Experience Britain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Bath

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 Bridgerton filming locations tour, there are plenty of ways to experience this atmospheric city. 

Explore UNESCO South West Trails with GWR 

From history to culture, action to adventure, discover the South West of England and it’s UNESCO locations. Great Western Railway (GWR) has teamed up with UNESCO to create nine trails showcasing the region’s World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO recognised cities. And the best part? All trails are accessible on GWR trains, allowing the journey to be as much of the adventure as the destination. With rail travel reducing carbon footprints, you can tick the sustainability box as well. How about a two-day journey through the filming history of Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film? Uncover the secrets of World Heritage Site, Stonehenge, or time travel to prehistoric caves in the English Riviera’s UNESCO Global Geopark. Whatever your taste, there’s a trail for you.

Find out more about the UNESCO South West Trails with GWR  

Bradford

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.

St Davids

Welcome to Britain’s tiniest city, St Davids. 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.

Glasgow

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?

Liverpool

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 St Luke’s Bombed-Out Church, go ghost hunting with Shiverpool, or kayak around Liverpool’s famous docks.

Stratford-upon-Avon

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 with Avon Boating, featuring gin made by the town’s very own Shakespeare Distillery. 

Edinburgh

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.

Cardiff

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.

Canterbury

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?

UK UNESCO World Heritage Sites interactive map

Discover the UK’s 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks and Learning Cities, on the UNESCO network map. There’s also a free illustrated map highlighting 62 UNESCO-designated places across the UK, designed by Tom Woolley and produced by the UK National Commission for UNESCO. 

Explore Britain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites