ENGLISH RIVIERA GLOBAL GEOPARK

News from the Geopark

The English Riviera Geopark Festival 2026 Returns

1 May 2026

Dates: 23 – 28 May 2026

Celebrate the landscapes, stories and creativity of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark during a week‑long festival of discovery, culture and connection.

Returning in 2026, the Geopark Festival invites you to explore Torbay’s extraordinary geology and heritage through an inspiring programme of walks, workshops, exhibitions and hands‑on experiences, with events taking place across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

This year’s programme brings together artists, scientists, educators and outdoor specialists, offering opportunities to experience the Geopark in many different ways — from fossil discovery and coastal foraging to creative workshops, guided geowalks, yoga in nature and evening talks.

Festival highlights include:

  • Hands‑on discovery experiences such as beach labs, fossil activities and coastal foraging walks
  • Creative exhibitions and workshops, including Colour‑ing the Bay at Torre Abbey and the Strata Stories exhibition at Artizan Gallery
  • Guided Geopark walks and coastal adventures exploring cliffs, caves and ancient landscapes
  • Wellbeing experiences in nature, from sunrise and sunset yoga to coastal yoga walks
  • Live performances and heritage storytelling, including sea shanties on the beach and evening talks with Geopark partners and patrons

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting for the first time, the festival offers a chance to slow down, look closer, and discover the remarkable connections between land, sea, culture and community.

Scroll down to explore the full programme of events and start planning your Geopark Festival experience.

We invite you to experience our UNESCO Global Geopark — a place of vibrant towns, creative communities, rich heritage and a spectacular coastline shaped over hundreds of millions of years.

Bring a friend, share the journey, and return home with stories of discovering one of Earth’s extraordinary places.

Bring a friend to share the experience. When you return home, you'll have stories to tell about witnessing ‘One of Earth’s extraordinary places'.

 

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Festival 2026 – Event Programme