Merry Christmas from WH:UK
This Christmas there really is only one theme in looking back over what has been a truly exceptional year. Rarely…
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 32 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 1000 Sites globally, 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
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 their Outstanding Universal Values can provide inspiration, learning and enjoyment for society and contribute to the UK’s standing in the world.
More about our strategyOur Mission
is to raise the profile and secure the future of 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 32 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 World Heritage UK sitesMembership with World Heritage
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.
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 Memberships
Latest news
UK World Heritage Site now part of one of the world’s biggest sanctuaries for wildlife
James Glass, Tristan da Cunha Chief Islander, has announced: “Today we’re delighted to announce our Marine Protection Zone, exactly 25…
Read moreWorld Heritage UK response to Planning White Paper consultation submitted
World Heritage UK has now completed its response to ‘Planning for the Future’, the government’s consultation on planning reform in…
Read moreVacancy for Pro Bono UK National Commission for UNESCO Non Executive Director for Culture
The deadline for this exciting voluntary job opportunity has changed to 5 November. Could you provide expert, independent pro bono…
Read moreWorld Heritage UK is going digital!
World Heritage UK is going digital thanks to the players of the National Lottery. A grant from the National Lottery…
Read moreWebinar: World Class Planning? World Heritage and the planning reform White Paper
Exploring the implications for World Heritage Sites of the proposed reforms to the planning system in England, as outlined in…
Read moreEvents
We are actively reviewing our 2020 events programme in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic and the current restrictions.
We are also investigating other means of continuing to support the UK’s World Heritage community which don’t require people to physically come together in groups. We will provide further updates as the situation evolves. In the meantime, do subscribe to our newsletter to ensure you get the most up-to-date information straight to your inbox.
Events coming soon
Copyright Canterbury Cathedral