town’s history, my son staying active, or my wife enjoying the coast, the house was a perfect base for all of it.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly retreat that offers a bit of everything – history, outdoor activities, and a comfortable place to relax – The Lions House in Berwick-upon-Tweed is an ideal option. We left feeling recharged and closer as a family, and we’d all love to return.

P.S. Bamburgh Castle has featured as a location in numerous famous films including the biographical period drama Elizabeth. Its most recent appearance in Hollywood was last year when it was used for scenes depicting Nazi Germany in the latest Indiana Jones film The Dial of Destiny.