Summer adventures mapped: Discover 62 UNESCO places across the UK

From Neolithic landscapes and pioneering industrial sites to vibrant creative cities and extraordinary natural environments, visitors can discover 62 UNESCO-designated places across the UK this summer with an updated illustrated map published by the UK National Commission for UNESCO.

Available to download for free, the map brings together the UK’s World Heritage Sites, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks and Biosphere Reserves in one place. Up-to-date and inspiring, it offers ideas for memorable day trips, longer staycations and new discoveries throughout the summer holidays.

Take in the spectacular Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales or the wild beauty of Scotland’s Flow Country. Explore the libraries of Manchester, Norwich or Edinburgh, or discover the UK’s newest UNESCO Creative City of Literature in Aberystwyth. Scale the mountains of the English Lake District or explore the peaks and caves of Fforest Fawr. Uncover stories and folklore at the Giant’s Causeway, Stonehenge or the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Visitors can breathe in the sea air in Brighton and Lewes, North Devon or the English Riviera; follow the northernmost frontiers of the Roman Empire on foot or by bicycle; stroll through one of Europe’s great spa towns in Bath; or explore the industrial heritage at Ironbridge, Blaenavon and New Lanark.

They can also experience live music in Glasgow, Belfast or Liverpool, discover design in Dundee, encounter centuries of craft in Perth, or enjoy a festival beneath the stars at Jodrell Bank, one of the world’s leading radio astronomy observatory sites.

Here in Northern Ireland, visitors can also discover the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, where spectacular landscapes, rich geological heritage and vibrant communities come together. Stretching from the dramatic Mourne Mountains and the Ring of Gullion to the internationally important marine landscapes of Strangford Lough, the Geopark tells a story shaped by ancient volcanoes, glaciers and the sea over hundreds of millions of years. Alongside breathtaking scenery, visitors can enjoy world-class walking and cycling, coastal adventures, wildlife experiences, local food and drink, and a wealth of myths, legends and cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking to connect with nature.

The UK is home to-

• 31 World Heritage Sites
• 14 Creative Cities
• 10 Global Geoparks
• 7 Biosphere Reserves

Together, these 62 places form a national network spanning internationally important heritage, creativity, science, landscapes and communities.

Many are free to visit and accessible by public transport. Whether looking for adventure, culture, nature or a relaxed family day out, the map makes it easier to discover some of the world’s most remarkable places – often much closer to home than people might expect.

The original map was produced by the UK National Commission for UNESCO through its Local to Global programme, with support from the GREAT Campaign and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. It has now been updated to reflect the continued growth of the UK’s UNESCO network.

Anna Nsubuga, UK Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, said:

“Across the UK, UNESCO designations bring our international commitment to education, culture, science and sustainable development to life. They include places of extraordinary beauty, creativity and historic importance, but they are also living communities- using international collaboration and local knowledge to protect heritage, support learning and create a more sustainable future.

“I have had the privilege of visiting UNESCO places across the UK and seeing first-hand the ambition, expertise and dedication of the people who care for them. I hope this map encourages people to discover the remarkable UNESCO places on their doorstep, as well as those further afield, and to experience everything they have to offer.”

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, said:

“The updated UNESCO in the UK map shows at a glance the extraordinary breadth of our national network-from globally significant landscapes and historic places to centres of scientific discovery and creative innovation.

“These are not simply places recognised for what they preserve. They are active partnerships using culture, heritage, science and creativity to benefit their communities and respond to some of the defining challenges of our time. We hope the map inspires people to explore familiar places with fresh eyes and to discover somewhere completely new this summer.”