New rail trail explores globally significant sites

A new rail guide has been launched to celebrate globally significant sites across the West of England.

The map offers a curated collection of two-day trails featuring eight Unesco-designated sites across the region, which visitors can travel to using Great Western Railway's (GWR) route.

Kathryn Davis, CEO of Visit West, said some of the UK's most remarkable Unesco-designated landscapes are found in the West, including Bath - a double-inscribed World Heritage Site - and Bristol, a Unesco City of Film.

"This initiative brings them together for the first time, making it easier for visitors to explore, understand, and appreciate their global significance while travelling sustainably," she said.

Andy Bell, project coordinator, said Wiltshire also plays a huge part as it is home to two major World Heritage sites recognised by the United Nations' cultural agency Unesco.

"Wiltshire benefits from having two World Heritage sites which include Stonehenge in Avebury," Bell said.

"They're contributing their outstanding universal value as Unesco calls it - their sort of cultural value in the world."

He added that the "biggest element" of a carbon footprint for a family holiday in the south-west "is travel".

"So, if they're coming down in a car, that's a major part of the carbon footprint of the journey," he added.

GWR has released interactive content, route ideas, and practical information to help people plan journeys.

Ruth Powell, GWR regional partnerships manager, said: "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."

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