The new locations join the nine Heritage Places announced in October 2023. Together, they will share in a £200million investment aimed at unlocking the potential of heritage to boost local economies and pride in place.

Thanks to National Lottery players, our funding will create opportunities for people locally to develop bold ideas, learn heritage skills and create employment.

Eilish McGuiness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The six new Heritage Places are:

Barking and Dagenham, London

One of the capital’s fastest-evolving boroughs – young, diverse and rich in history, from its industrial roots to its links with the Gunpowder Plot.

Belfast Historic Waterfront, Northern Ireland

A working port for over 300 years, Belfast was once home to the world’s largest shipyard. Today, the waterfront along the River Lagan is home to vibrant neighbourhoods filled with heritage and nature, as well as opportunities for regeneration.

Dudley, West Midlands

Nestled in the heart of the Black Country, the borough blends rich industrial heritage with nature reserves and geological wonders.  

Orkney Islands, Scotland

An archipelago of over 70 islands with a vibrant community spirit and a cultural legacy spanning 5,000 years, from Mesolithic settlements to Viking strongholds.

Tameside, Greater Manchester

Made up of nine distinct districts, it’s home to cultural gems such as the Portland Basin Museum, Astley Cheetham Art Gallery and the Museum of the Manchester Regiment, alongside historic churches and industrial heritage.  

Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey), North Wales

An island where dramatic coastlines, rich heritage and natural beauty collide. From the elegant gardens of Plas Newydd to the golden sands of Red Wharf Bay, it’s a haven for heritage and history.

Delivering our Heritage 2033 strategy

Today’s announcement of six new Heritage Places is the latest step in the delivery of our Heritage 2033 strategy, and contributes to our vision for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.

Each location has been chosen through an evidence-based approach which combines new quantitative research with local insight to identify places with heritage needs, opportunities and potential. 

To date, we’ve invested more than £4m in Heritage Places across the UK, from Castell-nedd Port Talbot (Neath Port Talbot) to North-East Lincolnshire.

Sparking imagination, offering inspiration

Eilish McGuiness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage Places is about celebrating a diversity of heritage – sparking imagination, offering inspiration and helping communities to thrive by linking the past with their future.

“Our commitment is to embed heritage into local strategies, strengthen community connections and support long-term ambitions – creating opportunities for people locally to develop bold ideas, learn heritage skills and create employment.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: “Every corner of the UK has a rich heritage, and deserves the opportunity to celebrate and showcase it. This major investment of National Lottery funding is a fantastic opportunity to promote local growth within the visitor economy and for communities to be championed within our shared national story.”  

A thriving future, built around heritage

Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, welcomed the announcement: “This is an exciting opportunity for Ynys Môn. We’re proud that the island has received national recognition and grateful to the Heritage Fund for its funding commitment.

“Our aim now is to expand the island’s rich heritage offer, ensuring that it can make a significant contribution to local communities and the socio-economic future of Ynys Môn. We are eager to work with partners, local stakeholders, community and interest groups to achieve this.”

Supporting new opportunities and pride in place

Heritage Places is just one of the ways we can support the regeneration, resilience and relevance of heritage across the UK.

If you’re considering a heritage-led project to transform a place like a high street, historic quarter or natural landscape, you can apply for up to £10m through our National Lottery Grants for Heritage. Explore our funding.