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GEOPARK FESTIVAL 2026🌍 English Riviera Geopark Festival 2026 🌍
Dates: 21 – 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:
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 ProgrammeTORQUAYStrata Stories : Artizan GalleryA major exhibition inspired by Torbay’s UNESCO Global Geopark designation, featuring artworks exploring geology, biodiversity and landscape. Includes mixed‑media works, installations and an accompanying programme of talks, workshops and interactive events. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Fleet Walk, Torquay Date & Time: Exhibition: 19–31 May 2026 Launch Night: 18 May, 6:00pm–8:00pm Opening times vary – see website Who it’s for: All audiences Geopark Connection: The exhibition directly responds to Torbay’s geological heritage and explores how landscape inspires creativity and storytelling. Cost & Booking: Free to visit ; Artizan Gallery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Strata Stories – Behind the Work : Artizan GalleryAn evening talk and Q&A with creative geologist Grace Clifford, exploring the ideas behind the Strata Stories exhibition and how geology influences art. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Torquay Date & Time: Thursday 21 May 2026, 6:30pm–8:00pm Who it’s for: All Geopark Connection: Directly explores the Geopark through geoscience communication and creative practice. Cost & Booking: Free / pay as you feel - Booking required Artizan Gallery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Clay and Stick : Cockington CourtClay and Sticks is a contemporary willow sculpture and ceramics exhibition featuring work by artists Vik Westaway, Charline Marzin and Helen Mc Cormick. Through collaborations and experiments they have developed new processes and techniques to create beautiful forms that reimagine the materials of willow and clay. Location: Cockington Court Torquay Date & Time: Thursday 21 May - 28th June (10am - 5pm) Who it’s for: Anyone Geopark Connection: The exhibition showcases a new series of work which celebrates place, reflects environmental changes and explores new ways of working. Cost & Booking: Free ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Geowalk at Hopes Nose : Taleblazers CICA guided Geopark walk exploring quarry sites, fossil beds, limestone formations and raised beaches. Location: Hopes Nose, Torquay Date & Time: Friday 22 May, 6–8pm Who it’s for: Anyone with an interest in geology Geopark Connection: Takes place on a key Geopark geosite highlighting Torbay’s ancient natural history. Cost & Booking: £8 per person – booking via Taleblazers Eventbrite ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Free Geopark Films : Torquay MuseumShort geology films showcasing the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, presented during museum opening hours. Location: Torquay Museum – Pengelly Theatre Date & Time: Throughout the Geopark Festival Who it’s for: All visitors Geopark Connection: Films focus entirely on the geology and landscape of the Geopark. Cost & Booking: Free with museum admission: Torquay Museum ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fossil Fest : Kents CavernA family‑friendly fossil discovery experience as part of the Age of the Dinosaurs exhibition, exploring prehistoric life within Britain’s most important Stone Age cave. Location: Kents Cavern, Torquay Date & Time: 23–31 May 2026 Who it’s for: Families and children Geopark Connection: Held at a core Geopark site highlighting Torbay’s geological and prehistoric heritage. Cost & Booking: Included with cave admission – book online or in person Kents Cavern ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Geopark Coasteering Tour : Rock Solid CoasteeringThis Geopark‑focused coasteering adventure explores some of the most dramatic stretches of the English Riviera coastline. Starting at Maidencombe, participants will journey along cliffs, through sea caves, across natural arches and into hidden inlets, combining adrenaline‑fuelled fun with stories of the landscape’s past. Along the way, guides share insights into the area’s geology, Neolithic history, smuggling routes and seafaring heritage, bringing the coastline’s story to life. Location: Maidencombe, Torquay Date & Time: From 23 May 2026, running daily throughout the festival Who it’s for: Adventurous couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers Geopark Connection: The experience explores how the coastline was formed over millions of years, visiting once‑inhabited sea caves and geological features that are central to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark story. Cost & Booking: Additional information: Participants need swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Create a Ceramic Geopak Scence - : Artizan GalleryJoin Hannah Taylor within our Geopark Experience to create your own ceramic Torbay Geopark Scene in clay. Your scene can include rugged cliffs formations, sandy beaches, or a heritage building, it's up to you. There'll be no shortage of inspiration. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Torquay Date & Time: 23rd and 27th May 2026, 1pm – 4:00pm Who it’s for: All Geopark Connection: Develop your geological formation inspired by the Geopark Cost & Booking: Free / pay as you feel - Booking required Artizan Gallery -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guided Geopark Walking Tour : Rock Solid Coasteering – Adventure WalksThis guided Geopark walking tour follows sections of the South West Coast Path, offering a relaxed but informative way to explore the landscape. Through storytelling, geology and wildlife observation, participants will uncover the layers of history that have shaped this part of the Geopark. The walk is designed for those who enjoy exploration on foot and want to learn more about the coastline without entering the water. Location: Maidencombe, Torquay - (Meeting point – TQ14 9SU) Date & Time: From Saturday 24 May 2026, running daily throughout the festival Who it’s for: Anyone able to walk approximately 2 miles, including hills and steps Geopark Connection: The walk interprets the Geopark through geological formations, smuggling and sailing history, and Neolithic stories, offering a deeper understanding of how people and landscape are closely connected. Cost & Booking: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Geopark – Behind the Lens : Artizan GalleryAn evening conversation with filmmaker John Tomkins exploring films created for the Geopark, followed by a fireside discussion. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Torquay Date & Time: Monday 25 May 2026, 6:30pm–8:00pm Who it’s for: All Geopark Connection: Shares visual storytelling inspired by the Geopark landscape. Cost & Booking: Free / pay as you feel - Booking required; Artizan Gallery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Geology in Print – Printmaking Workshop : Artizan GalleryA full‑day creative workshop combining geology, drawing and printmaking. Participants explore textures and patterns from the Geopark before producing drypoint prints. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Torquay Date & Time: Monday 25 May 2026, 10:00am–2:30pm Who it’s for: Adults and young people aged 16+ Geopark Connection: Uses geological forms from the Geopark as direct inspiration for creative practice. Cost & Booking: £40 per person - Artizan Gallery -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fungaia – Wearable Giant Fungi & Family Craft Workshops : Filament Works CICJoin artists Sarah Lawrence and Clare Parker for Fungaia, an immersive, family‑friendly experience featuring two interconnected activities. Visitors can explore a collection of large, interactive wearable fungi and spore head sculptures made from recycled materials, before taking part in a hands‑on mushroom‑making craft workshop. The experience invites playful engagement, creativity and curiosity, with plenty of opportunities for photography and shared discovery. Materials and inspiration provided. Location: Cockington Court Date & Time: Tuesday 26 May 2026, 1pm to 4pm Who it’s for: All ages – children must be supervised by an adult Geopark Connection: Fungaia explores the hidden fungal networks beneath the Geopark landscape, drawing parallels between geology, ecology and the invisible systems that support life. The project invites participants to reflect on underground connections that mirror both geological processes and living ecosystems. Cost & Booking: Free drop‑in (allow for 1 to 2 hours engagement) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Colour-ing the Bay Exhibition: Torre AbbeyAn exhibition by artist Zoe Curley celebrating Torbay’s coastline, people and Geopark heritage, alongside daily creative workshops. Location: Torre Abbey, Torquay Date & Time: Open daily 26 – 31 May, 10am–5pm Who it’s for: All ages Geopark Connection: Developed through Geopark‑focused community engagement and heritage storytelling. Cost & Booking: Free entry – no booking required Torre Abbey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shanties on the Beach : The Out of Tunas Shanty CrewAn atmospheric sunset performance of traditional sea shanties and maritime stories. Location: Maidencombe Beach Date & Time: Wednesday 27 May, 7:30pm Who it’s for: All ages Geopark Connection: Celebrates Torbay’s seafaring and musical heritage. Cost & Booking: Free – no booking required ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Strata and Seagrass Stories : Artizan GalleryAn evening of talks exploring Torbay’s seagrass meadows, past and present, featuring speakers from the Ocean Conservation Trust and University of Plymouth. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Torquay Date & Time: Wednesday 27 May 2026, 6:30pm–8:00pm Who it’s for: All Geopark Connection: Connects geological history with contemporary marine conservation in the bay. Cost & Booking: Free / pay as you feel - Booking required: Artizan Gallery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Earth Stories: Tales from the Global Geoparks : Artizan GalleryAn evening talk and conversation with Geopark Patron Professor Iain Stewart MBE, focusing on global geoparks, geology and storytelling. Location: Artizan Collective Gallery, Torquay Date & Time: Friday 29 May 2026, 6:30pm–8:00pm Who it’s for: All Geopark Connection: Connects Torbay’s Geopark story with the wider global Geopark network. Cost & Booking: Free / pay as you feel - Booking required: Artizan Gallery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAIGNTON3 Beaches Clean Up : Torbay Cleaner Coasts Initiative (TCCI)A community‑led beach clean protecting coastal habitats. All equipment provided. Location: Local beaches, Paignton Date & Time: Sunday 24 May, 10am Who it’s for: Everyone (under 18s with an adult) Geopark Connection: Supports protection of the Geopark’s coastline and marine environment. Cost & Booking: Free – drop‑in TCCI ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Coastal Foraging Walk: Reach OutdoorsA beginner‑friendly walk discovering wild edible plants, seaweeds and coastal ecology, connecting participants with ancient food traditions. Location: Saltern Cove & Oyster Cove, Paignton Date & Time: 25 May 2026, 9:30am Who it’s for: Ages 8+ Geopark Connection: Explores how plants and animals have adapted to the Geopark’s unique landscape. Cost & Booking: Booking required via Reach Outdoors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRIXHAMSunrise Yoga at Berry Head : Nicola Bianca WellnessA gentle sunrise yoga flow with breathwork and meditation overlooking the sea. Location: Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham Date & Time: Saturday 23 May, 6am Who it’s for: Adults and accompanied under‑18s Geopark Connection: Held on 400‑million‑year‑old clifftops within the Geopark. Cost & Booking: £10 – advance booking required ; Nicola Bianca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Serenity by the Sea – Coastal Yoga Walk : Nicola Bianca WellnessA scenic coastal walk with yoga, breathwork and meditation along the South West Coast Path. Location: Brixham to Broadsands Date & Time: Monday 25 May, 9am (2 hours) Who it’s for: Adults Geopark Connection: Explores geological and ecological sites including Fishcombe and Elberry Coves. Cost & Booking: £12 – booking required Nicola Bianca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sunset Yoga in the Geopark : Nicola Bianca WellnessA calming evening yoga practice guided by the rhythm of the sea and sunset. Location: Jubilee Gardens, Brixham Date & Time: Wednesday 27 May, 7:30pm Who it’s for: Adults Geopark Connection: Connects wellbeing with the Geopark’s coastal landscape. Cost & Booking: £10 – advance booking required Nicola Bianca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Beach Lab at Brixham Museum : Brixham Heritage Museum & The Cove Discovery ProjectA free, hands‑on microscope experience allowing visitors to discover tiny life forms living in Torbay’s waters, including plankton and microorganisms. Location: Brixham Museum Date & Time: Wednesday 27 May 2026, 10:30am–12:30pm Who it’s for: All ages – children must be accompanied Geopark Connection: Explores the marine environment of the Geopark and the hidden life within its coastal waters. Cost & Booking: Free - Drop‑in – no booking required The Cove Discovery Project | Marine Conservation in South Devon / Brixham Heritage Museum |
