ENGLISH RIVIERA GLOBAL GEOPARK

Welcome to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark!

Experience the extraordinary with our Geopark Discovery Experiences!


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 

Explore our Geopark - Interactive Map


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

27 Oct

Statement - Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust

We are closely monitoring the recent announcement regarding the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, one of the Geopark's founding partners.
3 Oct

Penumbra: An Experimental Journey into the Darkness at Kents Cavern

NooN Collective (UK) brings Penumbra to the prehistoric caves of Kents Cavern, an extraordinary underground art happening blending sound, movement, installation and projection. This new work draws audiences into dreamlike encounters with shadow, mythology and deep geological time—while echoing ancient human quests for meaning in the darkness of underworlds.
10 Sep

Torquay Museum unveils a 377-million year old fossilized tree found.

28 Jul

News from the Geopark: Additional Roles Available

 Join the Geopark Team!
We’re hiring for three exciting consultancy roles as part of Project TerraFirma, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We’re looking for:

  • Education & Evaluation Consultant
  • Education Toolkit Consultant
  • Volunteering Consultant
23 Jul

News from the Geopark: Freelance Evaluation Consultant required.

The Geopark is looking for Consultant - Evaluator /Critical Friend. The successful consultant will have extensive experience in evaluation & impact measurement ideally with projects and organisations serving a public benefit remit over natural and environmental heritage. 
25 Apr

PICTURESQUE TORBAY

17 Apr

News from the Geopark: 3 x freelance consultants required

Project TerraFirma commenced in December 2024 and we are now at the stage where we need to recruit specialist support in the areas of Governance & Management, Revenue Resilience and Financial Modelling. We would welcome applications for individual roles or a combination of any of the three roles.
13 Mar

Celebrating Devon’s World-Class Heritage

Devon’s world-class heritage will come under the spotlight at a day of public talks that the Devonshire Association is hosting in Tiverton on Saturday 10th May.
 More news...