The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – or UNESCO as most people know it – is dedicated to protecting the world’s cultural heritage to foster education and peace in all corners of the globe. That’s quite a mission statement, making the importance of the sites on this list much more poignant.
When we visit places of great importance, we connect ourselves with something bigger – something that transcends nationhood and cultural boundaries. We feel the course of human progress and its potential to create global peace.
That’s why you can’t miss out on these fantastic heritage sites on your visit to the UK. They’re waypoints on the map of how far we’ve all come and signposts to where we could go if we put our minds to it. Let’s take a look at the 5 best-loved UNESCO World Heritage sites in the UK.
The Palace of Westminster
Taking centre stage in the capital, the Palace of Westminster is certainly one of the most splendid buildings on our list, if not the most culturally important. The site has been of enormous significance for almost a thousand years as a seat of royal residence and politics. It’s one place you simply cannot miss out on seeing.
Stonehenge
We’ve written endlessly about the beauty and mystique of Stonehenge, but to understand it you really need to see it for yourself. There’s nothing like being up close to a site that’s over 5000 years old. It’s a truly remarkable experience.
Kew Gardens
Few people know that Kew Gardens is a World Heritage Site, and fewer still take the time to go and visit. They’re missing out, though, as this is one of London’s most tranquil and beautiful spaces. If you get the chance to visit, make sure you spend some time exploring the treetop walk and the Japanese cottage.
The City of Bath
Bath is a melting pot of different facets of British heritage. From the Roman Baths to Jane Austen and the stunning 18th-century architecture, the city is so important that UNESCO declared the entire city a heritage site in its own right. When you plan your trip, be sure to put in some time for simply walking its streets and discovering some of its wonderful secrets.
Maritime Greenwich
As a centre of Britain’s commercial and scientific prowess throughout the ages, the importance of Greenwich as a cultural icon can’t be overstated.
The actual world heritage site consists of a range of maritime buildings along the riverfront and park areas, including the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Naval College. They constitute some of London’s most precious architectural treasures.
All of these fantastic locations are featured on many of our tours here at Evan Evans. Take a look at our destinations in and around London and learn how our expert tour guides give you all the inside information on these unmissable sites.
