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UNESCO is best known to most people for its World Heritage program to protect cultural sites and traditions around the world.

But how many does the UK have? Here's all you need to know.

Stonehenge is one of 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Britain
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Stonehenge is one of 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in BritainCredit: Getty Images

What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of cultural or natural heritage and importance.

There are 1,052 of these worldwide, including India's Taj Mahal and Peru's Machu Picchu.

We have 31 World Heritage Sites here in the UK - spanning across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Pitcairn Islands and Saint Helena.

Which are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK?

Tourist attractions including Stonehenge, Canterbury Cathedral and Hadrian's Wall are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As it the Jurassic Coast, the infamous Dorset and East Devon filming location for the highly-acclaimed Broadchurch TV series.

When it comes to capital cities, Edinburgh's old and new towns have been recognised - as have London landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens and the Tower of London.

Lake District

The Lake District was made a World Heritage Site in July 2017
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The Lake District was made a World Heritage Site in July 2017Credit: Alamy

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral, in Kent, is a World Heritage Site
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Canterbury Cathedral, in Kent, is a World Heritage SiteCredit: Alamy

Tower of London

The Tower of London is also a World Heritage Site
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The Tower of London is also a World Heritage SiteCredit: Alamy

City of Bath

Part of the Palladian Pulteney Bridge and weir in the World Heritage city of Bath, Somerset
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Part of the Palladian Pulteney Bridge and weir in the World Heritage city of Bath, SomersetCredit: Alamy

Durham Castle and Cathedral

Durham Castle (pictured) and Cathedral also make the list
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Durham Castle (pictured) and Cathedral also make the listCredit: Alamy

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is the filming location for hit TV series Broadchurch
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The Jurassic Coast is the filming location for hit TV series BroadchurchCredit: Alamy

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are also a World Heritage Site
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The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are also a World Heritage SiteCredit: Getty Images

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey

Westminster Palace and Abbey have also been recognised
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Westminster Palace and Abbey have also been recognisedCredit: Alamy

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian's Wall, part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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Hadrian's Wall, part of the Frontiers of the Roman EmpireCredit: Getty Images

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, is also a World Heritage Site
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Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, is also a World Heritage SiteCredit: Getty Images

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is yet another London landmark on the list
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Kew Gardens is yet another London landmark on the listCredit: Getty Images

Saltaire

Saltaire is a Victorian model village in Bradford
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Saltaire is a Victorian model village in BradfordCredit: Alamy

Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Skara Brae Neolithic village on Orkney
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Skara Brae Neolithic village on OrkneyCredit: Alamy

The UK's World Heritage Sites

This is the complete list, and the date when each landmark was officially recognised...

  1. Blaenavon Industrial Landscape (2000)
  2. Blenheim Palace (1987)
  3. Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey at St Martin's Church (1988)
  4. Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd (1986)
  5. City of Bath (1987)
  6. Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape (2006)
  7. Derwent Valley Mills (2001)
  8. Dorset and East Devon Coast - Jurassic Coast (2001)
  9. Durham Castle and Cathedral (1986)
  10. Frontiers of the Roman Empire (1987)
  11. Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast (2001)
  12. Gorham's Cave Complex (2016)
  13. Gough and Inaccessible Islands (1995)
  14. Heart of Neolithic Orkney (1999)
  15. Henderson Island (1988)
  16. Historic Town of St George and Related Fortifications, Bermuda (2000)
  17. Ironbridge Gorge (1986)
  18. Maritime Greenwich (1997)
  19. New Lanark (2001)
  20. Old and New Towns of Edinburgh (1995)
  21. Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, including St Margaret's Church (1987)
  22. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (2009)
  23. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2003)
  24. Saltaire (2001)
  25. St Kilda (1986)
  26. Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites (1986)
  27. Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey (1986)
  28. The English Lake District (2017)
  29. The Forth Bridge (2015)
  30. Tower of London (1988)
Blenheim Palace to undergo £40 million of vital restoration work over a decade to protect one of Britain’s most stunning Great Estates
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