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Bankhill Ice House

Bankhill Icehouse, Bankhill, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1BE

  • Multiple dates available
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

A unique opportunity to visit an Icehouse which was built around 1786 - 1799 to store ice for Berwick's renowned salmon industry. Using ice was an innovation at this time as previously salmon had been preserved by either pickling or salting.

This icehouse was one of several built in Berwick in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The ice was used for packing fish, particularly salmon, in crates to be transported to London. It was sourced locally if the winter had been severe enough, but usually was imported from Norway. The blocks were carefully stored in layers with sawdust laid between the blocks to prevent them from freezing into a solid mass. Icehouses were still being used in the 1930s.

In the Second World War it was designated as an air-raid shelter, and later as a garage. It is a Grade II listed building that was restored by Berwick Preservation Trust.

Timings & Tours

Friday 13 September:
1300-1600
Saturday 14 September:
1100-1600
Sunday 15 September:
1100-1600

Location & directions

Bankhill Icehouse, Bankhill, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1BE

Directions:
Look for the open gates and bunting if you are coming up the hill from Love Lane. It is a steep incline.
Contact on day:
Berwick Heritage Open Days
Telephone number:
+447365800503

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Entrance to the icehouse is via a gravel slope and not suitable for wheelchairs. It is also on a steep slope.

Additional information

Other sites will be open nearby if you are taking a walk around the Walls. These include Coxon's Tower; New Tower; Main Guard and the exhibition at the Granary Gallery.

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