UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a title awarded to any place deemed to hold particular cultural or historical significance. These can include natural features such as forests, mountain ranges, lakes or even urban areas – Liverpool is one such city which has been inscribed on the world heritage list, as it boasts a number of sites of key historical significance. Check in to one of the many Liverpool city centre hotels, and you’ll be able to visit fascinating cultural sites such as the Albert Dock, or the magnificent Three Graces.

The list of World Heritage sites is held by the International World Heritage Programme, and includes a wide range of destinations around the world. At present, there are a total of 936 individual sites included on the list – the majority of these are cultural in nature, while 183 of the sites are natural features.

The project has so far cost a total of $80 million, which has been collected from more than 50 individual countries – it has been a huge success though, encouraging the conservation and protection of some of the world’s most cherished treasures. From the canals of Venice to the temples of Indonesia, there are famous sites all around the world that have received much-needed restoration work as a result of UNESCO sponsorship.

Britain boasts a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites; one of the more notable examples is the Derwent Valley Mills, an 18th century site of industrialization in the county of Derby. Located 15 miles downriver from Matlock Bath, here you’ll find an intriguing collection of ancient mills and other buildings, which formed the blueprint for many modern factories. There are plenty of cheap hotels in Derby, and the site makes a great destination for a weekend break.

So, when you see the UNESCO mark, you can rest assured that you’re visiting a destination of both quality and significance.