Growing up here, Berko always felt like a slightly sleepy town.
The days after Christmas were spent wandering the streets with friends, trying to find somewhere to play football that didn’t require jumpers for goalposts. There used to be plenty of places with real goals that were free to use if you were willing to jump a fence or two.
Did you know that Happy Days Preschool used to be a youth centre, with a small AstroTurf pitch and goals set back into the fence, like the ones in the Nike Scorpion Football adverts? We had some great games there, until the bigger kids who smoked cigarettes chased us off.
The town felt safe but unsupervised.
It feels different now.
The sleepiness has gone, replaced by the energy of fuller pavements and busier family life. It still has its quiet moments, but there are more people out and more reasons to leave the house.
As welcome as a more active and lively town is, I still find myself looking for places that feel just a bit removed from it all.
Below you’ll find 5 easy ways to do just that. No fence-jumping required.
5 Hidden Gems That Only Locals Know
1. Rectory Lane Cemetery
Quiet as the grave and on the outskirts of town, RLC is still walkable and well worth it. Beautifully maintained and their Lottery-funded conservation project means its also a hit with local history buffs. Check it out here.
2. The Rex Cinema
OK. The Rex isn’t a locals-only secret. But nothing says relaxation like socially enforced silence, right? Great at any time but treat yourself to one of the 2pm showings on a weekday for real escapism. See what’s on.
3. Bay Yoga Studio
This place has got classes for all ages and abilities and they offer a lot beyond the normal stuff. Could be a great addition to your regular routine or a just a place to step out of the chaos every once in a while. See what they offer.
4. St. Peter’s Church
This beautiful church is a stalwart of Berko life. Always hosting concerts, workshops and gatherings that get you off the High Street and back into community, no matter what your personal faith is. Details here.
5. Berko Castle
This one’s great if you’ve got kids in tow. Not exactly a playground but a beautifully contained and maintained space where you can let the kids loose. The ancient walls and moat help with that sense of calming disconnection. Plan your visit.
One of the things I’ve always loved about Berko is its split personality.
There’s no doubt it can be lively when you want it to be (and we’ll explore that side plenty!) but it can also be calm when you need it to be.
Long may that continue.
— from Berko