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Visit the Geopark
In addition to the Geopark events, there is a wealth of wonderful things to discover, explore and enjoy. Over 22 miles of beautiful coastline and a mild climate has ensured that the English Riviera has been a popular tourist detination since the Victorian era. For more detailed tourist information click here or call 0870 70 70 010
Please remember the geology of Torbay is special, and all sites are protected by law.
...and Remember to Stay Safe
People following the trails and walks do so at their own risk so when out and about enjoying the Geopark always remember to stay safe
- Check the tide timetables before you go out (Tide times are available at the Seashore Centre at Goodrington Sands)
- Stay away from the cliffs - rock falls can happen at any time, please do not hammer or dig at any site
- Keep away from cliff edges
- Wear sensible shoes and be prepared for any weather
- Always tell someone where you are going and how long you expect to be gone
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Geopark Cruises
Veiw the Bay's spectacular geology and beautiful coastline from the sea - the best vantage point. Cruises run everyday May through September (weather permitted) and last approx 1 hour. For more information click here
Geotrails
If you fancy a stroll and want to discover and explore the fantastic geology of Torbay for yourself. Click the link in the menu to find out more about our Geotrails.
Kents Cavern
A Gateway site for the Geopark, Kents Cavern is a Prehistoric Cave, a protected national monument and a site of special scientific interest. Situated in Torquay, Devon, UK, the cave has an incredible record of human activity from all three stages of the Stone Age, the palaeolithic, stretching back over 500,000 years! It was here that William Pengelly in the 1870s invented modern archaeological recording when he systematically removed two stalagmite floors, one 12,000 and the other 350,000 years old and revealed some of Britain's rarest ancient human archaeology concealed under each floor. The cave's most important find is a human jawbone dated at 37-40,000 years old, currently the oldest anatomically correct human fossil in Europe. However, current research is on-going to determine if the jawbone is England's first Neandertal fossil fragment. Find out more about visiting Kents Cavern click here
Occombe Farm
A demonstration organic farm re-connecting people with food, farming and the countryside. 2km easy-access nature trail, education centre, award-winning farm shop and cafe featuring the best of local food, together with an in-house organic butchery and organic artisan bakery. Open to the public all year round and entry is free. For more information about the farm click here
Torre Abbey
Torre Abbey is the oldest building in Torquay. It has a story spanning 800 years and was once the most important Abbey of its kind in England, the brothers who lived here then were known as the White Canons. Following a massive three-year restoration project visitors can now explore the most ancient and hallowed parts of the building where some stunning finds have been unearthed. For more information click here
Cockington
A warm Devon welcomes awaits you at Cockington Court, where crafts people demonstrate and sell their wares within this historical manor house. A licensed restaurant serves local quality produce, and you can visit our organic kitchen garden and rose garden. A new addition is The Ark Play Area, suitable for all children including those with disabilities. The 450-acre park is made up of formal parkland with cricket pitch and historic church, ornamental lakes and woodland walks. Nearby is the famous thatched village. Catch the Cockington bus or arrive in a horse drawn carriage. Open to the public all year round and entry is free. For more information click here
Berry Head National Nature Reserve
A Gateway Site for the Geopark, Berry Head is a limestone headland rising 200 feet (65m) from the sea, forming the southern arm of Tor Bay. It is a 100-acre National Nature Reserve, holding some nationally rare plant and animal species and as a result is part of the European-wide Natura 2000 network; it is also a Country Park that forms the main recreational area for the nearby town and port of Brixham (population 16,000). The site holds two well preserved Napoleonic War-era Forts and important Second World War heritage. Open to the public all year round and entry is free. For more information click here
The Seashore Centre
A Gateway Site for the Geopark, the centre brings Torbay’s past and present underwater world to life with interactive displays, aquaria with local marine animals and fun family events run throughout the Summer. click here
Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
A the holiday line, with steam trains running for 7 miles in Great Western tradition from Paignton along the spectacular Torbay coast to Churston and on through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary to Kingswear. The scenery is superb, with seascapes right across Lyme bay to Portland Bill on clear days. For more information click here
HiFlyer
For a breathtaking and spectacular view of the Geopark. Rising from its landing pad in Abbey Gardens beside Abbey Sands in Torquay, this is a unique experience not to be missed when visiting the bay. So don’t forget your camera as there are sure to be some awesome views. The 15-minute trip is affordable and accessible for everyone. Open weave viewing ports ensure that the view for wheelchair users and small children is not obstructed. For more information click here
Living Coasts
Living Coasts is Torquay’s coastal zoo. Standing right on the coast it is home to seals and a range of coastal birds including penguins, sea ducks and terns. The education team run coastal based workshops and events all year round highlighting the importance of the marine environment. For more information click here
Paignton Zoo
Paignton Zoo is one of Britain’s top Zoos. The 80 acres of landscaped grounds are home to some of the planets most amazing plants and animals. A registered charity, the zoo carries out conservation work at home and overseas and educates many thousands of children each year. For more informationclick here
Beaches
Along the 22 miles of the English Riviera coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves...and its official BBC Coast 2007 has proved beyond doubt that the English Riviera has the best sand on the English coast for building sandcastles! So whether it is a simple bucket of sand or a full scale dolphin sculpture - come and give it a try!
Torquay Museum
Ranked among the finest in South West England, Torquay Museum is a journey of discovery for all ages. The Museum's new interactive Explorers Gallery, one of the most modern and creative galleries in Devon, traces the incredible journeys made by Torquay's famous explorers, from the frozen wastes of the Antarctic to the depths of the Brazilian rainforest. You can see fascinating artifacts from across the globe, including objects from ancient Egypt. Many of the artifacts from Torquay's famous Kents Cavern prehistoric caves are housed in the Museum. The caves were home to man's ancestors as long as half a million years ago and have yielded some amazing finds, from possible Neanderthal remains to palaeolithic flint tools, woolly mammoth teeth to cave bear skulls. You can also detect the real life story behind Agatha Christie, the world famous crime writer who was born in Torquay, in a gallery dedicated to her life and work. Or wonder at prehistoric artefacts excavated from nearby Kents Cavern, and then experience the sights and sounds of country living in our reconstructed Devon farmhouse. There’s also a programme of other temporary exhibitions, events, school holiday activities and workshops, which means that there is always something new to see and do at Torquay Museum. For more information click here
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