UNESCO sites in the UK

Besides tea and biscuits, the United Kingdom is also known for its natural picturesque beauty and the impressive mix of historic and modern architecture. There are a total of 33 UNESCO sites in the UK, making it the 7th country on the List of World Heritage Sites! There are numerous exquisite places to visit in the UK, such as the mysterious Stonehenge, the captivating Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster which hide a fascinating past. 

Here is a list of all UNESCO sites in the UK which just waiting to be discovered. Check out the map at the end of the post for easier navigation.

England (19)

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Dating back to the 18th century, Blenheim Palace was built to honour John Churchill, the military commander who led the British to a victory in the Battle of Blenheim. During its time, it was a mausoleum, a family home and a national monument. Along with being the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it’s also regarded as one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture. Due to its beautiful landscapes and stunning interior, it represented a popular place for many movies to take place here, such as Cinderella, Harry Potter, The Avengers, The Legend of Tarzan and many more. Within these walls lies a rich history, so take the opportunity to explore the 300-year-old palace and the lives of the famous Churchill family.

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Church

Canterbury Cathedral represents one of the most relevant centres of pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. During the visit, it’s evident that this cathedral has some of the best collections of medieval stained glass and historical artefacts which enrapture the mind and the eye. Next is St Augustine’s Abbey, one of the most important monasteries in England, which was a centre of spirituality and learning in the past. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as VR, the nearby museum is an excellent site to truly experience life in the early 1500s. Last but not least is St Martin’s Church, which is famous for being the oldest church in England that is still in use to this day, possibly since the 4th century.

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

True to its heritage and history, this well-preserved village in West Yorkshire will take you back to the Victorian Era. Wander through the cobblestone streets, embrace the striking nature of your surroundings, discover local shops and observe nearby houses to truly enjoy the atmosphere of this historical gem. Many artists, musicians, writers and poets gather here to create and display their work during the annual September festival for the village and its visitors to see. Awaken the artist within yourself and dive into the past of this 19th-century village. Might as well try the local cuisine at one of the most popular bars during your visit, just remember “Don’t Tell Titus”!

Durham Castle and Cathedral

Originated in the late 11th century, Durham Castle was constructed under the orders of William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England. In 1832 the castle was given to Durham University which still remains functional to this day. When the university isn’t in session during summer, Durham Castle converts to a hotel. Then, people from all around the world come and visit its vibrant botanic garden, museum of archaeology, chapels and so much more. Beside the castle lies the Durham Cathedral, a Romanesque-style building that still serves as a place of worship, pilgrimage, learning and spirituality. Also, the cathedral was home to Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, so get your wands and owls ready for a magical journey of your own.

English Lake District, Cumbria

From glittering lakes to mountainous sights, English Lake District offers it all. Get lost in the awe-inspiring nature, go for a relaxing lake cruise or have a peaceful picnic with your loved ones. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a kayak or ride a bike to fully enjoy the views of the idyllic villages placed close to the tranquil lakes. So-called “Lake Poets” such as William Wordsworth and Robert Southey have been inspired by the raw beauty of this stunning national park. Whether it’s an adventure or relaxation you’re looking for, the English Lake District is the right place for you.

City of Bath (2), Somerset

Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa, the City of Bath lies within a hollow of the seven rolling green hills. Hidden among the natural woodlands and blue rivers, many of the City’s Roman remains to include the temple of the Goddess Sulis Minerva and the extensive bathing complex. However, the elegant city we know of today was built upon Bath’s Roman foundations in the 18th century. With its three main springs and stunning stone design, this city is a flawless example of Georgian architecture. It also has the privilege to be listed among the Great Spa Towns of Europe, therefore securing a second UNESCO World Heritage status.

Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape

Split between two counties, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape is the largest industrial World Heritage Site in the United Kingdom. Since the region made a significant contribution to the Industrial Revolution in the country, this site became a leader in mining technology and innovation. With around 20,000 hectares across the counties, the landscape of this mining location was completely reshaped during the 18th and 19th centuries. Encompassing everything from open moors and clifftops to historic mine workings, this UNESCO site both promotes the region’s mining past and protects its greatest monuments.

Derwent Valley Mills, Derbyshire

A place where the lowlands meet the rugged landscape of the Peak District, the Derwent Valley is exceptionally rich in wildlife, flowing streams and oak woodlands. Besides flower-rich pastures and charming villages, the valley is also home to the internationally protected Derwent Valley Mills. Containing a fascinating series of mill complexes, the site extends for 24 kilometres along the Derwent Valley. This location represents the birthplace of the factory system where water power was successfully used for textile production in the 18th century.

Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Cumbria

Better known as Hadrian’s Wall, the Frontiers of the Roman Empire were part of a grand strategy of territorial defence in the Empire. As one of the best-known and preserved Roman monuments in Britain, the remains of the stone-built wall can be seen along most of its 75-kilometres length. The site hid many legionary fortresses, civilian settlements, small forts and stone watchtowers that still evoke a strong sense of admiration and inspiration. Today, some elements of the wall have been excavated, some reconstructed and others utterly destroyed.

Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire

Known as the place of the world’s first bridge constructed of iron, the Ironbridge Gorge is recognised as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Stretching along the River Severn, the site is dotted with charming medieval towns, interesting museums, stunning gardens and multiple historical sites dating back over 2,000 years. One of Shropshire’s top attractions is the Victorian-themed museum. There, visitors can generate electricity from flowing water and explore the artistry and craft of the old times. Overall, the bright red bridge of the mentioned gorge had a considerable influence on the early development of architecture and technology in England.

Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire

Hosting a great number of radio telescopes, the Jodrell Bank Observatory was established in 1945 in order to investigate cosmic rays, meteoroids, space probes and more. As the UK’s largest radio telescope, the observatory is situated in the heart of Cheshire, surrounded by farmland with vivid green grasslands and an abundance of wildlife. Explore all four Pavilions, cafes, picnic areas and a charming gift shop. Alongside a range of outdoor exhibits and pathways, dive into the beautiful 35 acres of grounds and discover all that lies inside the mysterious Space Dome.

Maritime Greenwich, London

Nestled within Greenwich Park in London, Maritime Greenwich is famous for its unique architecture, carefully designed landscape, displayed artistic achievements and royal origins. Originally under the British Tudor and Stuart dynasties, the value of this site is apparent by a great number of historic buildings representing its maritime importance over the centuries. The ensemble of all buildings and its landscape make for a prominent site that is a symbol of English artistic, scientific and another institutional endeavour. With exhibitions dating from the 17th to the late 19th century, this historical landmark is filled with numerous stories and legends that are sure to intrigue you.

Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret’s Church, London

Rebuilt in the year 1840 on the site of influential medieval remains, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church are located right next to the River Thames in central London. Together, they have symbolised monarchy, religion and power since the 11th century. Changing through the centuries, the sites represent a place of great historic and symbolic significance. These locations are considered to be one of the most ancient parliamentary monarchies of present times. Even today, they continue serving their original functions and play an important role in society and government matters. Additionally, the Abbey is still used as a place where monarchs are crowned, married and ultimately buried.

Royal Botanic Gardens, London

With over 50,000 different plants to be found across the site, the Royal Botanic Gardens aimed to create a garden which would “contain all the plants known on Earth”. Located in the London suburb of Richmond, the sponsor for this historic garden was Princess Augusta of Great Britain. As one of the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world, the garden offers fresh fragrances, rainbow-coloured flower beds and feathery grasses. Explore the various paths safely tucked away in a 300-year-old bluebell wood, with colours drastically varying throughout the seasons.

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites, Wiltshire

Dating back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site represent one of the UK’s very first World Heritage Sites. Internationally important for its complexes of prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge is considered to be the most sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world, while Avebury is definitely the largest. Together, they provide an insight into ceremonial and mortuary practices of the period. On top of that, the famous groups of megaliths are evidence of prehistoric technology, architecture and astronomy whose significance is still being explored. 

Studley Royal Park and the Ruins of Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire

One of the most spectacular water gardens in England, the 18th-century fascinating landscape of Studley Royal Park and the ruins of Fountains Abbey is situated in North Yorkshire. The garden boasts numerous ponds, canals, lawns and hedges, with elegant garden buildings and statues decorating the lovely English-style landscape. The spectacular ruins of the 12th-century abbey and water mill, along with the most stunning Georgian water gardens, make this a landscape of exceptional merit and beauty. It’s one of the few great gardens which is still kept in its original form.

Tower of London, London

Built in the early 11th century, the Tower of London is one of England’s most iconic symbols of royalty. In the past, it was built in order to demonstrate Norman power and at the same time act as both a fortress and gateway to the capital. Over the years, it has been the setting for key historical events in European and British history, such as the execution of three English queens. This London landmark also helped shape the true story of the Reformation in England, as some of the captives managed to survive and retell their experiences in detail. Today, you can get the chance to see the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, Battlements, Bloody Tower and Torture exhibition to get a small glimpse into the mysterious past that changed the fates of many.

Dorset and East Devon Coast

Also referred to as the Jurassic Coast, the Dorset and East Devon Coast is a site which spans 185 million years of geological history. With evident fossil remains of various creatures scattered all over the place, this geological site has contributed to the study of earth sciences for over 300 years. Along 155 kilometres long coast, the continuous sequence of rock formation developed over the course of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. At different times, this site has been a desert and marsh, but now it’s a mesmerising coast where each rock hides a story of its own.

Scotland (5)

Forth Bridge, Edinburgh

Known as the symbol of Scotland, Forth Bridge (Edinburgh) was built in 1890 and it still stands proudly as on the first day it was created. As the world’s first major steel structure, it’s considered to be an engineering masterpiece with its vibrant red colour and innovative structure. Namely, the 2,5 kilometres long bridge is adorned with 150 metres high towers, giving the structure a unique design. This Scottish icon offers many amazing views, but the one on the top of the bridge is truly impressive. Everything from nearby buildings to charming boats sailing through the sea is yours to observe, so why not visit and discover the magic that inspired many artists to take action?

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

A maze of beautifully constructed narrow streets guarded by the oldest building in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town of Edinburgh has seen centuries of history. This lively town rightfully became popular because of its traditional cuisine, vibrant festivals and medieval architecture which give its beauty an edge. Next is the New Town, the modern side of Edinburgh. It’s a small, charming town with a lovely ambience that offers something for everyone. Plenty of cafes, restaurants, parks, historical monuments, shops and bars will ensure that everyone finds their own place under the Scottish sun.

St Kilda, Outer Hebrides

A breathtaking archipelago, also known as the “Island on the Edge of the World”, boasts of having the highest sea cliff in the UK. While surrounded by its clear blue waters and craggy cliffs, immerse yourself in the scenic beauty, fascinating history and the wildlife that freely roam these magical lands. Take a stroll throughout the island and explore the nearby deserted village to get a quick peek at a 4,000-year-old community. The main island of Hirta has a small campsite that has to be pre-booked if you wish to stay a bit longer.

New Lanark, Lanarkshire

Southeast of Glasgow, alongside the famous river Clyde lies an 18th-century mill village called New Lanark in Lanarkshire. This charming village is a place of considerable historical interest with wonderful scenery full of magnificent waterfalls that will take your breath away. Its textile machinery became recognised when its hand-made jumpers made a continuous appearance during the Harry Potter films. When visiting, do keep in mind that this historic village produces its own award-winning ice cream, so be sure to try it out! The story of this village is truly one worth telling, so come and make the story your own.

Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Around 5,000 years ago, the local prehistoric people began building the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, four extraordinary monuments out of stone. It consists of a large chambered tomb of Maes Howe, a large settlement of Skara Brae and two ceremonial stone circles of the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. As well as that, a great number of ancient burial and ceremonial sites also took place here. Each one of the four sites confirmed the richness of culture and skill of the Neandertals. Their display of architecture illustrated a relevant prehistoric stage in human history and how it developed later on.

Wales (4)

Castles and Town Walls of King Edward, Gwynedd

One of the finest examples of late 13th and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe, the castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech are located in Gwynedd, north Wales. Built to show size and strength, the dark stoned fortresses provide a commanding presence that features multiple towers and battlements. The castles offer stunning views of the towering mountains, awe-inspiring dunes, glittering sea and sturdy city walls. Step inside the town walls to get a sense of the history of medieval Wales and all the past glories that happened here throughout the years.

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape

As the world’s major producer of iron and coal in the 19th century, Blaenavon Industrial Landscape is a World Heritage Site located around 40 kilometres from Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The Ironworks and Big Pit were turned into a mining museum, where tourists can take a trip down the mines and explore the dark depths of the tunnels. That way, they can experience what life was like for those who make a living digging for “black gold”, better known as coal. In the vicinity, the 33 km² landscape contained raw materials like ironstone and limestone. As well as that, the nearby river Afon Lwyd is ideal for boating or walking and bike riding alongside the river.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, Wrexham

Globally recognised as a grand achievement of civil engineering, Pontcysyllte stands for “the bridge that connects” in Welsh. This 18-kilometre-long canal is a remarkable construction piece of a human-engineered waterway. Including embankments, aqueducts, viaducts and tunnels, this site was completed in the early years of the 19th century. The building of the aqueduct and canal required innovative engineering solutions because of its difficult geographical setting. With its land-use planning, inland waterways and fascinating iron structure design, it’s surely a site not to be missed.

The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, Gwynedd

Monumental in scale, the quarries and mines at the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales illustrate the diverse heritage of a wide landscape created during the era of British industrialisation. From 1780 to 1940, the quarries of Wales produced slates that could be found on almost every continent. Six areas together make the landscape that includes deep pits, vast underground chambers, massive cascading tips and a range of industrial buildings. It’s situated in the rural environment of mountains and valleys in the Snowdonia National Park, one of the oldest and biggest national parks in the UK. 

British overseas territory (4)

Gorham’s Cave Complex, Gibraltar

Representing a major significance in understanding the global story of human evolution, the Gorham’s Cave Complex is deemed to be one of the last known habitations of the Neanderthals in Europe. The steep limestone cliffs contain a combination of four distinct caves that provide archaeological evidence of Neanderthal occupation over a span of more than 100,000 years. There has been evidence of bird and marine animal hunting, the decorative use of feathers and the presence of abstract rock engravings. Among the pre-booked guided walking tours to Gorham’s Cave, there are several other available tours on offer.

Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda

As the oldest English urban settlement in the New World, the area consists of the Historic Town of St George and fortifications that guard the entrance to the town and its harbours. Originally called New London, this history-filled site served as the capital of Bermuda until 1815. The associated fortifications built in 1612 perfectly illustrate the first defensive works and the development of the English military engineering department. The previously occupied and fortified colonial town was adapted for the development of coastal and naval artillery from the 17th to the 20th century. 

Gough and Inaccessible Islands, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Historically known as Gonçalo Álvares, the Gough Island and Inaccessible Islands are two rugged volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Remaining relatively undisturbed, the stunning cliffs that tower above the ocean are home to 2 endemic species of land birds, as well as to 12 endemic species of plants. Located about 350 km from each other, the area hosts some of the most important seabird colonies in the world. These include albatrosses, petrels, and penguins, making this a site of special conservation significance. Rich in marine life, the islands provide the animals with a home where they can be isolated from the rest of the world and live in peace.

Henderson Island, Pitcairn Island Group

Hiding in the eastern South Pacific, Henderson Island is the largest of the four islands of the Pitcairn Island group. This gem has been practically untouched by a human presence, with its remote location providing the ideal basis for studying insular evolution and natural selection. Given the island’s size, it exhibits remarkable biological diversity. With its near-pristine limestone cliffs, Henderson Island retains its exceptional natural beauty with its white, sandy beaches and rich, undisturbed flora and fauna. It’s noteworthy that the island hosts 10 plants and 4 land birds that are endemic to the island.

Northern Ireland (1)

Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

Known to the Irish as the 8th Wonder of the World, this 60 million years old site is truly a place to behold. A place where land kisses the sea, this scenery is truly jaw-dropping and engrossing to all who visit. According to the legend, the Giant’s Causeway came to be because of a quarrel between two giants, Finn MacCool and Benandonner. The moment Benandonner thought Finn McCool was stronger than him he ran away, causing the causeway to break beneath his feet. Its distinct look that resembles puzzle pieces was created during intense volcanic activity, giving it a unique beauty that allows us a glimpse of the ancient past. 

Map of World Heritage Sites in the UK