Rediscover the Geopark

Please note the English Riviera is now in Tier 3 and the Geopark partner sites are adhering to the relevant restrictions.

All of the Geopark partners are keen to see you again but please note that not all sites will re-open at the same time and for many you will now need to pre-book so please remember to plan ahead, contact individual partners direct before you visit and follow Government guidance during your time with us.

To help your visit, the Geopark has created a number of Visual Guides that will provide you with all the information you need in advance of visiting. The guides are available below next to the partner site name.

For the latest advice and opening in line with Govt Guidance please visit the English Riviera destination website here and the individual partner sites.

Special arrangements for those over 70 or who were shielding during the first lockdown

To help people who have needed to shield themselves over recent months as restrictions are lifted, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark has been working with its partners including tourist attractions, museums, activity companies and nature sites around Torbay to provide dedicated opening times and tours for more vulnerable members of the local community. The initiative joins up with the Responsible Riviera campaign launched by the English Riviera BID Co, helping local businesses to adapt their operations to be COVID compliant as they reopen to the public.

The following opportunities have been put together to specifically support the over 70’s and those who have been shielding for other reasons.

Please note: we are anticipating that more of the Geopark partners will join this special initiative soon and that more opportunities will become available as a result. The information below will be updated on a regular basis and will be shared via social media. All of the following are subject to change, so please check with the individual partners before your visit.

Kents Cavern - Please note the caves are currently closed until further notice and the following will apply on re-opening. Click here for the Kents Cavern Visual Guide

The prehistoric caves at Kents Cavern are offering exclusive guided tours specifically for vulnerable people when the national lockdown ends this week.

Tours for vulnerable people will run midweek at 14:30 every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from December until February. Pre-booking is essential and must be done by email caves@kents-cavern.co.uk or by telephone 01803 215136 at least 48 hours in advance. Bookings will be on a first come first served basis.

A tour must have a minimum of two people and the maximum is six. Everyone in the group must be from the same household or bubble. Your tour guide will be the only person in the cave not from your bubble, and they will be socially distanced from you and wearing PPE throughout the visit.

All vulnerable groups will have a Covid-secure table reserved in the restaurant, with screens shielding them from any other groups of people. A coffee shop menu will be available with table service.

Face-coverings must be worn in the visitor centre, restaurant and in the cave. Face-shields are acceptable alternatives for those who cannot wear facemasks.

Cockington Court - Please note the Court and galleries are currently closed until further notice and the following will apply on re-opening.
The two main galleries and visitor welcome point at Cockington Court will be open on Wednesday afternoons (1pm to 4:30pm) following a deep clean for people who have been shielding. The Seven Dials cafe is open for takeaways with plenty of outside space to enjoy.

Torre Abbey- Please note the Abbey is currently closed until further notice
Click here for the Torre Abbey Visual Guide
Find out more here

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust - Click here for the Berry Head Visual Guide which includes the Guarhouse Cafe
TCCT has also created special guidance on how to safely visit their sites such as Berry Head and Saltern Cove, including a COVID Countryside Code offering advice on staying safe when visiting Trust sites. To find out more click here

Torquay Museum - Please note the museum is currently closed until further notice. The following will apply when re-open.
Click here for the Torquay Museum Visual Guide

In order to make vulnerable people and groups feel even safer returning to the Museum, 9am - 10am every Wednesday has been set aside as a quiet time specifically for people who fall into this category. As places are strictly limited, they require advance booking to secure your place. Please call the Museum on 01803 293975 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday to reserve a place. To find out more click here

Brixham Heritage Museum - Click here for the Brixham Heritage Museum Visual Guide (Please note the Museum is closed for Winter as normal)

Geopark Associate Partners:

Aritzan Gallery - Please note the gallery is currently closed until futher notice and the following will apply on re-opening Click here for the Artizan Gallery Visual Guide
Artizan Gallery will be offering morning bookings exclusively to vulnerable groups/individuals 9-11am every weekday they open and 9-10am on Saturdays. To find out more click here

Reach Outdoors - Please note the centre is currently closed until futher notice and the following will apply on re-opening Click here for the Reach Outdoors Visual Guide
For fans of paddle boarding and Kayaking, Reach Outdoors are offering private group sessions for a ‘shielding circle’ of up to five people for 2 or 3 hours. To find out more click here

Palace Theatre - Click here for the Palace Theatre Visual Guide

Unique Devon Tours - Unique Devon Tours offer tours are now operating for a max of 4 people only at a time, so you and your shielding bubble group are exclusive guests. Vehicles are deep cleaned before, during and after each tour and the company has been awarded the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard. Face masks are worn within the cars and hand sanitiser/antibacterial wipes are provided. For more information click here