This award-winning B&B is situated in Berwick-upon-Tweed, an historic coastal town and the most northerly town in England. The old walls that surround the town are a 10-minute walk away, and the ruins of the castle are also nearby. For over 400 years, Berwick was a crucial area in the border wars between England and Scotland. It has numerous striking sights, including bridges across the River Tweed, and a number of pretty old buildings. Norham Castle, which has been besieged at least 13 times in its history, is a 15-minute drive from Cowrie Guest House. Rooms at Cowrie Guest House are elegant and traditionally furnished, and each has a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Every room also benefits from a modern en suite bathroom with free toiletries. A home-cooked, hearty breakfast is provided each morning. A wide range of restaurants, eateries and cafes can be reached within 15 minutes’ walk.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.5)


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 double bed
1 large double bed
1 single bed
and
1 extra-large double bed
1 large double bed
1 large double bed
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.5
Cleanliness
9.7
Comfort
9.6
Value for money
9.4
Location
9.5
Free WiFi
9.7
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Piea
    Australia Australia
    Ian and Ruth were lovely hosts and Ian was helpful with information on check in. we enjoyed our stay. Breakfast was great.
  • Linda
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Ian is very approachable, and his local knowledge is A1. A very friendly host. Great breakfast, food 10/10 presentation 11/10. Loved the local sausage and haggis. A warm and ver comfortable room. Location - We could not ask for better. We weren't...
  • Marion
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    A lot of care shown to make our stay, safe and very comfortable.
  • Sue
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Very clean with lovely furnishings and tastefully decorated
  • David
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    They made sure that you had everything you needed. It was nice to have access to real milk not from sachets. The breakfast menu was good and the food was excellent.
  • Doris
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    The breakfast was very good, set me up for the day. The location was good, close to railway station and buses. It was on a main road so traffic noise could have been an issue, however ear plugs were provided so it wasn’t a problem.
  • Gordon
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Good Hosts Good Accommodation Good Breakfast Good Location
  • Almag
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Ian & Ruth were very friendly. The B&B is on Berwick's main street, close to the town centre. Comfortable bed and everything we needed in the bathroom - the shower worked well. Also we could choose whether or not to have fresh towels and to...
  • Louise
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Owners were pleasant, very attentive and very helpful by giving advice about walks and letting us store our bags there. Bed was very comfortable and bathroom stunning.
  • Stephanie
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Always such a warm & friendly welcome. We have stayed there twice now and will be back some time next year fingers crossed. Such a friendly family and so helpful too. Very comfortable rooms. Food is perfect lots of choice for breakfast.

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The property usually replies within a few days

  • Is this dog friendly

    I am sorry we don't have any pets staying.
    Answered on 16 March 2022
  • Hi there, we are affiving on Wednesday for 3 nights (Griffiths), would it be possible to have some vegetartrain sausages for one person please? Thank..

    Hi, We have a range of vegetarian options, cooked breakfast and our daily breakfast special. Hopefully there is something amazing for you to choose...
    Answered on 7 June 2021
  • Do you have laundry facilities or are these close by?

    I have done some research, there is a service at a nearby Morrisons and I think the local Shell garage.
    Answered on 31 October 2022
  • looking for a room for 2 people 2 beds for next July 27th to the Sun 30th for minden what are the chances of booking it now for then, Daniel Kidd

    Hi, Unfortunately we are usually away with the kids as its the start of their school holidays that weekend. Kind regards,
    Answered on 3 May 2022
  • Hi we are a group of six biking from Newcastle to Melrose , do you have secure cycle storage for 5 bikes please. Thanks Diane

    Hi Diane, Thanks for the message. We have a garage that you can access from the high street and you can get the 5 bikes in there. It locks from the i..
    Answered on 21 June 2021
  • Are any of your rooms on the ground floor?

    I am very sorry. All our rooms are on the first floor.
    Answered on 16 March 2022
  • Still looking?

Managed by Ian and Ruth

Company review score: 9.9Based on 302 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

We are Ian and Ruth and we have two children Brodie and Jasmine. We moved to Berwick-Upon-Tweed during Christmas of 2018 to take over Whyteside House Bed and Breakfast. Previously we were another couple in the busy South of England, doing well in our respective jobs but often feeling that we were missing out on a lot of our other interests. After a little debate we decided to open a bed and breakfast. We looked at a few in Scotland, Ruth grew up in Edinburgh, but during a day trip to Berwick-Upon-Tweed were totally charmed with the town and what it had to offer. It is a fantastic location, suitable for our various watersports, outdoor adventure and running interests. Now we would like to welcome others into a piece of our world and to share the fantastic area that we now live in.

Property information

The Cowrie Guest House (formally Whyteside House Bed and Breakfast) offers a warm welcome and comfortable accommodation with fantastic access to the heart of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Each of our four rooms is en-suite with freeview tv, wi-fi, hospitality tray, white fluffy towels and quality toiletries from The Scottish Fine Soap Company. We also have a tasty breakfast menu and buffet selection for you to choose from. Situated on the main road into Berwick, The Cowrie has free parking outside for those arriving by car and the train station is less than five minutes walk away. It offers good access for those walking or cycling the Northumberland coastal path and has several great surfing spots.

Neighbourhood information

Berwick town has a host of interesting independent shops, cafes and restaurants including The Maltings Theatre, that can be integrated into a walk around the historic fortified town walls. Other fabulous short walks include following the Lowry trail around the town, wandering to our local sandy beaches or along the river, the historical dividing line between England and Scotland. The Cowrie also has fantastic access to landmarks further a field including Paxton House, The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Chain Bridge Honey Farm as well as at least six spectacular castles including Alnwick and Bamburgh.

Language spoken

English

Property surroundings

Facilities of Cowrie Guest House
Great facilities! Review score, 9.5

Most popular facilities
  • Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Alarm clock
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Golf course (within 3 km)
    Additional charge
Living Area
  • Seating Area
Media & Technology
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Radio
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Tea/Coffee maker
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may be applicable.
  • Street parking
Services
  • Packed lunches
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
General
  • Heating
  • Carpeted
  • Family rooms
  • Ironing facilities
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Iron
Accessibility
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules
Cowrie Guest House takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 16:00 to 19:00
Check-out
From 07:00 to 10:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children are not allowed.

Cot and extra bed policies

Adult (18+ years)
Extra bed upon request
£20 per person, per night

Prices for extra beds are not included in the total price, and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

There are no cots available at this property.

All extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardMaestroSoloCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please let Whyteside House know your expected time of arrival. This can be done using the Special Requests box when booking.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Food & beverage services at this property may be limited or unavailable due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

FAQs about Cowrie Guest House

  • Check-in at Cowrie Guest House is from 16:00, and check-out is until 10:00.

  • Cowrie Guest House offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Golf course (within 3 km)

  • Room options at Cowrie Guest House include:

    • Double

  • The nearest beach is just 0.9 miles from Cowrie Guest House. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • Cowrie Guest House is 450 yards from the centre of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The prices at Cowrie Guest House may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.