8 minute read
Unveiling England's UNESCO Secrets
England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a unique opportunity to experience the country’s history. Encompassing architectural marvels and natural wonders, these sites promise a journey through time and an unforgettable travel experience.
Whether you're intrigued by the city of Bath, renowned for its Roman spas and Palladian architecture; a Saltaire village built by a 19th-century mill owner for his Yorkshire workers; or England's first (and only) natural World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast – there are 18 beautiful UNESCO locations for Dream Escape guests to visit in England: four in London and a further 14 dotted about outside of the capital.
Natural wonders among the UNESCO sites in England include the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, while architectural achievements take in Durham Castle and Cathedral.
Here's a look at some of the best experiences at England's World Heritage Sites – places for you to experience as part of your next visit.
Beyond Sightseeing: Experience History in London London has so much to offer any traveller but its four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are truly special, offering a unique window into England's rich history. In the heart of the city lies The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church, a site where centuries of monarchs have been crowned and laid to rest. With your private guide, you can walk the halls where history was shaped and marvel at the grandeur of the neogothic architecture.
There’s more historical drama to be found at The Tower of London, where you can explore the infamous dungeons and stand before the iconic Beefeater guards who have stood watch for centuries. Dream Escape can arrange private visits and access to 'The Ceremony of the Keys' the centuries old ritual of locking and unlocking of the fortress gates.
Embark on a voyage of discovery at the birthplace of modern navigation with a visit to Maritime Greenwich and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in London.
If the surroundings seem familiar it’s because the beautiful buildings in the area have been used as filmsets for many blockbusters, from Les Misérables to Cinderella Step into the centre of world time at the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the prime meridian, the line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres.
Experience a different side of the capital and immerse yourself in over 300 acres of plants and peaceful walks at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In this living museum of lush gardens and stunning glasshouses, you can discover the stories of botanical exploration that shaped our understanding of the natural world. Dream Escape ’s expert Travel Designers can plan your perfect London itinerary, ensuring you experience all of its UNESCO treasures.
Embrace England’s Architectural Gems
Wander through the elegant Georgian streets of Bath, a UNESCO city famed for its Roman baths, honey-coloured architecture and Jane Austen connections. Whether you choose to take in architectural masterpieces like the Royal Crescent, experience the city’s natural thermal waters at a spa or indulge in a luxurious afternoon tea, Bath is a city built for pleasure.
Meanwhile, breathtaking Blenheim Palace is a monument to 18th-century baroque architecture, and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore its opulent state rooms, stroll through its landscaped gardens, and surround yourself in the splendour of a bygone era.
There are also spectacular sights to discover at Studley Royal Park in Yorkshire, where the serene landscape brings together medieval ruins and 18th-century architectural flourishes with dramatic results, in one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden.
At the sites of Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church you’ll find yourself in the spiritual heart of England. Take in the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral, a testament to the power and beauty of Gothic architecture, where you can uncover the pivotal role it played in shaping English history. Another architectural marvel that shouldn’t be missed is Durham Castle and Cathedral, a stunning example of Norman and Romanesque architecture that sits majestically overlooking the River Wear.
Discover England's Biosphere Reserves
Craving an escape where unique experiences and environmental responsibility coexist seamlessly? Seek out one of England's three Biosphere Reserves. These UNESCO designated havens are where conservation solutions, communities and sustainability come together. Explore the beautifully biodiverse Brighton and Lewes Downs, known as The Living Coast, stretching between Newhaven and
Shoreham-by-Sea in Sussex, where stunning beaches, chalk rockpools and rolling green downlands await you, plus foodie adventures packed with local produce. The Isle of Wight is another of England’s Biospheres with much to discover; why not take a private boat tour around the island, seeking out hidden coves and peaceful bays?
The North Devon Biosphere also beckons, with its rugged coastlines and ancient woodlands. It offers you a chance to reconnect with nature and witness sustainable food initiatives in action.
Journey Through Natural Wonders
Spending time in nature has so many benefits for mental and physical health, and England’s not short of UNESCO sites offering the ultimate natural antidote to busy modern life. One of the best known escapes is The Lake District, where tranquillity and natural beauty are all around. Here you can wander through picturesque landscapes, sail across pristine lakes, and follow in the footsteps of William and Dorothy Wordsworth or Beatrix Potter. Your Dream Escape expert travel designer can ensure you make the most of this haven of natural splendour that has captivated artists, poets, and adventurers for centuries.
The Dorset and East Devon Coast also offers a chance to experience the power of nature. Its famous Jurassic Coast is England's first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, renowned for its towering cliffs, hidden coves, and rich fossil discoveries. Take a fossil walk with one of our private guides or seek out charming seaside towns like Lyme Regis where Jane Austen used to holiday.
Uncover Ancient Mysteries
There’s nothing like standing before the enigmatic stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury, contemplating the remnants of a Neolithic civilisation. At Avebury, the lesser known but largest of Wiltshire’s stone circles, you can wander freely among the stones and ponder the secrets of these ancient structures.
In the north of the country, there are more ancient mysteries to uncover, such as Hadrian's Wall, the most substantial and complete imperial frontier anywhere within the Roman Empire. Take a private tour to best experience these magnificent remains and stunning rural views.
Witness Industrial and Scientific Innovation England's industrial heritage comes alive at its captivating UNESCO Sites. Stand at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution at Ironbridge Gorge, marvelling at the world's first iron bridge and the ingenuity that shaped our world. Journey through the Derwent Valley Mills, a testament to England's pioneering spirit in textiles. Explore 18th-century cotton-spinning mills, like Masson Mills in Matlock Bath, and experience life as a millworker before indulging in the nearby shopping village.
Step back in time at Saltaire, a meticulously planned Victorian model village. Cobbled streets and grand architecture offer a glimpse into industrial life, perfectly preserved for your exploration. Witness the history of astronomy and scientific discovery come to life at Jodrell Bank Observatory in the northwest with its pioneering radio telescopes.
Finally, visit the dramatic mining landscapes of Cornwall and Devon, where centuries of mining have left an indelible mark. Experience the raw beauty of the region and the power of human ingenuity as you discover abandoned engine houses and the remnants of this once-thriving industry.
With their timeless allure and fascinating stories, England's 18 UNESCO treasures promise an unforgettable journey for those who seek to delve deeper into the heart of this extraordinary nation and its history.
The Lake District, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, which stands at 978m (3,209ft) tall.
AMY HUMPHREYS TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER
From the stunning countryside of the Lake District winding your way through the industrial mills of Yorkshire, ancient Stonehenge, Blenheim Palace and the spa city of Bath to the Jurassic Coast and beautiful coastlines of Devon and Cornwall, England's UNESCO World Heritage Sites are extraordinary. Dream Escape can design a programme to explore them, while weaving in unique experiences, private visits and expert-led guided tours. Whether your interest lies in the culture of the cities, biospheres or open countryside, get in touch with the Travel Design Team at Dream Escape to see them in a unique and personal way.
Words | Francesca Weeks
