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

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.
14 Feb

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark celebrates South Devon College's prestigious Green Gown Award for sustainability institution of the Year.

The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is proud to announce that its partner, South Devon College, has been awarded the coveted Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year. This significant achievement, presented by the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC), highlights the College's steadfast dedication to sustainability and its innovative approach aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
20 Dec

“A tree for Christmas!  What could be the oldest fossil evidence of trees on a volcanic island in the world, has been discovered in the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark!  

The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking fossil discovery at Saltern Cove, which promises to shed new light on the region's rich geological history. The fossils, trees believed to be around 377 million of years old, were discovered by Dr Kevin Page, President of ProGEO and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, during a condition survey of the Geopark’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest for Natural England.
22 Nov

COP29 Torbay case studies

The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan. This takes place from 11 to 22 November 2024. 
13 Nov

A new £1.8 million funding programme has been launched to support local businesses and community organisations in their efforts to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.

Devon County Council have introduced the Green Impact Fund as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth while protecting the environment. The initiative is one of the projects supported with a share of the £16 million of capital funding from the Devon and Torbay devolution deal.
21 Oct

A Greener Way For Our Bay: New Climate Action Plan for Torbay approved

An ambitious new action plan to help tackle climate change has been endorsed by Torbay’s Place Leadership Board. The plan aims to make homes more energy efficient, protect the natural environment, support businesses to become more sustainable, and make sustainable and public transport (like walking, cycling and taking the bus) more accessible and affordable.
 More news...

Events in the Geopark

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...
25 May -
31 Dec

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...
14 Feb -
31 Dec

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...
23 - 30 May

Geopark Festival - Coasteering Geopark 5* Grand Tour Circular

Maidencombe TQ14SU.
Join us for the English Riviera Geopark Festival from 23rd May to 30th May and experience the...
23 - 29 May

Geopark Festival - The story of Agatha Christie's extraordinary life.

Torquay
A fascinating walking tour that uncovers the story of Agatha Christie's extraordinary life. Learn...
23 - 29 May

Geopark Festival - The story of Agatha Christie's extraordinary life.

Torquay
A fascinating walking tour that uncovers the story of Agatha Christie's extraordinary life. Learn...
23 - 24 May

Geopark Festival - Science Ninja’s Home Education

Torquay Museum - 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG, UK
GEOPARK Week Science Ninjas - A Walk Through Time Guided hands-on experiments and talk linked to...
23 - 30 May

GEOPARK FESTIVAL 2025

All across the Geopark (Torquay, Paignton and Brixham)
Dates: 23rd May - 30th May 2025 The Geopark Festival is back and better than ever! This...
26 May -
22 Jun

Geopark Festival - Artizan Collective Geopark Artists Residency Exhibition

Artizan Collective Gallery - Unit 5, Fleet Walk, 74 Fleet St, Torquay TQ2 5EB
FREE EVENT: A Geopark Festival celebration for the Geopark Residencies Showcase at Artizan...
9 Jun

Brixham ‘Penguin’ walk with Mike Langman

Berry Head, Brixham
Enjoy breakfast at the Guardhouse Cafe and a wildlife stroll around Berry Head led by wildlife...
19 Jun

Bat Walk at Berry Head

Berry Head, Brixham
In the face of huge international declines, here at Berry Head we are extremely privileged to have...
14 Jul

Cockington Evening Bird Walk

Cockington Country Park
Evening beginners birdwatching walk with wildlife expert Mike Langman Monday 14th July 7pm...
16 Jul

Cirl Bunting Day

Berry Head, Brixham
Celebrating the Cirl with wildlife expert Mike Langman and Engagement Officer Marije Zwager...
31 Jul

Bat Walk Berry Head

Berry Head, Brixham
In the face of huge international declines, here at Berry Head we are extremely privileged to have...
28 Aug

Bat Walk Berry Head

Berry Head, Brixham
In the face of huge international declines, here at Berry Head we are extremely privileged to have...
21 Sep

Autumn Wreath Making Workshop

Occombe Farm
Get ready for a fabulous autumn making adventure at Occombe Farm! Create a stunning Autumnal...