UNESCO Global Geopark

Did you know that the English Riviera, Devon has been accredited by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, just one of seven in the UK and 140 worldwide to celebrate our incredible geology, landscape and heritage?  It is incredible to think that ‘our’ rocks were formed millions of years ago at the bottom of a warm tropical sea and then scorched by the equatorial sun.

Discover the English Riviera GeoSites

The Global Geopark status stretches right across the whole 22-mile coastline of the English Riviera and involves many points of interest within the Bay. Our designation as a Geopark is currently based upon the international importance of 32 individual geosites covering a story of three geological time periods, all found within a compact area. Here is the current list of sites;

1. Babbacombe Cliffs: Marine Devonian

2. Barcombe Mews Quarry, Shorton

3. Barton Quarry

4. Berry Head to Sharkham Point

5. Black Head and Anstey’s Cove

6. Breakwater Quarry, Brixham

7. Brokenbury Quarry, Churston Ferrers

8. Brixham Cavern

9. Chapel Hill, Torre

10. Churston Cove / Churston Point

11. Crystal Cove

12. Daddyhole: Marine Devonian

13. Dyers Quarry: Marine

14. Goodrington Quarry and Road Cutting

15. Hollicombe Head to Corbyns Head

16. Hopes Nose to Wall’s Hill: Marine Devonian

17. Hopes Nose: Mineralogy of SW

18. Hopes Nose and Thatcher Rock

19. Hopes Nose South

20. Kents Cavern: Quaternary of SW

21. Long Quarry: Marine Devonian

22. Lummaton Quarry: Marine Devonian

23. Meadfoot Sea Rd: Marine Devonian

24. New Cut: Marine Devonian

25. Oddicombe: Permian-Triassic

26. Petitor, Maidencombe

27. Quarry Woods Quarry, Cockington

28. Roundham Head: Permian Triassic

29. Saltern Cove: Marine Devonian

30. Saltern Cove: Permian Triassic

31. Sharkham Iron Mine

32. Shoalstone: Permian-Triassic

Follow in the Footsteps of Stone Age Man

Across Torbay you can undertake a voyage of discovery by following in the footsteps of stone age man at internationally renowned sites including Kents Cavern prehistoric caves, home to humankind for over 500,000 years.

Kents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe and one of Britain's best showcaves! On your visit you'll go back to a time when the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping tools and hunting Ice Age animals. As you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns, you'll be surrounded by 400-million-year-old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.

Open all year Kents Cavern is a very popular and all weather fascinating tourist attraction providing world class guided tours of the underground caverns. All tours around the cave are guided and begin in the Vestibule Chamber, as you enter the cave you'll feel the temperature at a constant 14c. Your tour guide will lead you through the Long Arcade to reveal how the caves were formed 2.5 million years ago and how stalagmite floors formed, sealing in the evidence of Ice Age occupations.

Explore Berry Head

You must also make time to experience Berry Head National Nature Reserve for its views, walks, wildlife.  This stunning headland, with its iconic lighthouse and Napoleonic Fort, is surrounded by water on three sides and offers exceptional views across Torbay and beyond. You can enjoy some superb coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, spot wildlife on land and sea or simply relax and the multi award-winning Guardhouse Café.

Discover the Global Geopark from the Sea

One of the best ways to experience the English Riviera Global Geopark is from the sea. Take a boat trip or cruise, or walk along the South West Coast Path, and see the majestic Devonian limestone headlands and the magnificent red Permian cliffs that have inspired so many including the world-famous crime writer Agatha Christie. 

Have a go at kayaking or coasteering with Reach Outdoors to get an even closer look or back on dry land you can uncover more at our local museums.  The Geoplay Park on Paignton’s seafront is a children’s play area with a difference. Themed around the amazing geological story of the English Riviera it provides free entertainment for the whole family.

For more information on the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark status then please visit the official website.