Berwick-Upon-Tweed Barracks — Attraction in Great Britain

I spent several hours here as there was so much information. There were 4 main areas to explore. The first was an exhibition of the conditions that those returning home from WW1 after 1918 had to endure. They had been made promises which it appears failed to be delivered, so hardship was prevalent. (This was a short term display). Next was the museum of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB), which although Scottish has its museum in Berwick and so in England. A collection of uniform, dress, medals and memorabilia can be seen. After that was the 'By Beat of Drum' exhibition, a display of what I would loosely describe as military evolution exploring several phases of the military over the centuries - a lot of information to read and interesting learning. Last but not least to the museum and art gallery. The art collection is part of the Burrell Collection that was donated locally by Sir William Burrell of around 50 paintings and 300 decorative items that he gave to Berwick when he moved to nearby Hutton Castle. There is a reconstruction of what Berwick would have looked like centuries ago. Best of all for me was the working Strowger telephone exchange where you can pick up a phone, dial a number and watch the Strowger...

No option to rate 0 stars There was no indication at all at the time of booking online that only one museum was open. We had parked in the staff car park (accidentally, but there was no signage to indicate staff only car park) We told the staff at reception and I explained that my Dad was disabled and had very limited ability to walk long distances. I didn't want him to have to walk all the way over the courtyard again to move his car to the official car park, which was still a fair wee walk away from the museum. We were told okay leave the cars there. When we went to leave, the gate we had come through was pad locked! So my husband had to go back to the ticket office and ask staff to unlock the gate. While he was in the ticket office he heard a couple complaining about the price of the ticket (no reduction, in spite of two of the museums being closed) We were all looking forward to the visit. All of our party of 5 are interested in history. We were keen to learn about the history of Berwick Upon Tweed, The KOSB and the Barracks. Suggestion for English Heritage - go and visit the Black Watch Museum in Perth. I hope you will...

A fascinating museum of British military history. There are a few separate museums to visit within the barracks, including one specifically dedicated to the Scottish Borderers regiment, as well as a more general history of the British military and an art museum, which we missed, unfortunately. Admission to the barracks was £4.70 each, which went to English Heritage, and was a very reasonable price for the time you can spend there. The main museum, as I saw it, was the general British military history one and this one was the one with the English Heritage branding all over it. It was wonderfully informative and took you on a journey from the c.17th Century military (if I remember correctly) - their tactics, equipment, public opinion etc - to those used in the modern day. Well...