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World Heritage in the United Kingdom WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL
Do your research & plan! Some WHS are in the centre of cities, others in rural areas. The Site may be within walking distance of a railway station, or you may need to use the local bus. Opening hours may vary in winter. There is a range of types of ticket for rail travel, but you can often get a bargain by buying an advance purchase ticket. Railcard holders railcard.co.uk can get discounts as can groups of 10 or more and for many journeys, you can add a Plus Bus ticket plusbus.info. On some routes, you may be able to get discounts for two people travelling together and in other areas, where there are 3–9 passengers. Rail tickets should be purchased before boarding a train, either paper or on your mobile device. Stay safe! Make sure you know which platform your train leaves from, stay alert to announcements...and no shortcuts across the tracks!World Heritage is the designation for places that are of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ and have been inscribed onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. The cultural or natural significance of these Sites is so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and is of common importance for global humanity. There are over 1200 World Heritage Sites in 168 countries worldwide and these include a wide variety of very significant historic features and monuments of all ages, exceptional landscapes and townscapes, and valuable ecosystems and natural phenomena. In many cases the Sites form part of living, working places, where the balance of conservation and every day activities and land uses, is the key to their future protection and sustainability.World Heritage Sites are special places for all to visit, explore and enjoy.WHAT IS WORLD HERITAGE?TOP TIPS FOR VISITING WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL & OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT
In the UK, transport is the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gases at around 27% of domestic emissions. However, rail accounts for 1% of domestic transport. Using rail travel rather than the car can make a big environmental impact. Have a look at the difference in carbon emissions for a journey by car and train at https://tinyurl.com/pm348nt7During the pilot project of Hadrian’s Wall Youth Ambassadors, young people explored UNESCO’s sustainable development goals. Being based in the fragile environment of the Hadrian’s Wall corridor, the young people fully supported UNESCO’s desire that, where possible, transport to and within a WHS should be sustainable. They asked, ‘Why can’t we have a leaflet, a map, to point to the WHS’s easily accessible by rail?’From their aspiration, Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership drove forward this project to demonstrate rail travel opportunities to World Heritage Sites and to encourage sustainable tourism.WORLD HERITAGE SITES& SUSTAINABLE TRAVELtvcrp.org.ukTyne Valley Community Rail Partnership is grateful for the support of rail industry partners: We hope you will explore some of the World Heritage Sites using rail and public transport.
UK Railway Map Data courtesy of Barry Doe; modified from the original which is available for download here: www.barrydoe.co.uk/railmap55.pdfSCOTLANDENGLANDNORTHERNIRELANDWALESNottinghamLeicesterPeterboroughOxfordPortsmouthWorthingSeafordLewesEastbourneHastingsBournemouthNewton AbbotFishguard HarbourSwanseaHerefordDoncasterDerbyHarrogateDarlingtonNEWCASTLEStirlingGLASGOWPerthDundeeAberdeenInvernessLONDONMargateRamsgateHarwich TownSouthend CentralColchesterNorwichIpswichBIRMINGHAMLIVERPOOLMANCHESTERRugbyReadingBrightonWeymouthSkegnessCleethorpesGrimsbyLincolnCromerSheringhamGreat YarmouthLowestoftWalton-on-the-NazeSouthminsterUpminsterTonbridgeEast GrinsteadSudburyBraintreeLittlehamptonBognor RegisHenley-on-ThamesMarlowAltonChippenhamGuildfordShanklinRyde Pier HeadLymingtonPierRhymneyPenarthBarryAberdareTreherbertWorcestershire ParkwayStourbridgeTownStratford-upon-AvonCoventryBicester NorthBedfordAylesburyGloucesterCheltenham SpaShrewsburyAberystwythDovey JunctionHolyheadPwllheliBlaenau FfestiniogLlandudnoWolverhamptonBuxtonStoke-on-TrentMatlockCreweChesterManchester AirportStaffordWest KirbyOrmskirkHeadbolt LaneCambridgeKetteringSouthportHeysham PortBarrow-in-FurnessColneBradfordHalifaxIlkleyBoltonMiddlesbroughBattersbyWhitbySaltburnBridlingtonWindermereCarlisleBishop AucklandSunderlandHartlepoolStranraerLanarkBathgateArdrossanHarbourNeilstonEast KilbrideAirdrieCumbernauldLargsWemyss BayGourockNorth BerwickKirkcaldyCardendenMilngavieBallochObanCrianlarichFort WilliamMallaigKyle of LochalshDingwallWickThursoBarton-on-HumberKings LynnHertford NorthStevenageFalmouthSt Ives St ErthLooeGunnislakeExmouthBarnstapleMaestegLlandoveryLlandrindodCraven ArmsPembroke DockMilford HavenWhitlandNuneatonBasingstokeCarstairsWorksopWindsorWorkingtonMaryportMorecambeYORKLancasterTrent ValleyTamworthCardiffBristolFelixstoweShoeburynessLeamington SpaTo France, Belgium & the NetherlandsSouthend VictoriaSkiptonWorcesterSwindonSalisburyTruroPenzancePaigntonTauntonWeston-super-MareBath SpaSouthamptonCentralPlymouthExeterCarmarthenNewquayEastleighDidcot ParkwayWatfordSt AlbansKidsgroveRochdaleChathillPrestonBlackpoolBanburyHarwich InternationalGreat MalvernKidderminsterBarnsleySelbyHullCarnforthScarboroughLEEDSElyAlfretonHeathrowAirportEDINBURGHHorshamWestburyRetfordNewarkGranthamEbbw ValeTownAlloaLarkhallAylesbury Vale ParkwayBeverleyCorbyBirmingham InternationalDremDunbarParLiskeardAyrDumfriesNorthamptonRomseyHelmsdaleLairgElginAviemorePitlochryWrexham CentralWrexham GeneralBury St. EdmundsStansted AirportClacton-on-SeaSheerness-on-SeaAshfordInternationalTunbridge WellsDover PrioryCanterbury WestCanterbury EastFolkestoneCentralDorchester SouthDorchester WestYeovil JunctionYeovil Pen MillCastle CaryDURHAMChester-le-StreetEaglescliffeGobowenMaidstoneEast/BarracksGatwickAirportOkehamptonMilton KeynesInternationalDorkingSevenoaksTweedbankBicester VillageRomfordOxenholmeAmershamCheshamWimbledonCroydonHayesEppingRainhamFavershamNewAddingtonTattenhamCornerCaterhamEpsom DownsRedhillHucknallGlossopBuryFleetwoodTynemouthSouth ShieldsWhitley BayNewcastle AirportBridgendKenilworthOrpingtonBlackburnSleafordBarnetbyGooleLlanelliSevernBeachBristol ParkwaySeamerKilmarnockBletchleyScunthorpeRedcar Central Berwick-upon-TweedClitheroeGainsboroughLea RoadGainsboroughCentralHertford EastWithamRedditchNorthallertonApplebyHexhamHaltwhistleMorpethNewportAxminsterHemel HempsteadCastleford1412120910272404252116071501060803020526181323111922202817World Heritage in the United Kingdom WORLD HERITAGE SITESBY RAIL © World Heritage UK - English Charity No. 1163364Based on artwork originally researched & produced on behalf of WHUK by CBA cbastudios.comIMAGE COPYRIGHT: Front Cover: Train near Gilsland, Hadrian’s Wall © Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership; Travel UK World Heritage Sites by Rail: Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Northern England © Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership; Opposite Further Information: (Top to Bottom) The Forth Bridge, Scotland © The Forth Bridges; Antonine Wall, Crown Copyright Historic Scotland; Back Cover: The Forth Bridge, Scotland © The Forth BridgesWorld Heritage Sites are recognised by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) as places of internationally significant cultural or natural heritage, whose Outstanding Universal Value is considered to transcend national boundaries and to be of importance for future generations. Being placed on the World Heritage List is a high accolade and demonstrates international recognition of the Site’s significance. Countries with World Heritage Sites give an undertaking to UNESCO to manage them to ensure that their Outstanding Universal Value is sustained into the future.worldheritageuk.orgbit.ly/ukwhslistnationalrail.co.uk Further Information:UNESCONATIONAL RAILtvcrp.org.ukWORLD HERITAGE UK0 50 100 kmData researched to April 2024.CulturalKEY TO SITE TYPENaturalMixedTo start planning your journey, find out about rail times and fares here: To find out more about World Heritage Sites in the UK see here: This leaflet encouraging you to explore World Heritage Sites sustainably by rail has been supported by CrossCountry Trains, TransPennine Express, Community Rail Network and Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership. 1201 BLAENAVON INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE, Wales02 BLENHEIM PALACE, Oxford03 CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL AND RELATED SITES, Kent04 GWYNEDD CASTLES AND TOWN WALLS OF KING EDWARD, Wales05 CITY OF BATH, South West England06 MINING LANDSCAPE OF CORNWALL AND WEST DEVON, South West England07 DERWENT VALLEY MILLS, Central England08 DORSET AND EAST DEVON COAST, South West England09 DURHAM CASTLE AND CATHEDRAL, Northern England10 THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT, North West England11 THE FORTH BRIDGE, Scotland12 FRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, Northern England; Scotland13 GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, Northern Ireland14 HEART OF NEOLITHIC ORKNEY, Scotland15 IRONBRIDGE GORGE, Central West England16 JODRELL BANK OBSERVATORY, Central West England17 MARITIME GREENWICH, London18 NEW LANARK, Scotland19 OLD AND NEW TOWNS OF EDINBURGH, Scotland20 PALACE OF WESTMINSTER AND RELATED SITES, London21 PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT AND CANAL, North East Wales22 ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, London23 ST KILDA, Hebrides, Scotland24 SALTAIRE, West Yorkshire25 THE SLATE LANDSCAPE OF NORTHWEST WALES26 STONEHENGE, AVEBURY AND ASSOCIATED SITES, Southern27 STUDLEY ROYAL PARK AND THE RUINS OF FOUNTAINS ABBEY, Yorkshire28 TOWER OF LONDON
TRAVEL UK WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL All World Heritage Site descriptions text adapted from text available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 at http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gbCulturalKEY TO SITE TYPEKEY TO SYMBOLSNaturalMixedAdditional Bus required/available to access WHSAdditional Ferry/Boat required to access WHSAdditional Taxi required to access WHSAdditional Tram required/available to access WHSAdditional Tube/Docklands Light Railway required to access WHSScenic Pedestrian Access to WHSScenic Bicycle Access to WHS blenheimpalace.com bit.ly/unescoblenheimBLENHEIM PALACE, OxfordThe palace stands in a romantic park created by ‘Capability’ Brown. Built between 1705 & 1722 it is a perfect example of an 18th Century princely dwelling. Blenheim is served by regular bus services from Oxford city centre and sits on Route 5 of the National Cycle Network. Nearest Station: OxfordJourney time:From Newcastle: 5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 7 Hours02. https://tinyurl.com/47xn6vjp bit.ly/unescocanterburyCANTERBURY CATHEDRAL AND RELATED SITES, KentThe seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for almost ve centuries. Related sites are The Church of St Martin, the ruins of the Abbey of St Augustine, and Christ Church Cathedral. Canterbury is serviced by the National Rail Network and links to regular bus routes.Nearest Station: CanterburyJourney time:From Newcastle: 5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 7 Hours03. bathworldheritage.org.uk bit.ly/unescobathCITY OF BATH, South West EnglandA well-preserved Roman Bath survives at Britain’s only hot springs. The city was redeveloped in the C18th & is inscribed as part of the transnational WHS ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’. The city is on Route 4 of the National Cycle Network & the Roman Baths can easily be accessed by bus, foot or cycle from Bath Station.Nearest Station: Bath SpaJourney time:From Newcastle: 5.5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 7 Hours05. cornishmining.org.uk bit.ly/unescominingMINING LANDSCAPE OF CORNWALL & WEST DEVON, South West EnglandUK’s largest industrial WHS covers >20,000ha showing rapid growth of C18th & 19th copper & tin mining. Access the Site heart via the Tamar Valley Line; the Western Gateway via train to Penzance then Tin Coaster bus to St Just, Tin Coast & Geevor Tin Mine; & the Eastern Gateway via train to Plymouth then bus to Tavistock Guildhall & Information Centre.Nearest Station: Penzance/PlymouthJourney Time: From Newcastle: 9 Hours/12 HoursFrom Glasgow: 12 Hours/9 Hours06. visitblaenavon.co.uk bit.ly/unescoblaenavonBLAENAVON INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE, WalesThe area around Blaenavon is evidence of the pre-eminence of South Wales as the world’s major producer of iron and coal in the 19th Century. Blaenavon is served by local bus services with Abergavenny as its nearest train station. Nearest Station: AbergavennyJourney time:From Newcastle: 6 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 Hours01. bit.ly/gwyneddcastles bit.ly/unescogwynedd04. GWYNEDD CASTLES AND TOWN WALLS OF KING EDWARD, WalesExamples of the colonisation and defence works carried out in Wales between 1272 and 1307. Visit Beaumaris and Caernarfon castles from Bangor station with connecting bus services. Visit Conway and Harlech castles from their town centre stations. Each site sits on a National Cycle Route.Nearest Station: BangorJourney time:From Newcastle: 6 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 Hours
TRAVEL UK WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL All World Heritage Site descriptions text adapted from text available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 at http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gbCulturalKEY TO SITE TYPEKEY TO SYMBOLSNaturalMixedAdditional Bus required/available to access WHSAdditional Ferry/Boat required to access WHSAdditional Taxi required to access WHSAdditional Tram required/available to access WHSAdditional Tube/Docklands Light Railway required to access WHSScenic Pedestrian Access to WHSScenic Bicycle Access to WHS derwentvalleymills.org bit.ly/unescoderwentDERWENT VALLEY MILLS, Central EnglandThe valley contains intact remains of 18th and 19th Century cotton mills and associated historical industrial landscapes. The Derwent Valley Line takes passengers directly through the valley landscape from Matlock to Derby, with frequent stops at points of interest. Nearest Stations: Matlock, Derby & CromfordJourney time:From Newcastle: 3 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 Hours07. hadrianswallcountry.co.uk antoninewall.org bit.ly/unescofrontiersFRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, Northern England; ScotlandHadrian’s Wall (built c.AD122) is 118km long and stretches from East to West across Northern England. The Antonine Wall/earthworks (started in AD142) is 60km in length and stretches from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick. Both are accessible by foot and by bike. To access Hadrian’s Wall use Haltwhistle, Carlisle, Maryport and Newcastle stations. To access the Antonine Wall use Kilpatrick, Bearsden and Falkirk.12. lakesworldheritage.co.uk bit.ly/unescolakesTHE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT, North West EnglandThe harmony and drama of this extensive, and self-contained, mountainous Lakeland landscape inspired many 18th Century painters and writers of the Romantic movement. Most notably William Wordsworth. The Lakes are accessible by train with several local bus services or cycle routes. Regular trains operate from Oxenholme Lake District to Windermere.Journey times to Oxenholme Lake District/Penrith North Lakes:From Newcastle: 2.5/2 HoursFrom Glasgow: 2/1.5 Hours10. theforthbridges.org bit.ly/unescoforthTHE FORTH BRIDGE, ScotlandOpened in 1890, the railway bridge crossing the Forth estuary had the world’s longest spans of 521 metres. Still in use today it remains one of the greatest examples of cantilever trussed bridges. From Edinburgh Waverley either end of the bridge can be accessed by bike, train, or bus. The bridge itself is for rail trafc only.Nearest Station: North Queensferry Station/Dalmeny Journey time:From Newcastle: 2.5/2 HoursFrom Glasgow: 1 Hour11. bit.ly/durhamwhs bit.ly/unescodurhamDURHAM CASTLE AND CATHEDRAL, Northern EnglandThe Cathedral was built in the late 11th & early 12th Century to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. It is the largest example of Norman architecture in England, whilst the adjacent Norman Castle was the residence of the Prince Bishop of Durham. The city is a 15-minute walk from the station, with frequent bus connections.Nearest Station: DurhamJourney time:From Newcastle: 10 MinsFrom Glasgow: 3 Hours09. jurassiccoast.org bit.ly/unescodorsetDORSET AND EAST DEVON COAST, South West EnglandAlso known as the ‘Jurassic Coast’ the cliff exposures along the coastline provide an almost continuous sequence of rock formations spanning the Mesozoic Era and are some of the UK’s most important fossil sites. Explore coastline and related sites from Weymouth, Axminster, and Poole with connecting bus services from First Bus Wessex. Nearest Station: WeymouthJourney time:From Newcastle: 7 HoursFrom Glasgow: 9 Hours08.
TRAVEL UK WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL All World Heritage Site descriptions text adapted from text available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 at http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gbCulturalKEY TO SITE TYPEKEY TO SYMBOLSNaturalMixedAdditional Bus required/available to access WHSAdditional Ferry/Boat required to access WHSAdditional Taxi required to access WHSAdditional Tram required/available to access WHSAdditional Tube/Docklands Light Railway required to access WHSScenic Pedestrian Access to WHSScenic Bicycle Access to WHS ironbridgegorgewhs.co.uk bit.ly/unescoironbridgeIRONBRIDGE GORGE, Central West EnglandA symbol of the industrial revolution, the Bridge was the world’s rst constructed of Iron and had an inuence on developments in the elds of architecture and technology. Alight at Telford Station and travel to the Gorge via bus. Journey time to Telford Station:From Newcastle: 4 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 HoursIt’s Quicker by Rail!15. bit.ly/newlanarkscotwhs bit.ly/unesconewlanarkNEW LANARK, ScotlandAn 18th Century Village set in a picturesque landscape where the Utopian and philanthropist Robert Owen moulded a model industrial community. The Village is accessible via a bus connection direct to the Visitor Centre from Lanark train station. Change at Glasgow Central for services to Lanark. Nearest Station: LanarkJourney time to Lanark via Glasgow Central:From Glasgow Central: 1 HourFrom Newcastle: 4 Hours18. jodrellbank.net bit.ly/unescojodrellJODRELL BANK OBSERVATORY, Central West England One of the world’s leading radio astronomy observatories still in operation today, illustrates the transition from traditional optical astronomy of the 1940’s to the use of radio astronomy in the 1960’s. Take the train to Maccleseld or Goostrey from where travel either by bike or arranged taxi. Nearest Station: GoostreyJourney time:From Newcastle: 3 Hours 45 MinsFrom Glasgow: 4.5 Hours16. greenwichworldheritage.org bit.ly/unescogreenwichMARITIME GREENWICH, LondonThe ensemble of buildings at Greenwich, and their setting, symbolise English artistic and scientic endeavours in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Maritime Greenwich is accessible from any National Rail Network station in London with connection on the Docklands Light Railway or by the Thames Ferry by alighting at Greenwich Pier. Nearest Station: Greenwich or Cutty SarkJourney time to London Kings Cross:From Newcastle: 3 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 Hours17. bit.ly/ntgiants bit.ly/unescogiantsGIANT’S CAUSEWAY, Northern IrelandOn the Antrim coast sits an area of geological importance. Its most characteristic feature is the exposure of 40,000 regularly shaped black basalt columns created 50-60 million years ago. Travel here by train from Belfast to Portrush followed by a connecting bus or by foot along the Giant’s Causeway Trail. Ferries run from Cairnryan or Liverpool to Belfast port. Nearest Station: PortrushJourney time: From Belfast Station: 1.5 Hours13. bit.ly/hsorkney bit.ly/unescoorkneyHEART OF NEOLITHIC ORKNEY, ScotlandA prehistoric cultural landscape provides clear evidence of life in this Northern Archipelago 5,000 years ago. Travel by train to Thurso, then catch a bus to John O’ Groats. From there, hop on a ferry to Orkney and use local bus services to take you around the mainland.Nearest Station: ThursoJourney time:From Newcastle: 9.5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 8 Hours14.
TRAVEL UK WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL All World Heritage Site descriptions text adapted from text available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 at http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gbCulturalKEY TO SITE TYPEKEY TO SYMBOLSNaturalMixedAdditional Bus required/available to access WHSAdditional Ferry/Boat required to access WHSAdditional Taxi required to access WHSAdditional Tram required/available to access WHSAdditional Tube/Docklands Light Railway required to access WHSScenic Pedestrian Access to WHSScenic Bicycle Access to WHS bit.ly/hsedinburghwhs bit.ly/unescoedinburghOLD AND NEW TOWNS OF EDINBURGH, ScotlandThe Scottish Capital since the 15th Century, the medieval fortress of the Old Town sits in harmonious juxtaposition with the 18th Century development of the New Town. Travel directly into this World Heritage Site with frequent train services to Edinburgh Waverley. Use local tram and bus services to explore the city. Nearest Station: Edinburgh WaverleyJourney time:From Newcastle: 1.5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 1 Hour19. pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk bit.ly/unescopontcysylltePONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT AND CANAL, North East WalesConceived by civil engineer Thomas Telford, the 18-km-long aqueduct and canal symbolises the Industrial Revolution with its completion in the early 19th Century. Connecting National Rail Network stations are at Chirk and Ruabon. From here use local bus services or explore any station along the Llangollen Heritage Railway. Nearest Station: RuabonJourney time:From Newcastle: 5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 4 Hours21. westminster-abbey.org bit.ly/unescowestminsterPALACE OF WESTMINSTER AND RELATED SITES, LondonWestminster Palace and Westminster Abbey hold great historic and symbolic signicance within British Culture. Both are accessible from any National Rail Network station in London with connection to Westminster via the tube on the Circle, District or Jubilee lines or by local bus services.Nearest Station: WestminsterJourney time to London Kings Cross:From Newcastle: 3 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 Hours20. bit.ly/kewwhs bit.ly/unescokewROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, LondonSince their inception in 1759 the landscape gardens at Kew have made signicant global contributions to the study of botany and plant diversity. Just 30 minutes from Central London, the gardens are accessible from any National Rail Network Station with connecting bus services, overground train services to Kew Bridge station or Richmond station and by tube services on the District Line. Nearest Station: Kew Gardens StationJourney time to London Kings Cross:From Newcastle: 3 HoursFrom Glasgow: 4 Hours22. bit.ly/saltairewhs bit.ly/unescosaltaireSALTAIRE, West YorkshireThis well preserved industrial village is an intact example of Victorian philanthropic paternalism which had an important impact on the developments of social welfare across the UK. Built around a textile mill on the River Aire, Saltaire Village is accessible by bike and foot along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal path or direct by train. Nearest Station: Saltaire Journey time:From Newcastle: 2 HoursFrom Glasgow: 4 Hours24. nts.org.uk bit.ly/unescokilda23. ST KILDA, Hebrides, ScotlandComprised of a volcanic archipelago, the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray include some of Europe’s highest cliffs and colonies of rare and endangered birds. Although uninhabited since 1930 they bare evidence of 2000 years of human history. Access the islands from Skye by boat trips during the tourist season. Skye is accessible by bus using Coach services from Glasgow to Portree and Uig then local bus services, as well as by bike and foot. Journey time to Portree using coach: From Glasgow: 6 HoursFrom Newcastle (via Glasgow):9.5 Hours
TRAVEL UK WORLD HERITAGE SITES BY RAIL All World Heritage Site descriptions text adapted from text available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 at http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/gbCulturalKEY TO SITE TYPEKEY TO SYMBOLSNaturalMixedAdditional Bus required/available to access WHSAdditional Ferry/Boat required to access WHSAdditional Taxi required to access WHSAdditional Tram required/available to access WHSAdditional Tube/Docklands Light Railway required to access WHSScenic Pedestrian Access to WHSScenic Bicycle Access to WHS bit.ly/toweroflondonwhs bit.ly/unescotoweroflondonTOWER OF LONDONBuilt by William the Conqueror in 1066 the tower is a rare survivor of continuously developing royal buildings demonstrating many layers of history. The tower is accessible from any National Rail Network Stations with connecting bus services, Thameslink services, overground train services to Tower Hill by the District and Circle Lines. Nearest Tube Station: Tower HillJourney time to London Kings Cross:From Newcastle: 3 HoursFrom Glasgow: 4 Hours28. llechi.cymru bit.ly/unescoslateTHE SLATE LANDSCAPE OF NORTHWEST WALESThis post-industrial landscape tells the story of evolution from an agricultural society to an area where industry dominated the landscape; where slate quarries, towns and villages appeared and transport links exported slate to global markets. The Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog lines all access the slate landscape. The nearest station is Blaenau Ffestiniog, access the landscape further by bike and by foot. Nearest Station: Blaenau Ffestiniog Journey time:From Newcastle: 7 HoursFrom Glasgow: 7 Hours25. bit.ly/stonehengewhs bit.ly/unescostonehengeSTONEHENGE, AVEBURY AND ASSOCIATED SITES, Southern EnglandTogether with associating monuments, the stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury demonstrate around 2000 continuous years of Neolithic and Bronze Age practices. Stonehenge is along Route 45 of the National Cycle Network and is connected to Salisbury by bus, a 30 minute journey. Avebury is accessible by bus from Swindon.Nearest Station: Salisbury/SwindonJourney time:From Newcastle: 6/5 HoursFrom Glasgow: 7 Hours26. bit.ly/ntstudleywhs bit.ly/unescostudleySTUDLEY ROYAL PARK AND THE RUINS OF FOUNTAINS ABBEY, YorkshireThe elegant 18th Century water gardens incorporate the ruins of Fountains Abbey. Both share the landscape with a deer park. Alight at Harrogate to travel to Ripon by bus where a shuttle bus runs to the park. Nearest Station: HarrogateJourney time:From Newcastle: 2 HoursFrom Glasgow: 5 Hours27.
FURTHER INFORMATIONWorld Heritage Sites are recognised by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) as places of internationally significant cultural or natural heritage, whose Outstanding Universal Value is considered to transcend national boundaries and to be of importance for future generations. Being placed on the World Heritage List is a high accolade and demonstrates international recognition of the Site’s significance. Countries with World Heritage Sites give an undertaking to UNESCO to manage them to ensure that their Outstanding Universal Value is sustained into the future.worldheritageuk.orgbit.ly/ukwhslistnationalrail.co.uk railcard.co.uk UNESCONATIONAL RAILWORLD HERITAGE UKTo start planning your journey, find out about rail times and fares here: You can find out about discounts available by becoming a Railcard holder here: To find out more about World Heritage Sites in the UK see here: tvcrp.org.ukThis leaflet encouraging you to explore World Heritage Sites sustainably by rail has been supported by CrossCountry Trains, TransPennine Express, Community Rail Network and Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership.
Where are the UK World Heritage Sites? As the map overleaf shows, 29 of the 33 Sites are distributed throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More detailed information on their location and accessibility can be found on the website links in this leaflet. The remaining 4 Sites are located offshore in British Overseas Territories. What features are included in UK World Heritage Sites?The UK Sites include a wide range of historic monuments and past industry, landscapes, townscapes, and natural geological and ecological features. These are summarised in this leaflet and more detailed descriptions and suggestions for visitors can be found for each on the website links given. Why were the UK Sites inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO?The Outstanding Universal Value of each is summarised on the UNESCO website bit.ly/ukwhslist & the World Heritage UK website worldheritageuk.orgMORE INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TOWORLD HERITAGE SITES IN THE UKworldheritageuk.org