ENGLISH RIVIERA GLOBAL GEOPARK

Welcome to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark!

Explore our Geopark - Interactive Map

We would love you to escape the everyday by visiting and exploring our beautiful bay. We've put together some tips for making the most of your stay on the English Riviera.

Click here to find out more 


The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

The whole of Torbay has been designated a Geopark in 2007 by UNESCO because of our unique and often spectacular geology and natural environment.

While many of the 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks around the world are in remoter areas, often away from towns and cities, the English Riviera Geopark is fairly unique in that it also happens to encompass one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts. It is one of only two ‘urban’ geoparks in the UK.

The Geopark not only covers 62.4km2 land but also 41.5km2 of the marine area of Torbay. Whilst geology may be at the heart of the designation, Geoparks also encompass other areas of heritage, including history, culture, archaeology and biodiversity.

There is also a strong environmental element to a Geopark’s designation that calls for the area to be managed responsibly in terms of conservation and sustainable development. Education is also central, as is working with the local people to ensure the geopark becomes a becomes a better place to live, work and visit.

Find out how to enjoy the Geopark responsibly here




UNESCO Global Geoparks share the story of our Planet.

A Geopark is an area of globally recognised, unique geological interest designated by UNESCO.  A place where you can touch a very special part of the Earth's story and be amazed by the extraordinary landscapes, mountains, coastlines, places and people. 

Our Geopark, covering the entire area of Torbay, is Naturally Inspiring.  It shares stories of a landscape untouched by glaciation unseen elsewhere in the world. Stories of tropical seas and scorching deserts, raised beaches and drowned forests, hippopotami and mammoth, straight-tusked elephant and sabre-toothed tiger, cave bear and earliest man...

News from the Geopark

13 Mar

Agatha Christie Festival secures patronage from the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) in 2024

This year’s Agatha Christie Festival, set to take place at a host of cultural venues across the English Riviera from 7th through 15th September, has been awarded official patronage from the United Kingdom National Commission for UNESCO.
27 Feb

Geopark Festival 2024

The Geopark Festival is taking place around the Bay from 25th - 31st May 2024. This week-long festival allows you to get under the surface of the Geopark, discovering the essence of the English Riviera, our culture and our history. And this year, it's bigger and better than ever with the introduction of our NEW Geopark Discovery Experiences!

7 Feb

The English Riviera Walking Festival Returns 4 – 19 May 2024

Step ahead with the English Riviera Walking Festival which returns from 4 – 19 May 2024. Residents and visitors are invited to a friendly two-week celebration of South Devon’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
26 Jan

From Monday 22 January 2024 the Torbay local heritage grant scheme reopens for applications.

Local groups can again apply for grant funding of up to £7,500 to support their heritage project.

15 Jan

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Welcomes Wild Plant Trust as New Geopark Core Partner

The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is delighted to announce the addition of Wild Plant Trust as a Geopark Core Partner, further enriching the diverse range of organisations dedicated to conserving and promoting the unique environment, heritage and culture underpinned by the internationally significant geological heritage of the English Riviera. Core Partners play a pivotal role in the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark helping to fulfil the requirements to retain the UNESCO designation.
6 Dec

A Greener Way for Our Bay – Have your say

The new consultation – ‘A Greener Way For Our Bay’ – aims to engage with local people on the Torbay Climate Partnership’s new plans for reducing the Bay’s emissions and preparing for a changing climate. The Partnership is made up of a wide range of organisations in Torbay from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors.
17 Oct

KENTS CAVERN ENTERS A NEW ERA AS IT JOINS THE TUDOR HOTELS COLLECTION

Geopark Partners Kents Cavern are  delighted to announce that Kents Cavern has officially become part of the Tudor Hotels Collection
4 Oct

Geodiversity Day 2023

More news...

Events in the Geopark

6 Jun -
6 Oct

Kents Cavern - Guided Tour (Daily from 10:30am - 5:00pm)

Kents Cavern
Step into the Stone Age at Britain's oldest home. We will guide you through an extensive system...
6 Jun -
6 Oct

Agatha Christie's extraordinary life (Daily 10am or 2:30pm)

English Riviera Walking Tours
English Riviera Guided Walks Calendar - English Riviera Walking Tours • Find out about...
19 Dec -
31 Mar

Guided Wildlife Observation, Bushcraft and Cave Tour - Sea Kayak Torbay

Oddicombe Beach
Daily Tours - Beyonk | Guided Wildlife Observation, Bushcraft and Cave Tour Enjoy a morning...
6 Feb -
14 Jul

The Carys: From Rebels to Riches

Torre Abbey
Created by the South West Heritage Trust and Torre Abbey the exhibition showcases items from the...
18 Mar -
13 Oct

Geopark Discover Experience - Private Geopark and Wildlife Boat Tour

English Riviera Geopark
This bespoke boat tour is a 60-minute non-physical discovery of the English Riviera UNESCO Global...
23 Mar

Earth Hour 2024


Switch off and Give an Hour for Earth on Saturday, March 23rd at 8:30 pm your local time....
26 Mar -
15 Oct

Geopark Discover Experience - Coastal Adventure

English Riviera Geopark
Join an experienced, local, coastal guide in an extraordinary discovery of our geological past....
18 Apr -
17 Aug

Geopark Discovery Experience - Guided Sunset Sea Kayak Safari

English Riviera Geopark
A guided sunset paddle exploring the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark by Sea Kayak. You will...
4 - 19 May

English Riviera Walking Festival

Across the geopark
Welcome to the English Riviera Located in South Devon and comprising the towns of Torquay,...
25 May

Geopark Festival 2024

Across the English Riviera
The Geopark Festival is taking place around the Bay from 25th - 31st May 2024. This week-long...
25 - 31 May

Geopark Discovery Experience - Agatha Christie's Extraordinary Life

English Riviera Geopark
Even if you've never read an Agatha Christie novel or watched one of her plays, it doesn't...
25 May

Geopark Discovery Experience - English Riviera Geopark Cruise

Brixham
The English Riviera Geopark Cruise provides a lovely day out and is a great introduction to our...
26 - 30 May

Geopark Discover Experience - UNESCO Global Geopark sea grass bed kayak tour

English Riviera Geopark
Embark on a captivating sea grass kayak tour in the English Riviera Geopark, guided by a...
31 May

Geopark Discovery Experience - Sunrise Sea Kayak Marine Wildlife and Cave Tour

English Riviera Geopark
Babbacombe gets the most beautiful sunrises with the sun rising out of the sea. We meet just...
7 - 15 Sep

International Agatha Christie Festival

Across the Geopark
Celebrate Agatha Christie in the place of her birth on the English Riviera. Step into the...