New APPG for World Heritage
At-risk globally important places championed by new parliamentary group Endangered historic, culturally significant and nature-rich places around the world have…
Read moreWhat we do
Welcome to the website for World Heritage UK, an organisation set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion for the UK’s 35 outstanding World Heritage Sites, and the Tentative List Sites progressing towards WHS status.
World Heritage Sites are places from all around the world that are considered so important for the shared understanding and future of our planet we should look after them forever. There are more than 1200 Sites globally (1223 as of 2024), some are natural like the Great Barrier Reef or the Serengeti, and many are man-made like Stonehenge or the Taj Mahal. World Heritage Sites are identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), but looked after locally.
Our Vision
Our Vision is that the United Kingdom will have a coherent approach to World Heritage Sites that is better known and understood, and supported through sustainable funding, so that the Outstanding Universal Values of the Sites can provide inspiration, learning and enjoyment for society and contribute to the UK’s standing in the world.
More about our strategyOur Mission
Our Mission is to raise the profile and secure the future of the UK collection of World Heritage Sites by advocating for support, resources and recognition, facilitating learning and networking, and promoting the Sites and their values.
UK World Heritage Sites
The UK currently has 35 World Heritage Sites and more sites progressing towards World Heritage Site status. All of them contribute to the story of humankind and our planet.
They stretch across the whole of the UK and beyond to our Overseas Territories and cover geology, the natural world and all aspects of our history from prehistory to the 20th Century. Explore each of our UK World Heritage Sites and how to find out more here.
All UK World Heritage sitesMembership with World Heritage UK
World Heritage UK is by, of and for all the UK’s World Heritage Sites and Tentative List Sites.
World Heritage UK is a membership organisation, formally known as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Its voting members set the strategy for the organisation. We invite any individual or organisation with an interest in World Heritage to join us.
Our strength lies in the fact that the majority of the UK’s World Heritage Sites are represented in our membership giving us the collective power to represent you at the highest level and speak for the UK’s World Heritage Sites.
Whether you are responsible for the management of a World Heritage Site, volunteer for an organisation in a World Heritage Site or have a professional or academic interest, we welcome you to join us and show your support for World Heritage in the UK. We have three levels of membership currently. See below to find out more.
Download membership brochure More about MembershipsLatest news
World Heritage UK Webinars –Introducing European World Heritage Sites
World Heritage UK is a member of the European Network of World Heritage Associations, (ENWHA) which is a union of…
Read moreIntegrated Territorial & Urban Conservation (ITUC): International Training Course on Managing Urban Heritage for Sustainable Development
Course dates: 15-27 September 2025 (excluding travel dates) Course fee: free – only 25 spaces are available Historic cities face growing threats…
Read moreThe Forth Bridge – 10th Anniversary as a World Heritage Site
Thursday 3 July 2025Transport Scotland Contact and Education Centre, Ferrymuir Gait, South Queensferry, EH30 9SF In association with Edinburgh World…
Read moreWHUK Learning & Engagement Special Interest Group
You may remember that a World Heritage UK Learning & Engagement Network was established in 2019. This was organised by…
Read moreForth Bridge WHS Management Plan Consultation
The Forth Bridge World Heritage Site is looking for your input into the next Forth Bridge Management plan. This opportunity…
Read moreEvents
Our events programme for 2023 is currently in development. We will announce our programme of in-person, hybrid and online events as they are confirmed.
Why not sign up to our Newsletter on this page to ensure you are kept up to date with developments.
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