A competition is now running as part of the Explore UNESCO South West Trails initiative, offering adventurers the chance to win exclusive activity-filled weekend packages across the region’s most iconic heritage sites.
Developed in partnership between UNESCO UK and Great Western Railway (GWR), the initiative features a new digital platform with curated two-day itineraries. These trails highlight eight world-class locations including World Heritage Sites, a Biosphere Reserve, and a Global Geopark, encouraging sustainable, low-carbon exploration by rail.
“This project is a fantastic example of how partnership can make our region’s most significant heritage sites more accessible and inspiring.”
Ruth Powell, Regional Partnerships Manager at Great Western Railway (GWR).
Fabulous Prizes Up for Grabs
Four lucky winners will be selected to receive bespoke prize packages of their choice, showcasing the very best of the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
The top prize includes open return rail travel for two adults provided by GWR. Winners can choose from four incredible, experience-filled weekend packages that include:
- Overnight hotel stays and fine dining.
- Free entry to world-renowned museums and cultural attractions.
- Outdoor adventures, such as kayaking vouchers in coastal UNESCO sites.
- Choose Your Trail Experience
Winners can tailor their prize by selecting from curated packages in:
- City of Bath & The Great Spa Towns of Europe: A journey through Roman history and Georgian elegance.
- North Devon UNESCO Biosphere: Immersive nature experiences in a coastal escape.
- Exeter city of literature: Exploring the literary landscapes that inspired generations of writers.
- English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark: Discovering unique geology and dramatic coastal scenery.
How to Enter
To enter the free prize draw, visit the Explore UNESCO South West Trails competition page (https://exploreunescosouthwesttrails.co.uk/trails-to-explore/) and answer a few short questions.
The competition is open now and will close at midday on Sunday 14th June 2026. A full list of prizes, as well as terms and conditions, are available on the competition page.
Louise Reynolds, the Project Coordinator, said:
“We’re thrilled with the support from local tourism and heritage businesses within the UNESCO sites, offering such brilliant packages for competition winners to enjoy. The Explore UNESCO South West Trails showcase the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of our region. We are delighted to invite adventurers, families, and trail enthusiasts to connect with these extraordinary landscapes while supporting our local communities and sustainable tourism initiatives.”
Andy Bell, CEO of North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, added:
“Around every bend in the river, behind every dune, with every wave rolling in from the Atlantic or down the narrow lanes there is always something special to discover in North Devon. By travelling car free and carefree we can ensure people get the best of our amazing area.”
Partners in the campaign are grateful to support from UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Local to Global programme, made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Matt Rabagliati, Head of Policy, Research & Communications at the UK National Commission for UNESCO, commented:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the South West’s most extraordinary UNESCO-designated places by rail, from dramatic coastlines and ancient landscapes to world-famous cities of culture and heritage. We hope many people will enter the competition, try out the new Explore UNESCO South West Trails, and discover how rewarding it can be to travel more sustainably while supporting local places and communities.”
Explore UNESCO South West Trails is now live and accessible to visitors worldwide.
For more information, visit exploreunescosouthwesttrails.co.uk.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Louise Reynolds
North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Notes to Editors:
Explore UNESCO South West Trails is a digital platform dedicated to promoting UNESCO-related heritage across South West England.
UNESCO designation recognises sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to humanity.
The platform encourages sustainable tourism aligned with UNESCO values of conservation, education, and community engagement.
Must include Lottery logo (attached)
Partners in the initiative include:
North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO 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
#ExploreUNESCO #UNESCOSouthWest #CompetitionTime #SustainableTravel #GWR #ExploreUNESCOSouthWestTrails
The Great Spa Towns of Europe
The Great Spa Towns of Europe is a serial, transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of eleven spa towns across seven European countries. Together, these towns comprise one ‘property’ .
From the hundreds of spa towns across Europe, these eleven are the most authentic examples of the European spa phenomenon. As epicentres for social, cultural and political innovations, these spa towns shaped architecture, urban design, medicine, health and wellness tourism and modern European identity.
The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 24th July 2021; the highest international recognition for global cultural and natural heritage sites. The Site is managed by The Great Spa Towns of Europe Association, formally registered in August 2022 in Baden bei Wien, Austria.