UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural and natural sites that are considered to be of “Outstanding Universal Value” to humanity, according to the World Heritage Committee. There are over 1,000 located all around the world, and the UK’s beloved capital is home to four of them: the Tower of London, The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Maritime Greenwich. There are also plenty more within easy access of the capital, so without further ado, here’s a rundown of 10 of them.
1. The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey
Now let’s be honest — this UNESCO World Heritage Site really needs no introduction, does it? The Palace of Westminster—otherwise known as the Houses of Parliament—is London’s oldest palace and has been in continuous use for over a thousand years. The site of the UK government, its most famous feature is arguably the clock tower, which is called the “Elizabeth Tower” and not “Big Ben” as most people think.
You can explore the palace itself via guided tours, but if you want to just turn up, then neighboring Westminster Abbey is the place to go. It is a magnificent building and has been the site of coronations for England’s monarchs since William the Conqueror all the way back in 1066 CE. They also have some spellbinding choral concerts here, and come Christmastime, it is one of the most magical spots to visit in the entire capital.
2. The Tower of London
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Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterThis imposing fortress is perhaps the most infamous prison in the whole world, and it’s held all manner of prisoners over the years — including the beheaded queens Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard as well as Guy Fawkes and Sir Walter Raleigh. Given its rather bloody reputation as the site of execution for many poor souls, it is rumored to be one of the most haunted buildings in the whole of the UK, so keep your eyes peeled for the two princes, supposedly murdered by their uncle King Richard III, and for the “Nine Days Queen,” Lady Jane Grey.
Of course, it is not all about ghosts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site — this mighty Historic Royal Palace also houses the beautiful Crown Jewels as well as a whole host of historic artefacts. You can explore all this on your own or you can join a guided tour with the resident Yeoman Warders which includes the famous “Changing of the Keys” ceremony which has been running now for well over 700 years.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Recently billed as the “World’s Most Instagrammable Botanical Garden,” the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is very famous and is actually the world’s largest botanical garden thank-you-very-much. It’s made up of well over 50,000 different plants, which can be found across a wide variety of different environments.
Get a head for heights at the 18-meter-high (59-foot) Treetop Walkway, discover the carnivorous Venus flytraps in the Temperate House, and explore a vast collection of over 14,000 trees in the scenic Arboretum. Don’t miss the chance to come here during the winter season either, when a magical light trail adorns the site and you can find glittering lights, larger-than-life illuminations, flickering fire installations, and even a Father Christmas or two!
4. Maritime Greenwich
The final UNESCO World Heritage Site on this list based within the capital is none other than Maritime Greenwich — an ensemble of buildings reflecting the borough’s maritime importance located right in the heart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich in South East London.
You can take a wander around the Royal Observatory, London’s only planetarium and the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the world-famous Prime Meridian Line—as well as the National Maritime Museum—which offers a whole host of different exhibitions based around “epic stories of exploration.” Don’t miss a visit to Cutty Sark, the fastest ship of its kind in the world, and the mesmerizing Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. Known as the “Sistine Chapel of England,” it is a truly magical place that must really be seen to be believed. Post-exploration, make your way to the Trafalgar Tavern — a lovely riverside pub that rustles up an excellent pie and mash, and plenty of locally-brewed pints too.
5. Canterbury Cathedral, St. Martin’s Church, and St. Augustine’s Abbey
The first UNESCO World Heritage Site on this list based outside of the capital is Canterbury Cathedral, the UK’s oldest cathedral. It has been drawing thousands of Christians as a place of pilgrimage since it was first founded in 597 CE. Located less than two hours away from London in Kent, it is a beautiful spot to visit and is actually the workplace of the Head of the Church of England — none other than the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Often billed as “England in stone,” the site itself is a unique site of worship, a major pilgrimage destination and perhaps the UK’s most-visited historical site. They’ve got various different exhibitions on throughout the year, such as the recent Monastic Life exhibit — which gives visitors the chance to unearth what day-to-day life was like for 9th Century monks.
6. Stonehenge
Arguably one of the UK’s most famous attractions, Stonehenge has been the center of pagan worship for well over 5,000 years. One of the world’s most important neolithic sites, it is a sacred burial site and a healing sanctuary which comes alive during both the winter and summer solstices, when thousands of people descend on the site to celebrate.
Situated just shy of 90 miles from the capital, it is easy to get here on a day trip and is well worth a visit. Opt for the audio guide upon arrival and you’ll be immersed into a world of mythical legends and ancient history which are well worth the traffic jams to get here. If you’re wanting to explore further, then the town of Glastonbury—famous for its namesake music festival and its fabled Tor—is within easy reach.
7. Blenheim Palace
The baroque Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire was constructed in the early 18th century by the English Parliament as a gift to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, who led the English to victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. It was also the birthplace of none other than Sir Winston Churchill himself, and it is full to the brim with exquisite tapestries, oil paintings, and all manner of beautiful artefacts too.
UNESCO-listed, there are multiple exhibitions here throughout the year, and you can’t miss a visit to the Pleasure Gardens, which feature a lavender garden, a butterfly house, and even a maze.
8. The Jurassic Coast
When it comes to scenery within the UK, you really can’t beat the Jurassic Coast. A 95-mile, stunning strip of coastline spanning from Dorset to East Devon, it is characterised by beautiful, rocky bays and pristine stretches of sand and is arguably one of the most scenic spots in the whole of the country.
It is UNESCO-listed due to its geological status — after all, in this spot over 185 million years’ worth of geological history can be found. Add in the fact that it has landmark rock formations like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, and you can see why this is one of the most popular holiday spots in the whole of the UK. Word of advice though — perhaps give it a miss during the popular summer months when the crowds can get a bit much.
9. Jodrell Bank Observatory
This next UNESCO World Heritage Site is based a good few hours’ drive away from the capital up in Cheshire. However, it is well worth a visit and is the UK’s latest UNESCO-listed site, having only been made one back in 2019. It is a world-renowned science research institute which has been at the forefront of astrophysics.
They’ve got two Grade I-listed telescopes, four pavilions, and even an annual music festival—Bluedot—which in recent years has seen the likes of Grace Jones, Young Fathers, and Pavement perform. There is also an arboretum here too which is just perfect for exploration.
10. The City of Bath
Rounding off this list of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites is none other than the prestigious City of Bath, which has been wowing visitors since the days of the Romans. It is actually the only spot in the UK in which a whole city is designated as a UNESCO site, and it is perhaps most famous due to its Roman-built baths and opulent Georgian architecture.
However, there is much more to his beautiful city than just the buildings. You can soak up the panoramic views from the magnificent Bath Abbey, shop for trinkets and bric-a-brac in the shops on Pulteney Bridge, or soak to your heart’s content in Thermae Bath Spa. That’s not even mentioning the country walks nearby or the amazing museums you can find in and around the city — including one dedicated to the mistress of the macabre Mary Shelley.
