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

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.
2 Oct

Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme offers small sports groups, community groups and charities extra funds to support heritage-based activities

Torbay Council wants to hear from all small sports groups, community groups and charities as it reopens its Local Heritage Grant Scheme for applications from Monday 30 September.
20 Sep

Project Manager Required

The Geopark is looking for a Project Manager, on a freelance basis, for a 30-month period, starting in December 2024  to manage the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark’s Project Terra Firma.  Deadline 14th October.
6 Sep

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark celebrates TerraFirma project funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark has been awarded a grant of £249,935 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a three-year project which will enhance the Geopark’s resilience, community engagement, and its partnerships
21 Aug

Artizan Gallery Counts Down to New Beginnings with Final Exhibitions Before Relaunch

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.
 More news...