There are over a thousand UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites, holding outstanding cultural or natural significance. The World Heritage designation can easily propel an unusual site to an international distinction, highlighting its antiquity and traditional values. This not only brings together the diverse history of humankind but also acts as a source of inspiration and inquisitiveness for future generations. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is home to some of the most captivating and elaborate World heritage sites in United Kingdom including both natural, cultural, and mixed locations.
A concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a vital link to our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational, and economic legacies – all of the things that quite literally make us who we are. – Steve Berry
1. St Kilda | World Heritage Sites in United Kingdom
This group of five islands about 100 miles from the west coast of Scotland is an untouched stretch of spectacular landscape battered by strong storms from the Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago of Saint Kilda is one of the world’s very few mixed Heritage sites. Due to its severe climatic conditions and harsh weather, occupation and raising livestock became impassable leaving behind some remains of the human settlement. But this has created an exceptional environment for marine life and some rare species of birds and animals in abundance. Adding to the richness of this diverse birdlife, these remote islands of St.Kilda support a range of stunning vegetation, making it one of the natural reserves to be protected and celebrated for future generations.
2. City of Bath
With an elaborate history and its cultural significance to humankind, the city of Bath holds a magnificent universal value. Also known as the Spa City, it is the only place in UK that receives thermal water directly from naturally occurring hot springs. Due to its unmatched 18th Century planning and architecture, beautifully preserved remains from the Roman springs, thermal baths, and the sprawl of beautiful landscape, UNESCO recognizes the city of Bath with great regard. The scale and spread of local limestone buildings with some of the most iconic and internationally recognized structures add to the beauty of the city’s skyline. This acts as a backdrop to the immersive spa experience. The attention to detail at the time of planning the city, considering the social gatherings and cultural activities creates a unique recreational affair that is unmatched.
3. Durham Castle and Cathedral | World Heritage Sites in United Kingdom
Delving deep into the fascinating history of architecture, some places unveil enduring and remarkable narratives. One such site is the Durham Castle and Cathedral nestled within the medieval town authenticating the importance of the early Benedictine monastic community, forming one of the most exquisite works of Norman Architecture. Gothic style vaulted ceiling that were well ahead of their time added to the grandeur of the space rendering minor details in the Cathedral. The engagement of the visitor with the characteristics of art and beauty shaped various aspects of human life. UNESCO declared them both as heritage sites not only because it is an architectural expression of exceptional innovation, but also because it demonstrates political, religious, and secular power. The Durham castle was a fortified complex building that became the palace for Prince Bishops, which is now the University of Durham.
4. Jodrell Bank Observatory
Scientific research and the use of radio waves for understanding the Universe that began at the Jodrell Bank using the world’s third largest steerable telescope known as the Lovell Telescope gained international heritage recognition in July 2019. This site in Cheshire holds valuable history that is owned by the University of Manchester and honors the research by Sir Bernard Lovell and the early young creative minds of that time. Jodrell Bank Observatory is an astronomical marvel that relentlessly creates scientific records by teaching and inspiring younger generations even today. Having faced a lot of challenges since the initial discovery, this accidental discovery was the start of some phenomenal space exploration.
Heritage Minister Rebecca Pow said: “The research completed here has transformed our understanding of the universe and it is right that this is recognized. Today’s announcement will make sure that this remarkable site will continue to inspire young scientists and astronomers all over the world.”
5. Heart of Neolithic Orkney | World Heritage Sites in United Kingdom
As mentioned in the name itself, Heart of Neolithic Orkney is a series of four incredible monuments made of stone, about 5,000 years ago. It stands as one of the most iconic Neolithic expressions in design and construction. This set of monuments not only forms the richest Neolithic topography in Europe but also demonstrates the expertise of the pre-historic people and their spiritual beliefs. 1. The Skara Brae is the local community settlement completely made of stone, which stands still even today. From walls, floor, and walkways, everything is intricately made of rock, including furniture like beds, storage units, dressers, etc. 2. Maeshowe is an excellent example of an architectural and engineering marvel, planned and designed according to the light of the setting sun at the winter solstice. This casts light on the passageway which brightens up the chambered tomb. 3. The Stones of Stenness are sculptural remains of huge rocks standing about 6m tall, part of the ancient ceremonial activities. 4. The Ring of Brodgar is another similar circle about 130m in diameter, surrounded by smaller stones patterned to create a public gathering space.
6. Forth Bridge
This enormous striking red bridge was the sixth Scottish Landmark to be awarded by UNESCO with the world heritage us. Spanning from the Firth of Forth between South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh and North Queensferry in Fife, the bridge took about eight years to build. The Forth Bridge signifies Britain’s architectural, industrial, and scientific advancement. This cantilever bridge is also a transport heritage, showcasing extraordinary engineering with innovative use of technology. With about 200 trains crossing every day, the bridge is almost 100m tall and 2,529m long, made entirely of mild steel of which 6% is recycled. The iconic Bridge did undergo several design changes to assure strength, safety, and elegance.
7. Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, Southwest London
The legendary botanical garden at Kew is home to the most diverse collection of plants worldwide. Holding the Guinness World Records for the largest collection of living plants at a single site, the botanical garden has the world’s biggest water lilies and the tallest plants. Understanding the plant kingdom, the royal garden has recreated natural habitats for their respective species to provide an appropriate environment for healthy growth. The pagoda, Japanese temple, massive greenhouses, herbarium, palm house, temperate house, and Victorian confections of wrought iron and glass, all bring together the Royal Garden with spectacular views of the River Thames on one side and Richmond Park on another. UNESCO recognizes the internationally acclaimed Kew Gardens, which is a treasurable resource for educating, understanding, and preserving some of the most exquisite species of plant alive.
8. Dorset and East Devon Coast | World Heritage Sites in United Kingdom
Also known as the Jurassic Coast, this 155km stretch of coast holds exceptional geological history of the Earth. Numerous numbers of plant and animal fossils including dinosaur from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras have been discovered here, making it the most significant teaching and research sites in the world. This untouched terrain is composed of barrier beaches, isolated caves, arches, dramatic cliff lines, and coastal stacks. Due to this variety of landscapes, different species of flora and fauna is seen during a different time of the year. This rich location is one of the most prestigious natural UNESCO awarded sites.
9. Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most visited attractions in England, since the 18th Century. Located on the north bank of river Thames, the London Tower is an iconic royal fortress that has served in the past as a palace, prison, royal mint, official government building, and public records office. This landmark tower became more of a “Must Visit” because of the stories of Royal tragedies and some troublesome events. It is now home to world’s largest diamonds, esteemed collection of dazzling armor and weaponry, that echoes history in the most tangible sense. More to this, 500-year-old skeletons were found at the foundation of the Chapel in the fortress, and stories of superstitious ravens have been heard lurking around. It is one of the most appealing and beautifully engineered Norman buildings reflecting the conquests of England. This UNESCO site has layers of history and stories, that are still being unveiled to the present day making it a global landmark depicting royalty, history, power, and dominance.
10. The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales | World Heritage Sites in United Kingdom
One of the most recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage List is the cultural and industrial site of Wale state’s Slate Landscape. This historic property has been creating thousands of employment opportunities for over 1800 years, since slate had been quarried in the state for the Roman fort, making it world’s largest producing and mining location. The terrain shaped up in a certain fashion due to the mining industry and several natural factors, creating a universal impact on the architectural front with the innovative use of slate and exploration. The scale and size of the quarries defined the landscape with creative engineering including the water system, hillside housing, roofing techniques, and much more.
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