Here are some of the best places to visit for World Heritage Day on April 18
WORDS: KATRINA PATRICK IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK
Giant’s Causeway
Have you experienced Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site? The beach comprises 40,000 interlocking basalt columns – the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption and a truly incredible sight. You can walk to the remarkable stones for free, or book a guided tour with the award-winning storytelling team.
Open daily 9am-5pm, £13.50 per adult, £6.75 per child. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway
Edinburgh Old and New Towns
The centre of the Scottish capital is split into the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress, and the neoclassical New Town, where the 18th-century urban planning had far-reaching influence. To truly appreciate the contrast, take in the view from Calton Hill, a short walk from Regent Road. Or visit the Castle for information on the Old Town and views to the New Town. Tickets to Edinburgh Castle (open daily) cost £19.50 per adult and £11.40 per child. Access to Calton Hill is free. edinburghcastle.scot
Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew
You can discover more than 40,000 plants in the garden’s beautiful botanical collections – including many rare and endangered plants in the world’s largest Victorian greenhouse. Kids will love to explore the tree top trail, an adventure play area the size of 40 tennis courts, and the supersized Hive installation that recreates life inside a bee hive! If you happen to get peckish, there are five on-site cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Open daily, 10am-6pm. Entry £22 per adult, £5 per child – or £20 and £4 through online booking. kew.org
Stonehenge
This Stone Age circle dates back 4500 years and is an awe-inspiring marvel of ancient engineering. You can learn how the Stonehenge builders lived and worked in the fascinating immersive exhibition on site in Salisbury. The visitor centre has more than 250 ancient artefacts and even a reconstruction of one of the people who lived here thousands of years ago. You can pop into the café to refuel before heading outside to see circle itself. Open daily, 9am-5pm. Entry £23 per adult, £14 per child. Family tickets available.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/Stonehenge
Jurassic Coast
Calling
