Must See: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London

London is one of the cities that can brag about have several monuments included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. Keep in mind that Paris, another famous capital from Europe, has only one such monument featured in this list. All these four monuments in London are connected to the Great Britain’s history and are famous across the globe. So let’s see the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London.

Maritime Greenwich

You cannot say you don’t know anything about this one. The London Borough of Greenwich was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List in 1997. from the official presentation we find out that:

“Symmetrically arranged alongside the River Thames, the ensemble of the 17th century Queen’s House, part of the last Royal Palace at Greenwich, the palatial Baroque complex of the Royal Hospital for seamen, and the Royal Observatory founded in 1675 and surrounded by the Royal Park laid out in the 1660s by André Le Nôtre, reflects two centuries of Royal patronage and represents a high point of the work of the architects Inigo Jones and Christopher Wren, and more widely European architecture at an important stage in its evolution. It also symbolises English artistic and scientific endeavour in the 17th and 18th centuries”.

London_-_Royal_Observatory,_Greenwich
London_-_Royal_Observatory,_Greenwich

Photo on Wikipedia

Tower of London

The White Tower is an example of late 11th-century innovative Norman military architecture, and The Tower of London was built around this White Tower. “The Tower has an iconic role as reflecting the last military conquest of England.” states the presentation so it is no wonder why this is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London List. You can find out more about this tower from this article.

Tower of London interior
Tower of London interior

Photo from Wikipedia

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

When I ask someone to recommend something to see in London, many recommend the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.  The gardens were created in 1759 and their collection was constantly enriched. Kew Gardens comprises 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in Richmond upon Thames in southwest London. All visitors are enchanted by the number of plants they get to see here!

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Greenhouse at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Greenhouse at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Photo on Wikipedia

Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd

The forth item from London featured in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list includes the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. “These extremely well-preserved monuments are examples of the colonization and defence works carried out throughout the reign of Edward I (1272–1307) and the military architecture of the time.” says the presentation.  We also find out that “The four castles of Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech and the attendant fortified towns at Conwy and Caernarfon in Gwynedd, North Wales, are the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe”. It’s no wonder they were included in this UNESCO list!

Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle

Photo from Wikipedia

Four impressive monuments, all with special meanings in history. Beautiful towers, castles and the impressive gardens at Kew – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites to see in London!

15 thoughts on “Must See: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London

  1. London is great for someone who loves historical sites. It’s a classic, a sophisticated charmer.

  2. Thanks for sharing this. They all look like great places to visit. The boats look so sad in that picture.

  3. Wow I went to London and didn’t know about these places. Thanks for the info on the Botanical Gardens!!!! Stunning photos also

  4. I’ve visted a number of historical sites in the UK but it always surprises me when I realise how few I’ve seen in London…time to add these to my list for the next trip!

  5. I’ve been to some of these places and would love to go again. It’s so good to see a post on places to visit that aren’t the standard UK attractions!

  6. Great article and well put together. There was a recent addition so hope to see that included.

  7. British history is so rich and famous all over. These historic UNESCO Heritage sites looks wonderful. I will make plan to visit to them soon.

  8. Loved the castles and the tower, they indeed should be in the UNESCO heritage site. They look so beautiful & pose a picture perfect backdrop.

  9. London has a rich culture and heritage …these UNESCO heritage sites are beautiful! I am going to save these so that next time I visit London, I don’t miss them.

  10. The tower of London is one of my favourite landmarks, there is something so special about it somehow, although saying that we have yet to ever go inside!! We are hoping to go back at Christmas and go inside, I have admired from afar for too long!

  11. A mention of the Tower of London both enthralled me and scared me as a child growing up. History informed me of the many people that ended up imprisoned in the tower. Some awaiting execution and others eventually released . If its wall could speak it would have some interesting stories to tell.

  12. Omg I always wanted to visit London and this post made me want to visit more! I definitely want to go to the greenhouse first since the architecture is beautiful!

  13. I’ve been to the Tower of London but I didn’t know it was UNESCO protected. I’d love to visit the other sites as well.

  14. I really want to go to the Greenwich Observatory and the Tower of London as they’re two places I’ve still never been to x

  15. I may be biased being a Londoner but we truly do have some of the most incredible historical sites in the world. I remember visiting the Tower of London and Kew Gardens frequently with my family and Harlech in Wales is such a beautiful place. I’m so glad you had a great time.

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