UNESCO Sites
Governed by UNESCO, World Heritage Sites are properties or locations considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. In England, we are proud to have over 15 World Heritage Sites.
1. Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It is the best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire, and stands as a reminder of past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. Forts, temples and turrets appear all along its line.
2. Durham Castle and Cathedral
Originally built by King William the Conqueror, this castle has evolved along the centuries. Initially a fortress, then palace of the Bishops, it now hosts the University College of Durham, as well as a museum.
3. Saltaire
A must-see for anyone interested in England’s industrial heritage. The village built by Sir Titus Salt in 1876 still remains in its original form and continues to be inhabited by city workers. Salts Mill has been converted into an art gallery, showcasing one of the largest collections of the work by artist David Hockney.
4. Bath
The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years. Bath is home to some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge and the Roman Baths & Pump Room – one of the finest ancient monuments in Europe.
5. Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is considered to be one of the finest baroque houses in the country. It was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his famous victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.
6. Stonehenge
Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance, surrounded by remains of ceremonial and domestic structures - some older than the monument itself. Many of these features are accessible by road or public footpath.
7. Dorset and East Devon Coast
From Devon to Dorset, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site gives a unique insight into life in the past through the rocks exposed along the 95 miles of beautiful coastline. 185 million years of Earth history for you to explore. Walk along the coast and walk through time!
8. Cornwall and West Devon Mining Coast
Industrialisation has shaped our modern world, and the mining landscapes of Cornwall and Devon was one of the main areas where this process began. The remains of these mining landscapes are a testimony to the contribution both Cornwall and West Devon made to the industrial revolution.
9. Liverpool Maritime and Mercantile City
Liverpool is a city full of history, heritage and culture, and boasts more museums, galleries, and Grade I and II listed buildings than any other British city outside of London. The city's abundance of history and world-class architecture helped to secure its title as European Capital of Culture 2008.
10. Derwent Valley Mills
The area includes Sir Richard Arkwright’s magnificent Masson Mill at Matlock Bath which was in continuous use until 1991. The mills houses a remarkable working textile museum and an adjoining retail village. A short distance south is Cromford Mill where building started in 1771 to establish the world’s first successful waster powered cotton spinning mills.
11. Studley Royal Park and the ruins of Fountain Abbey
Studley Royal Park is a stunning 18th century garden that comprises cascades, canals, pounds and a Jacobean fountain hall. The garden has been designed around the ruins of the Fountain Abbey, a Cistercian house overlooking the park’s scenery.
12. Ironbridge Gorge
A fun and informative day out is ensured at the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Marvel at the world's first cast iron bridge and check out our interactive attraction, Enginuity. Pull a real locomotive and control the flow of a river to generate electricity.
13. Canterbury Cathedral, St Martin's Church and St Augustine's Abbey
The Cathedral is the motherchurch of the Anglican Communion. Its famous stained glass windows fill the cathedral with colours. St Martin is the oldest church in England that's still in use as a parish church. The ruins of Augustine’s Abbey are an impressive sight, not to be missed by the visitors.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a historic London landscape garden set in a beautiful landscape. The gardens cover more than 300 acres, and house botanic that have been enriched over 2 and half centuries. The Palm House, host of tropical trees, is the centrepiece of the gardens.
15. Tower of London
The Tower of London has been a part of English royal history for nearly 1,000 years, and has become a national symbol of royalty and power. During a visit to the Tower, you can also see Britain's most precious treasure - The Crown Jewels.
16. Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace and Saint Margaret's Church
Commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Palace is where you can see the famous Big Ben clock tower. Westminster Abbey is considered as one of England's finest Gothic buildings. Saint Margaret's Church stands between Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and is commonly called "the parish church of the House of Commons".
17. Maritime Greenwich, London
Situated on London's River Thames, the ensemble of buildings at Greenwich and the park in which they are set, symbolise English artistic and scientific progress in the 17th and 18th centuries. Greenwich Park is the oldest royal park in London.
