From medieval Edinburgh to Georgian Bath, Britain is full of cultural treasures. 2025 marks 80 years of UNESCO, and since 1945 nearly 60 unique sites across Britain have been recognised as World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and Geoparks. Whether you catch a live gig at Cardiff Castle, climb the rigging of London’s Cutty Sark ship or explore the mythical landscape of the Giant’s Causeway, here’s how to experience Britain’s heritage hotspots.
Discover the UK’s 58 UNESCO sites on this great illustrated map, designed by Tom Woolley and produced by the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
Explore Britain’s UNESCO sites
Thanks to a vibrant arts scene and eclectic live shows, Glasgow is rightly a UNESCO City of Music. Experience thrilling productions from Scottish Opera and moving concerts from one of Britain’s foremost orchestras, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Put a beat in your step and join a Glasgow Music City Tours walking tour of its ‘Music Mile’ or follow its Merchant City Tour. For live gigs, why not check out the place that helped launch the careers of everyone from Radiohead to Oasis, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut?
Stroll elegant Georgian terraces that could be straight from a Jane Austen novel. Dip a toe in the world’s first thermal Roman baths. There are whole ways to explore Bath, a place so historically stunning the entire city is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From paddle-boarding river trips to soaring over the atmospheric honey-hued buildings by hot air balloon, to taking a filming locations tour for Bridgerton, there are plenty of ways to experience this atmospheric city.
From musical legends to maritime landmarks, Liverpool is bursting with heritage. And beyond its great museums, galleries, and the famous Cavern Club where the Beatles first gigged, the city is breathing new life into its history: watch comedy in a bombed-out church, go ghost hunting with Shiverpool, or kayak around its famous docks.
Home to no fewer than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Canterbury really is packed with culture. Not only does it house Britain’s oldest cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, but also the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey, and St Martin’s Church – which dates back to the sixth century. And you don’t have to see it in the same way every time. Why not discover the city’s canoe tours, explore its gin distilleries and take in the tranquility of its sculpture trails and nature reserves?
Walk through history in Edinburgh. With its medieval ‘Old Town’ and Georgian ‘New Town’, Scotland’s capital holds World Heritage Status. Discover the home of no fewer than 11 international festivals. Explore the city through walking tours to cycling trips, shiver your way round ghost hunts or combine booze with books in this UNESCO City of Literature’s Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour.
Meet the world’s first UNESCO City of Film and City of Culture 2025, Bradford. It’s a TV and cinema powerhouse – the backdrop for everything from The Witcher and The Crown, to Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. See for yourself on a themed walking tour, and check out its National Science and Media Museum too.
Welcome to Britain’s tiniest city. For centuries, Christian pilgrims have flocked to this Pembrokeshire spot, believed to be the resting place of St David, Wales’ patron saint. Explore its fine cathedral and the crumbling ruins of the Bishop’s Palace before discovering the coast’s wild side. Think sea kayaking, cliff hiking, island hopping and more.
A town, not a city, but Stratford-Upon-Avon’s history is truly A-list. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, take in its ancient half-timbered houses up-close, and watch world-class shows at its many theatres. The Avon River runs through its heart, a haven for kayaking and paddle-boarding tours, or you could raise a glass to the bard himself on a gin-tasting cruise featuring gin made by the town’s very own Shakespeare Distillery.
With two millennia of history to explore, Cardiff Castle has had many guises from a being a Roman fortress to a Victorian mansion, and now its latest – a cultural hotspot. Hosting star-studded concerts, DJ events and theatre shows, the castle also transforms into a Christmas wonderland, hosting ice skating and festive film screenings from its 15th-century crypt.
Edge south of central London and you’ll find the historic borough of Greenwich, the gateway to our rich seafaring heritage. Bonkers about Bridgerton? Crazy for The Crown? Take a set-jetting tour of the Old Royal Naval College to see the real-life backdrop for your favourite TV shows and films. Or, see a different kind of star at the Royal Observatory, stand on the Meridian Line (by which the world tells the time) and enjoy a sailor’s-eye view from the Cutty Sark clipper. Adventures ahoy…
If the Tower of London’s enormous stone walls could talk, they’d have almost 1,000 years of stories to tell. Take a tour with a Yeoman Warder (‘Beefeater’), in their iconic red uniforms, for the inside scoop on life at the Tower. Get to know the seven ravens who act as the Tower’s guardians, and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels. There’s so much to see, but don’t lose your head – unlike some unfortunate souls centuries ago.
They’ve been the backdrop to our royal and political goings-on for centuries – now Westminster’s finest are rolling out the red carpet for you. At Westminster Abbey, step into more than 1,000 years of history at the setting of every coronation since 1066. Uncover the secrets and scandals of the Palace of Westminster, Sir Charles Barry’s Gothic masterpiece, on a guided tour. And while the 12th-century St Margaret’s Church may have some big-name neighbours, it’s a star in its own right thanks to its colourful East Window.
From the weird to the wonderful, there are more than 50,000 plants to spot at Kew. See the treasures of the tropical rainforest at the Palm House, or go maple leaf hunting in the tranquil Japanese Landscape. How’s your head for heights? Kew’s Treetop Walkway is your passport to the woodland canopy, where you’ll come face-to-face with the birds, insects and plant life that call it home.
See the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in its spring splendour. Delicate cherry blossoms line your route as you explore this family-friendly spot – and don’t miss the bluebell woods for a pop of purple.
Immerse yourself in nature at the Royal Botanic Gardens, KewAdventure ahoy! Part of London’s UNESCO-listed Greenwich, the Cutty Sark ship is always buzzing in summer: look out for live music, comedy, and the chance to climb its historic rigging.
Learn more about Maritime Greenwich‘Tis the season to be nosy. In September, Oxford Open Doors lets you explore inside the city’s hidden heritage sites and off-limits landmarks – including parts of its famous university.
Learn more about Oxford Open DoorsDurham Cathedral sparkles with Christmas magic. Cosy up with mulled wine and mince pies, or catch carol concerts and festive events at this UNESCO-listed heritage treasure.
Learn more about Durham Cathedral
