UNESCO launches new illustrated map of its sites in the UK

Illustrated by artist, Tom Woolley, would-be travellers are encouraged to use the map to discover new sites and destinations on their doorsteps.

From expansive mountain ranges and stunning coastlines to vibrant cities and rural landscapes - the UK's UNESCO sites are destinations of world-class natural and cultural heritage.

The new map, which has been released online today, includes 29 World Heritage Sites, 13 Creative Cities, nine Global Geoparks and seven Biosphere Reserves that cover 13% of the UK’s landmass.

Most of the sites are free to enter and conveniently accessible by public transport offering the public new experiences to discover UNESCO sites in the UK and mark this summer with a visit to one of the world’s most special places.

Visitors to the sites are invited to uncover legends and folklore at the Giant’s Causeway, immerse themselves in the spectacular vistas of the slate landscape of Northwest Wales or the Scottish Highlands and dive into the literary heritage of Manchester or Edinburgh.

James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO said: “This new UNESCO in the UK map will inspire people for places to visit.

“It shows at a glance the breadth of amazing natural, cultural and built heritage designated by UNESCO as internationally significant in the UK,” he said.

“This great map highlights places to explore, on your doorstep and further afield, both the famous and those to discover for the first time.”

John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “The new UNESCO map will encourage visitors to discover new destinations on their doorsteps and further afield, and in Northern Ireland we have breathtaking natural beauty in abundance.

“Visitors will feel inspired by the many special locations on offer in Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway and the Global Geoparks in Fermanagh and in the Mournes, and this new map will show just how accessible they are.”

The new UNESCO map can be downloaded at https://unesco.org.uk/our-sites