Launched in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), exploreunescosouthwesttrails.co.uk/ offers a curated collection of two-day trails inspiring opportunities to discover eight UNESCO-designated sites across the region. From dramatic coastlines and historic cities to globally significant landscapes, the platform invites users to explore the South West through immersive journeys that celebrate heritage, creativity, and sustainability.
Explore UNESCO South West Trails provides a unified gateway for discovering World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, a Global Geopark, Creative Cities 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. Through interactive content, route ideas, and practical information, users can plan journeys that not only enrich their own experience but also support local communities and reduce their environmental footprint.
As part of the launch, visitors are also invited to take part in a competition designed to encourage engagement with the trails. By following a QR code link, visitors will have the chance to win a choice of trail-based activities with first place including rail travel, showcasing the very best of the region’s UNESCO destinations.
Key features of the trails include:
- Clear and easy to follow routes around eight UNESCO sites in the South West
- Inspirational itineraries to showcase the best of each site over 48 hours
- Information on sustainable travel options and local experiences
The launch comes at a time when travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful, place-based experiences. By connecting heritage, nature, and culture through themed trails, “Explore UNESCO South West Trails” aims to position the region as a leading destination for sustainable and experiential tourism.
GWR Regional Partnerships Manager, Ruth Powell, added:
“We’re proud to support this initiative, helping customers connect with some of the South West’s most internationally-celebrated landscapes and cultural sites by train. Rail is one of the most sustainable ways to travel, and this campaign showcases just how accessible these world-class destinations can be.”
Nushin Hussain, Project Implementation Manager, Local to Global Programme, at the UK National Commission for UNESCO, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to support the launch of the Explore UNESCO South West Trails initiative through the UK National Commission’s Local to Global programme, made possible thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project is a fantastic example of how partnership working can bring together some of the region’s most significant heritage sites, alongside partners such as Great Western Railway, to make them more accessible and inspiring for both local communities and visitors. By connecting these unique UNESCO locations through engaging trails, we’re not only celebrating the South West’s rich cultural and natural heritage, but also encouraging more sustainable exploration of the area. We’re proud to be part of a campaign that will help more people discover and appreciate these exceptional places.”
Partners in the campaign are grateful to have received funding support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Local to Global programme.
Local to Global is our flagship programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to strengthen connections between UNESCO-designated sites across the UK and to support collaborative projects that link local heritage with UNESCO global priorities. Through this support, partners have worked together to develop the Explore UNESCO South West Trails initiative and promote more joined-up, sustainable ways to experience the region’s internationally recognised sites.
Explore UNESCO South West Trails is now live and accessible to visitors worldwide.
The website visuals were designed by Tom Woolley, a Birmingham-based designer, and were originally developed for an earlier UK National Commission for UNESCO project and map here.
Partners in the initiative include:
- North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site
- Visit England
- City of Bath and Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Bristol City of Film
- Great Western Railway
- Exeter UNESCO City of Literature
- English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
- Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site
- Dorset and East Devon Coast: The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
- UK National Commission for UNESCO
