UNESCO Global Geopark

The English Riviera in South Devon is a diverse and outstanding landscape underpinned by awe-inspiring geology of global importance. Around every cove, the geology changes, and so do the worlds within them. The extraordinary landscape and blooming biodiversity that live here have stories to tell. Stories of tropical seas and scorching deserts, raised beaches and drowned forests, hippopotami and mammoths, straight-tusked elephants and sabre-toothed tigers, cave bears and earliest man.

Because of this, in 2007 the English Riviera was designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO, one of only nine in the entire UK and 140 in the world.

And to appreciate the beauty of our extraordinary landscape, scroll down the page to see the extra special Discovery Experiences we’ve created which tell the story of our Geopark’.

What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?

In essence, a Global Geopark shares the story of our planet. They are an area of globally recognised, unique geological interest, designated by UNESCO. Raising awareness of these spectacular natural landscapes and cultural heritage helps preserve these precious and protected environments for many generations.

Explore the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark via a 3D map here!

What is the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark?

Our status as a UNESCO Global Geopark means that the English Riviera is a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination, offering visitors the chance to explore and learn about the geological wonders of our planet. A place where you can touch the Earth's story and be amazed by the extraordinary coastlines, history and people.

With our rich geological history and diverse landscapes, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural world and the fascinating story of our planet.

So whether you're a geology enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique and inspiring destination, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark has something for everyone. From stunning coastal walks and breathtaking views to fascinating museums and educational experiences, this incredible destination is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. So why not plan your trip today and discover the wonders of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark for yourself?

English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark timeline

The English Riviera’s dramatic scenery, exceptional coastline and rocks were formed millions of years ago at the bottom of a warm tropical sea and then scorched by the equatorial sun. We are very proud of our incredible local geology and rich cultural heritage and encourage visitors to explore this fascinating area.

Devonian – 400 million years ago

Grey and pink limestone rocks were formed in tropical seas south of the Equator when creatures sank to the sea floor. You’ll find examples of this at Berry Head in Brixham and Hopes Nose in Torquay, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Carboniferous – 310 million years ago

A period when limestone rocks were moved and crushed and formed part of a mountain range. The mountains no longer exist but you can still see examples of the crushed rocks if you take a boat trip from Torquay harbour to Brixham where you can see the folded over rocks at Berry Head, or look across to Orestone Rock near Hopes Nose.

Permian – 270 million years ago

Red rocks were formed in a desert and when storms created floods, rocks called breccia, containing broken bits of limestone were transported and dumped. Sand also blew across and settled into dunes forming rocks called sandstone, which was worn away by the sea, leaving pale red sand that we still see today. You’ll see fine examples of the Permian rocks across the English Riviera, including at Preston and Oddicombe Beaches.

Quaternary – 500,000 years ago

Rainwater and underground streams carved out caves in the limestone rocks in Torquay and Brixham. Travel back in time at Torquay’s iconic heritage attraction and Europe’s top Prehistoric Stone Age caves, Kents Cavern with its extensive labyrinth of caverns. Cavemen, mammoth and woolly rhinoceroses once lived here at this site and the remains of a human jawbone found here are now on display at Torquay Museum.

Discover our

Geopark Story

Featured

Ice Age English Riviera

Home to collections and sites of international importance in the story of human evolution and migration, the tale behind Ice Age English Riviera is a spectacular story of extremes.
The Golden Age

The modern character of the English Riviera has been shaped, in large part, by our history as seaside resorts. Tourists began visiting in large numbers in the 19th century, starting an explosion of development and a ‘golden age’ of prosperity that lasted until the Second World War.
Our Unique Literary & Cultural Heritage

The English Riviera is well known as a top UK holiday resort due to its spectacular coastline, however there is also a unique literary and cultural heritage, and plenty of hidden gems around the Bay that provide an insight into the past.
Agatha Christie

Dame Agatha Christie, known throughout the world as the ‘Queen of Crime’, is a literary genius, was born in Torquay and remained on the English Riviera for much of her life.
Brixham Trawlers

The English Riviera is well known as a top UK holiday resort due to its spectacular coastline, however there is also a unique literary and cultural heritage, and plenty of hidden gems around the Bay that provide an insight into the past.
England's Seafood Coast

Named England’s Seafood Coast for good reason, the English Riviera is home to the UK’s finest seafood and the world-famous Brixham Fish Market, where some of the nation’s best chefs source their seafood.
Explore The English Riviera

The English Riviera is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of South Devon including Torbay, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

ENGLISH RIVIERA UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK KEY SITES

Babbacombe Cliff Railway: Take a delightful trip on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, one of just a few working funicular railways in the UK. It was built in 1926 between the gaps in the 73m high cliffs: a fault line between the Devonian grey limestone and Permian red rocks.

Oddicombe Beach: The best way to access this charming, sheltered sandy beach is via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway or to venture down the steep, winding road which leads down to the level promenade on foot or by car. This site has evidence of limestones having been dramatically twisted and turned by geological forces. The cliff top at Oddicombe has regressed by about 30-40m over time, with some dramatic landslides taking place, affecting the coastal landscape below.

Kents Cavern: Enter one of Europe’s most exciting Stone Age caves, with its extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns. Open daily all year, this is one of the gateway sites to the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Take an underground tour and hear about the fascinating tales of Britain’s earliest humans and Ice Age beasts who once inhabited the area. A human jawbone, now on display at Torquay Museum, was discovered on site and is the oldest human fossil found in north-western Europe.

Hopes Nose: This is a unique and significant coastal area with fascinating geology including rare minerals. It is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest with spectacular views. From Hope’s Nose to Wall’s Hill, you will find unrivalled exposures in the Torquay Limestone. Hidden between the layers of limestone there are bands of volcanic ash and dramatic folds and faults created by gentle undulations.

Triangle Point and Meadfoot Beach: The steep sloping surface of Triangle Point was once part of a tropical reef. To the middle and east of Meadfoot Beach sandstones and slates are exposed on the shore and cliffs. Known as the ‘Meadfoot Group’ you’ll find some of the oldest rocks on the English Riviera here.

Torquay Museum: Founded in 1844 as the Torquay Natural History Society, Torquay Museum houses a fascinating collection of exhibitions and artefacts including a 41,000-year-old human jawbone discovered at nearby Kents Cavern. Other displays include the traditional Devon farmhouse and local Devonshire Marble as well as a gallery dedicated to Torquay’s most famous resident, Agatha Christie.

Chapel Woods: A small fascinating site in Torquay with designated regionally important geology and a recently restored 13th Century Scheduled Ancient Monument, St Michaels Chapel.

Torre Abbey Museum: Founded in 1196 and built with stone from the headland, Torre Abbey Museum is housed within an ancient scheduled monument, once used as a medieval monastery by Premonstratensian monks. This wonderful historic building has monastic ruins, a tithe barn named the ‘Spanish Barn’ where captured prisoners of the Spanish Armada were imprisoned, interactive displays, exhibitions and an impressive fine art collection.

Cockington Court and Country Park: Cockington is a quintessentially English village with Saxon origins which attracts many thousands of visitors each year. Some of the quaint cottages and buildings date back to the 16th Century and are mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The land and property were first owned by the Fitzmartin (De Cockington) family. Today Cockington Court and Country Park hosts a cricket lawn, water mill, mediaeval carp lakes, water meadows and an ancient gamekeeper’s cottage as well as a contemporary arts centre with maker workshops.

Occombe Farm: A 150-acre organic farm on the outskirts of Paignton with pasture, wet meadows and woodlands attracting a wonderful array of protected species. The farm has recognisable Devon red soil and winding footpaths which lead to Scadson Woods and onwards to Cockington. Onsite you’ll find a farm café, education centre, vegetable and wartime gardens, adventure trails and seasonally, cows and sheep.

Paignton Geoplay Park: A fun and informative free play park attraction in the heart of Paignton seafront for toddlers, juniors and teens. The park is designed around the English Riviera’s geological history with play areas representing the Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian and Quaternary periods. The park has a zip wire, towers, play huts, a six-way swing, climbing logs and stilts and climbing trees to explore.

Saltern Cove: Saltern Cove is a local nature reserve and a geological Site of Specific Scientific Interest. It is also the only underwater SSSI in the country with a marine local nature reserve which extends to a point 376 metres below the low water mark. There are sheltered coves and exposed cliffs with a beach, accessed via a set of steps from the coast path above. At low tide, there are many rock pools to explore.

Brixham Heritage Museum: Housed in an old police station, the museum celebrates the heritage of the historic fishing town. There are fascinating exhibits and displays including many maritime models and local archaeological finds at Brixham Bone Caverns and the Napoleonic fort at Berry Head.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve: Perched up on 200 feet (60 metres) cliffs, Berry Head guards the southern edge of the English Riviera, a gateway site to the Global Geopark. The 400-million-year-old limestone once formed part of a reef environment in a shallow tropical sea south of the equator. Quarrying of the limestone took place until the 1950s and was used to build the Napoleonic forts, which can still be seen today. The area attracts a wonderful array of wildlife including cirl bunting, greater horseshoe bats, peregrine falcons and guillemots.

Royal Terrace Gardens: Royal Terrace Gardens, also known as Rock Walk, has a magnificent new illuminated staircase leading to a new viewing platform with spectacular sea views overlooking Tor Bay with new walkways planted across the cliff face gardens.

DESIGNATED GEOLOGY SITES ON THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

The designated UNESCO Global Geopark status stretches right across the entire 22-mile coastline of the English Riviera. There are many points of interest within the Bay and our designation status is currently based upon the international importance of 32 individual geo sites, covering a story of three geological time periods, all found within a compact area. Here is the current list of designated geology sites: