From ancient Neolithic sites to Roman ruins, rugged landscapes, and grandiose cities of the Empire, each site tells a unique story of this tiny island nation's grand contribution to the world.

What are the UK's top World Heritage sites? At a glance:

• The Palace of Westminster
• Kew Gardens
• Maritime Greenwich
• Stonehenge
• City of Bath
• Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Old and New Towns, Edinburgh
• City of Liverpool
• Gwynedd, Wales
• Blenheim Palace
• The Jurassic Coast

The Palace of Westminster, London

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.

Kew Gardens, London

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.

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.

Stonehenge

Built over 5,000 years ago on the windswept Salisbury Plain in Southern England, this awe-inspiring site is one of Europe's most famous Neolithic monuments. Explore the site for yourself on a day tour from London and uncover the mystery behind its construction.

City of Bath

Ancient Roman ruins, gorgeous 18th-century Neoclassical architecture and a stunning landscape setting have, together, earned the entire city a place on UNESCO's World Heritage list - an accolade not shared by any other city in the UK.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Towering 126 feet (38 metres) above the River Dee and completed in the early years of the 19th century, this 200-year-old site is a feat of civil engineering of the Industrial Revolution. Take an exhilarating walk or boat ride across the top for fantastic views of the Vale of Llangollen.

Old & New Towns, Edinburgh

The Scottish capital oozes history, and the unique character of the city comes from the striking contrast between its medieval 'Old Town' and the Georgian splendour of 'New Town'. In 'Old Town', you'll find a maze of higgledy-piggledy alleyways and courtyards, while 'New Town' is a mixture of classical architecture, grand squares and manicured gardens.

City of Liverpool

Once dubbed the British Empire's 'Second City', this great Northern port city played a crucial role in the growth of the Empire. Its grandiose architecture bears witness to the story of a fallen imperial giant, and there are more protected buildings and structures here than in any other British city outside of London.

Gwynedd, Wales

A combination of remarkably well preserved medieval castles and fortified complexes, built during the reign of King Edward I, makes this historic site in North Wales a must-see for any visitor to the UK. To this day, Caernarfon Castle is still used as the site for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales​, with Prince Charles - the future King of England - last crowned here in 1969.

Blenheim Palace

Presented by the English nation to John Churchill, Britain's greatest military general, in recognition of his victory in 1704 over French forces at the Battle of Blenheim, this stately palatial home is the birthplace of another British icon, Sir Winston Churchill.

The Jurassic Coast

Take a walk through 185 million years of the Earth's history across 95 miles of protected coastline on the south coast of England. Like the pages of a book, the rocks found here offer an almost complete record of the Mesozoic Era and create a wonderfully varied landscape.

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.