Explore UNESCO South West Trails
A new campaign and digital platform, Explore UNESCO South West Trails, has been launched by the South West of England’s 8 UNESCO sites - including Exeter City of Literature.
This partnerships offers visitors an inspiring and sustainable way to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of South West England.
Launched in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), Explore UNESCO South West Trails offers a curated collection of two-day trails inspiring opportunities to discover eight UNESCO-designated sites across the region. From ancient stone circles to pre-historic coastlines and cities of cultural significance, the South West of England is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary places – recognised by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value.
Explore UNESCO South West Trails provide a unified gateway for discovering World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark, cities of culture and other internationally recognised locations that highlight the area’s global importance.
To mark the launch, promotional posters will be displayed at key GWR railway stations, encouraging passengers to ’start their journey by rail’. The campaign highlights how rail travel can unlock easy access to multiple trail starting points, supporting low-carbon travel while celebrating the rich diversity of heritage across the South West.
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature’s Trail
The South of England’s only UNESCO City of Literature celebrates a county-wide love of stories.
Nestled in the heart of Devon is the only UNESCO City of Literature in the South of England, and one of only 63 worldwide. Across two days you’ll discover all Exeter and its beautiful surrounding moorland has to offer with truly unique literary experiences that showcase the county’s past and present love of stories and storytelling.
What is UNESCO?
UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – works to protect the world’s most important cultural and natural heritage.
The South West is home to 8 of these prestigious sites that are ready to be explored:
