Nestled in southern York County near the New Hampshire border, Berwick, Maine is a friendly small town with historic roots and scenic New England charm. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and nearby coastal towns, Berwick appeals to visitors looking for outdoor fun and local flavor. This guide covers Berwick’s history, population, zip code, top things to do, where to eat and stay, common travel questions, nearby highlights, and a summary of why Berwick is a great stop on your Maine adventure.
Historical Background & Name
Berwick began as a Native American settlement called Newichawannock (“river of many falls”). European settlers arrived in the 1630s. After some turbulent years (including raids in King Philip’s War), the town was incorporated in 1713. It was renamed Berwick after Berwick-upon-Tweed on the English-Scottish border, reflecting the heritage of early colonists. Berwick’s history is marked by colonial mills and farming; the first schoolhouse in Maine was built here in 1719. Historic sites like Oak Woods Meeting House in nearby North Berwick and the Hamilton House (in South Berwick) preserve that 18th-19th century past. Berwick’s heritage is a point of pride for locals and history enthusiasts.
Population & Demographics
Berwick is a small but growing town. The 2020 Census counted about 7,950 residents and the population is now just over 8,000. Most residents are family households, and the town has a mix of age groups with a median age around 40. The community is predominantly White, with small Asian and multi-racial minorities. Berwick’s median household income is moderately high (around $77,000), and the poverty rate is quite low (under 5%). These figures reflect a comfortable suburban lifestyle. Berwick lies in the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area, so some residents commute to larger cities for work. Overall the town has a rural-suburban character: wooded lots, family farms, and small neighborhoods.
ZIP Code
Berwick’s main postal ZIP code is 03901. That covers the town center and surrounding area. (For context, nearby North Berwick uses 03906 and South Berwick uses 03908.) If you need to send mail or search businesses by ZIP, use 03901 for Berwick itself. The town is in the 207 area code for phone calls.
Top Things to Do in Berwick & Nearby
Berwick and its surroundings offer outdoor recreation, historic sites, and scenic spots. Here are a dozen top activities and sights:
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Hamilton House & Vaughan Woods (South Berwick): Tour the grand 1787 Georgian mansion of Governor Edward Pierce, with formal gardens and views of the Salmon Falls River. The adjacent Vaughan Woods State Park has 160+ acres of trails, picnic areas and century-old trees – a perfect family outing.
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Salmon Falls River: This scenic river borders Berwick and New Hampshire. Enjoy fishing, kayaking or riverside picnics along its gentle shores. In Somersworth, NH, the nearby Great Falls are remnants of historic sawmills.
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Oak Woods Meeting House (North Berwick): A beautifully preserved 1850s church on Meeting House Road, maintained by the local historical society. It’s a peek into 19th-century rural New England life.
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Madeline Blaisdell Walking Trails: A 2-mile loop of easy woodland paths near the North Berwick Recreation Area (off Route 9). Bring sneakers or bikes for this peaceful nature walk. (Note: no pets or bikes are allowed; it’s a quiet preserve.)
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Washington Farms (Seasonal): In Berwick and Eliot, pick-your-own strawberries (late June/July), blueberries, and pumpkins. Enjoy farm stands or U-pick fun. The fresh air and fruit fields are a classic Maine summer activity.
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Mount Agamenticus (York): A short drive into York, this 692-foot peak has trails and 360° views of the coast. Great for hiking or mountain biking. There’s also a small wildlife animal park and Cascade Falls restaurant at the trailhead.
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Beaches & Lighthouse (York/Ogunquit): Ocean beaches are about 15–20 miles east. Visit Short Sands Beach in Ogunquit (with the scenic Marginal Way cliff walk) or Long Sands/Ogunquit Beach. In nearby York, see the famous Nubble Lighthouse perched on a rocky islet – a must-photograph spot. Enjoy sunbathing, shell collecting, or a lobster roll at beachfront cafes.
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Just 15–20 minutes away across the river, Portsmouth offers an historic downtown with brick sidewalks, boutique shopping, waterfront parks, and vibrant restaurants. It’s worth a half-day trip for its maritime history, Strawbery Banke Museum, and nightlife.
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Kittery and Kittery Outlets: A short drive south (via Route 95) brings you to Kittery, Maine. Shop at the large outlet malls or stroll the seaside village. (Kittery was the first town in Maine – it was part of Old Kittery Commons with Berwick centuries ago!)
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Local Trails & Parks: Explore Great Works Regional Land Trust preserves (such as Slattery-Mitchell in Berwick) or trails in Eliot and South Berwick. The Multipurpose Trail along Route 236 is popular for biking. Seasonal fairs (like the August Old Berwick Fair in the village) showcase local crafts and agriculture.
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Cultural Stops: Check the schedule at Hamilton House for garden tours and events. Nearby York’s wild animal “Totem Pole Zoo” (Old MacDonald’s Farm) is fun for kids. Also look for summer farmers’ markets in South Berwick or Eliot for local produce and crafts.
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Golf & Recreation: The Links at Outlook (Salmon Falls Golf Club) in Eliot/South Berwick is a scenic 18-hole course along the river. The nearby Great Works Regional Trail offers long, level biking trails toward Portsmouth.
Whether you like history, nature, or small-town charm, Berwick’s central location makes it easy to do a bit of everything: hike, shop, beach, or just relax by the river.
Dining & Lodging Suggestions
Restaurants
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Mainely Local Yolks: A popular locally-owned breakfast and lunch cafe on Route 236, known for giant omelettes, pancakes, and friendly service.
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Untruck’d Street Food Kitchen: A hip spot downtown with globally inspired street-food bowls and sandwiches (Asian/Mexican fusion style). Casual vibe, great for lunch or dinner.
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Dufour Cocktails & Provisions: An upscale restaurant (modern farmhouse cuisine) located inside the Stage House Inn in South Berwick. Romantic atmosphere and craft cocktails – ideal for a date night or special occasion.
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South Berwick House of Pizza: Family-run pizzeria a few minutes north in South Berwick, serving classic pies, grinders and subs. Good for a casual takeout meal after a day out.
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Fogarty’s Doughnuts & Ice Cream (Sanford): Just 5 miles away, famous for fresh doughnuts, ice cream and comfort diner food. Great dessert stop (hot doughnuts and vanilla ice cream cone).
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Big Y World Class Market (Kittery): If you’re shopping in Kittery, stop at this large grocery store with many ready-to-eat options and a food court. Not far via Route 95.
Chain & Convenience Options: Berwick has a local Dunkin’ and a few fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King near the highway. There’s also a Cumberland Farms convenience store with coffee and snacks, and a Starbucks (in nearby NH). For groceries, the Hannaford supermarket in Berwick is your main local market. In a pinch, pizza and Chinese food takeout (Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Great Wall, etc.) are available in nearby Sanford or NH. Though small, Berwick’s dining scene has a mix of cozy local cafes and essential chains for visitors.
Lodging
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Stage House Inn (South Berwick): A quaint, historic inn just outside Berwick on Main Street. It offers about 20 uniquely decorated rooms, an inviting lounge, and Dufour Restaurant. Staying here means experiencing classic Maine inn hospitality.
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Bear Mountain Lodge (South Berwick): A rustic-chic log-cabin resort set on 560 forested acres with a private lake. Cozy cabins, spa, and nature trails make it a fun destination for families or couples wanting to “get away from it all.”
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Hampton Inn Dover (Dover, NH): A newer chain hotel just across the Piscataqua River in New Hampshire. Modern amenities, free breakfast, and only a 10-minute drive from Berwick via Route 108. (Convenient if you want a big-brand stay.)
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Quality Inn & Suites (Sanford, ME): A budget-friendly motel off I-95 exit, about 5 miles southwest of Berwick. Basic rooms, indoor pool, free breakfast – part of a familiar chain for reliable comfort.
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Comfort Inn (Scarborough-Portland): A bit farther (about 40 minutes away) but useful if you plan to explore Portland or southern Maine coast. It offers standard amenities and an indoor pool.
In general, Berwick itself has limited lodging (mostly local inns). Most chain hotels and larger motels are found just beyond town borders. Dover, NH and Sanford, ME are the closest towns with a full range of hotel chains. Vacation rentals and Airbnb homes are also common in the region if you prefer a house or condo rental.
Top 10 Visitor Questions about Berwick, Maine
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What is the population of Berwick, Maine? Around 8,000 people live in Berwick (about 7,950 as of the 2020 census). The town’s population has been growing slowly in recent years. Berwick has a small-town feel – fewer people and less density than bigger Maine cities.
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What is the ZIP code of Berwick, Maine? The primary ZIP code is 03901. This covers most of Berwick. (Nearby 03906 is North Berwick’s code, and 03908 is South Berwick’s code.) If you’re mailing something or using GPS, use 03901 for Berwick.
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Which county is Berwick in? Berwick is in York County, the southwesternmost county of Maine. York County’s largest cities include Sanford and Biddeford, but Berwick is one of its smaller towns.
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Where is Berwick located? Berwick sits in southern Maine, just north of the Piscataqua River (which is the New Hampshire border). It’s about 20 miles south of Portland, 15 miles east of Dover NH, and 15 miles north of the Maine coast (York/Ogunquit beaches). Nearby Maine towns are South Berwick (to the north) and Eliot (to the east).
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How did Berwick get its name? When the area was incorporated in 1713, settlers renamed it Berwick after the English town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Before that it had been called Kittery North Parish or Newichawannock. The name change honored the heritage of early English colonists.
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What are some popular things to do in Berwick, Maine? The list above covers many: enjoy the outdoors at Vaughan Woods State Park and Salmon Falls River, hike local trails (like Madeline Blaisdell), visit Washington Farms for berry picking, and explore historic sites like Oak Woods Meeting House. Also check out nearby attractions (Portsmouth NH, Ogunquit Beach, etc.) for a full itinerary.
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Where can I eat in Berwick? For a small town, Berwick has some good local spots. Breakfast and lunch at Mainely Local Yolks is a local favorite. For more international flavors, try Untruck’d Street Food Kitchen. There’s also Fogarty’s Doughnuts for treats in Sanford, and the South Berwick House of Pizza not far away. Major fast-food chains (McDonald’s, Burger King, Dunkin’) and convenience stores (Cumberland Farms) are on the outskirts if needed.
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Where can I stay in Berwick? Berwick proper is mostly residential, so most lodging is just outside or in neighboring towns. The historic Stage House Inn (with on-site restaurant Dufour) is a top local option in South Berwick. For chain hotels, try the Hampton Inn in Dover NH or Comfort/Quality Inns in nearby Sanford. Bear Mountain Lodge offers a cabin resort experience.
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Is Berwick Maine near the ocean? Not directly on the coast, but very close! It’s about a 20–30 minute drive from several beautiful Maine beaches. York’s Long Sands and Short Sands (Ogunquit) beaches are nearest by car, and Portland’s coast is just a bit farther north. The Atlantic Ocean is never far in this part of Maine.
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What is the climate like in Berwick? Berwick has a New England climate with four seasons. Summers (June–August) are warm and sometimes humid (highs in the 70s–80s °F). Winters (Dec–Feb) are cold and snowy (temperatures often in the 20s–30s °F). Spring and fall are mild and pleasant. Pack for changing weather – layers in spring/fall, and heavy coats in winter.
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How far is Berwick from Boston or Portland? Berwick is about 70 miles north of Boston (roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive) and about 25–30 miles south of Portland, Maine (around 35–45 minutes by car). This makes Berwick an easy visit on a road trip up or down the coast.
These FAQs cover the basics most visitors wonder about: location, history, and what to do or where to stay.
Nearby Attractions & Destinations
While in the Berwick area, you can easily visit these popular spots:
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire: A 15-minute drive south, Portsmouth has a historic seaport, boutique shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss Prescott Park and the Strawbery Banke Museum.
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York and Ogunquit Beaches: Within a 20–25 minute drive, enjoy Maine’s famous beaches. Ogunquit has sandy shores and the scenic Marginal Way cliff path. In York, see Cape Neddick’s “Nubble” Lighthouse.
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Kittery Outlets: About 15 minutes away via Route 95, this outlet mall complex offers big-name brand shopping. Combine it with Kittery Foreside (antique shops and cafes).
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Mount Agamenticus: A prominent hill in York with hiking/biking trails and panoramic views. Great for wildlife watching (there’s a raptor rehabilitation center at the summit).
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Great Works Trail (Eliot/South Berwick): A multi-use trail running along the historical Great Works River, popular for biking and walking.
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Hampton Beach, NH: A famous boardwalk beach (around 30 minutes away), known for live music and fireworks in summer.
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Boston and Portland (day trips): If you want city life, Boston is 1.5–2 hours south, and Portland is under an hour north. Both offer arts, cuisine, and history that can complement your stay in Berwick.
These attractions are often mentioned in connection with “the Berwicks”. Visitors enjoy that from this central spot you can easily hop to mountain trails, river walks, beaches, or urban sightseeing.
Summary
Berwick, Maine is a welcoming town where old New England history meets natural beauty. With a story dating back to the 1600s, Berwick retains its heritage in local museums and well-preserved sites. Today it’s a quiet, family-friendly community of about 8,000 people, offering suburban comforts and rural scenery. The main ZIP code 03901 anchors its small downtown and community facilities.
Outdoor lovers will feel at home here: forests and fields invite hiking, rivers offer fishing and kayaking, and nearby beaches and parks provide plenty of recreation. The town’s location is ideal for exploring southern Maine and southern New England: you’re a short drive from scenic coastal towns (Ogunquit, York), bustling Portsmouth NH, and even Dover NH’s restaurants. Locally owned restaurants like Mainely Local Yolks and Untruck’d add charm, and a historic inn (Stage House) makes staying overnight a pleasure. Berwick has something for every visitor — history buffs, hikers, beachgoers, and families alike.
In short, Berwick’s appeal lies in its blend of historic character, outdoor adventure, and convenient location. It’s an authentic Maine experience off the beaten path, yet close to major attractions. Whether you’re passing through on a coastal road trip or looking for a peaceful weekend getaway, Berwick, Maine offers a delightful mix of activities, welcoming locals, and small-town charm that will make your visit memorable.
