World heritage sites in Britain

The World Heritage Committee

In 1972, UNESCO adopted the ‘Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention’. The World Heritage Committee was established and World Heritage Sites began to be identified. World Heritage Sites are properties or locations considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The World Heritage Committee exists to help the preservation of these sites.

Cultural & natural heritage

World Heritage Sites are listed according to two main categories – ‘cultural heritage’ and ‘natural heritage’. Cultural heritage sites include monuments, group of buildings or sites of historical, aesthetic, archaeological or anthropological value. Natural heritage sites include habitats of threatened plants or animal species and sites or features of outstanding natural beauty or with exceptional value to science or conservation.

World Heritage Sites in Britain

Visit World Heritage – UNESCO (whc.unesco.org/) to learn more about the World Heritage Committee and Heritage Sites around the world.

See our map for more information about each World Heritage Site in Britain.

Get your Great British Heritage Pass

For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 580 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.

For full details and to order click here.